Learn Spanish (Latin America): Nosotros entendíamos las reglas estrictas.

Nosotros entendíamos las reglas estrictas.

We used to understand the strict rules.

Breakdown of Nosotros entendíamos las reglas estrictas.

nosotros

las

the (feminine plural)

Questions & Answers about Nosotros entendíamos las reglas estrictas.

How do we get entendíamos from the verb entender?

To form the nosotros (we) form in the imperfect tense for an -er verb, you drop the -er ending and add -íamos. Notice the accent mark on the í! In the imperfect tense, every single form of regular -er and -ir verbs has an accent on that í.

Doesn't entender usually have a stem change (like entiendo)? Why isn't it entiendíamos?

The imperfect tense is incredibly regular! Unlike the present tense, regular -er and -ir verbs never have stem changes (like e-to-ie) in the imperfect. You just take the pure base entend- and add your ending.

Why does this sentence use the imperfect tense rather than the preterite?

The imperfect is used for ongoing states or habits in the past. Mental actions and states of mind—such as knowing, feeling, or understanding (entender)—are usually ongoing conditions rather than single, completed events. That's why it translates so well to "used to understand."

Why does estrictas come after reglas?