Question 1

Why is odiaba in the imperfect tense here?

Accepted Answer

This sentence uses reported speech. Because the reporting verb contaron is in a past tense, the tense of the original statement shifts back. The original quote was likely in the present tense, such as 'he still hates' (él todavía odia). In reported speech, a present tense verb shifts to the imperfect (odiaba).

Question 2

If the original quote was already in the past, how would the reported speech change?

Accepted Answer

If the original statement was already in the imperfect tense, like 'he still hated' (él todavía odiaba), it does not change. The imperfect tense stays imperfect in reported speech. If the original was in the preterite, it would usually shift to the past perfect (había odiado).

Question 3

Why is the adjective viejo placed before apodo instead of after it?

Accepted Answer

Placing an adjective before the noun in Spanish often gives it a figurative or subjective meaning. Here, viejo apodo means a 'former nickname' or a nickname he has had for a long time. If it were apodo viejo, it would lean more toward a literal meaning, like a nickname that is historically ancient.

Question 4

Could I use me dijeron instead of me contaron?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both can translate to 'they told me' in this context. However, contar carries the nuance of recounting a story, sharing gossip, or passing along information. Using me contaron implies the speaker was filled in on the situation, while me dijeron is simply a neutral report of what was said.

Me contaron que él todavía odiaba su viejo apodo.

Breakdown of Me contaron que él todavía odiaba su viejo apodo.

Questions & Answers about Me contaron que él todavía odiaba su viejo apodo.

Learn Me contaron que él todavía odiaba su viejo apodo and more in Spanish