Pretérito pluscuamperfecto in Spanish
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
The pluperfect tense (Spanish: el pretérito pluscuamperfecto) is one of the compound tenses of the past. It is used to talk about what had happened or had been true at a point in the past. The pretérito pluscuamperfecto has two parts:
pretérito pluscuamperfecto = haber (imperfecto) + participio
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
Personal pronouns | Auxiliary haber in imperfect |
Yo | había |
Tú | habías |
Él / Ella | había |
Nosotros/-as | habíamos |
Vosotros/-as | habíais |
Ellos / Ellas | habían |
Attention! Note that there are written accent marks on the í of all the imperfect forms of haber.
Verbs in -ar | Verbs in -er | Verbs in -ir |
The verb ending is replaced by -ADO | The verb ending is replaced by -IDO | The verb ending is replaced by -IDO |
hablar → hablado viajar → viajado | comer → comido beber → bebido | vivir → vivido sentir→ sentido |
The complete formation of the pluscuamperfecto is made with the conjugated form of the auxiliary verb haber in the imperfect and the participle form of the verb:
Personal pronoun | Auxiliary haber in imperfect | Participio |
Yo Tu Él/Ella/Usted Nosotros/-as Vosotros/-as Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes | había habías había habíamos habíais habían | hablado comido vivido |
There are a few irregular participles in Spanish. Here is a list of the most important exceptions:
Infinitive | Participle |
abrir (to open) | abierto (opened) |
cubrir (to cover) | cubierto (covered) |
decir (to say) | dicho (said) |
devolver (to return /to give back) | devuelto (returned) |
disolver (to dissolve) | disuelto (dissolved) |
escribir (to write) | escrito (written) |
hacer (to do) | hecho (done) |
ir (to go) | ido (gone) |
morir (to die) | muerto (died) |
poner (to put) | puesto (put) |
romper (to break) | roto (broken) |
ser (to be) | sido (been) |
ver (to see) | visto (seen) |
volver (to come back) | vuelto (come) |
The past perfect or pluperfect is another compound tense that is similar in Spanish and English and its use is practically the same in both languages.
These expressions indicated the use of the pluscuamperfecto.
Spanish | English |
---|---|
todavía no | not yet |
aún no | not yet |
ya | already |
nunca | never |
siempre | always (I had always...) |
en mi vida… | in my life |
“José Arcadio Buendía, que era el hombre más emprendedor que había existido en la tierra, había puesto de tal modo la ubicación de las casas, que desde todas podían llegar al río y recolectar agua con igual esfuerzo, y había organizado las calles con tan buen sentido que ninguna casa recibía más sol que otra, a la hora del calor.”
Texto tomado y adaptado del libro “Cien años de soledad” del autor Gabriel García Márquez.
"José Arcadio Buendía, who was the most enterprising man that had existed on earth, had put the location of the houses in such a way that they could reach the river and collect water with the same effort, and had organized the streets with good sense that any house received more sun than another, at the time of heat. "
Retrieved and adapted from “Cien años de soledad” del autor Gabriel García Márquez.
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Jean-Noël has many French grammar exercises and is very enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Olivier has a lot of experience as a teacher. He is able to teach all levels (A1-C2) with his wide range of learning materials. We can recommend Olivier as your new teacher!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello! My name is Ainhoa, I am Spanish and I live in Bilbao, a city in the north of Spain. I love languages and learning about new cultures, that is why I decided to teach Spanish. I find it very gratifying to see the students improve.
I am patient and cheerful, and I strive to create a comfortable environment where students are not afraid to make mistakes. I am positive and I firmly believe that anyone with effort, perseverance and correct accompaniment can improve.
I am an online Spanish teacher certified by ELE International and I have been teaching Spanish since 2019. In 2020 I formalized my business and became freelance.
In these years, I have studied Spanish grammar thoroughly and I have tried many teaching methods that were taught to me in my training, which has led me to create my own method with what I have seen has given better results. I use spaced repetition, create projects, do real-life rollplays, and have the student come to the correct conclusion on their own using questions. For all this, we will use manuals that will guide your learning, the campus diffusion books.
I have helped students of all levels to improve Spanish until they can speak correctly. Each student learns differently and has their own challenges, so I have learned which resources work best for each person.
In my classes you will find a smily face and a relaxed atmosphere, in which you will feel free to ask questions as much as necessary and to express yourself without fear of mistakes.
See you soon!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Ainhoa is a great teacher. She is animated, speaks very clearly, and the lessons are always fun: the time just seems to fly by.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My name is Anna and I graduated in 2016 from Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona with a BA in English and Spanish Studies and a Master in Teaching Spanish as a Second Language in Universidad de Barcelona and Universidad Pompeu Fabra.
I worked as Spanish teacher in different languges schools and I also made collaboration as an Online Spanish teacher with Groningen University. In all my experiences as a teacher I have always tried to make students enjoy classes as much as possible so that their learning is positive.
In my classes I try to teach in a didactic way based on a more communicative approach although I always adapt to the needs of the students.
If you want to learn Spanish do not hesitate to sign up and we will have a good time;)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Ana is a friendly teacher with a lot of experience. In her lessons she will use a communicative approach to make you speak and learn in a faster and efficient way. She has good learning materials for all levels and needs.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi! I'm Irene, a passionate Spanish teacher who can help you to learn Spanish from beginners up to advance level through dynamic and creative lessons. I can also prepare you for official DELE exams and have experience with kids and adults.
How are we gonna do it?
I'll share the material with you through Google Drive, so you always have access to the book and we'll also share a document in Google Drive, so everything we learn in the class it'll be there for you to reread or to print it.
I'll offer you a 20 minutes free class so you have the chance first to meet me and judge if you would like to start learning Spanish with me.
Feel free to ask questions! :)
See you through the screen
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
You will have great courses with Irene. She is passionate by her work and she is very nice. Her courses are structured !
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello! My name is Celia and I´m a Spanish tutor from Alcala de Henares, Madrid (Spain). I work as a professional musician and as a teacher. I´m an open minded person and I´m looking forward to teaching you Spanish! I like giving a different approach to my classes so that they are enjoyable and fun. Fall in love with my native language!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
She is amazing. She is excellent at her job, with very innovative teaching methods, she understood exactly my needs and adjusted her techniques based on them. Totally recommended!
Celia S.Thank you so much, Magda! I´m really happy you enjoy our lessons. You´re a great student and we are going to make a great lots of progress together!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Mari is a very expert and friendly teacher. She teaches both online and in presence, single or group classes. The teaching material she has is very organized.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Yolanda is a great Spanish teacher. Her courses are structured and based on students level and demands. Yolanda makes her own Spanish lessons with different materials as videos, images or audio. She is involved in students learning and makes exercises, lessons and gives homework sometimes.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
“I need to learn Russian because I work with Russians a lot, but many of them don’t speak English”.
“I often go to Russia for work, but it’s so hard to move around on my own! I don’t understand anything and I feel helpless”.
“I’ve been studying Russian for a while now, but I still can’t speak. I need more practice in conversation”.
“I’m studying Russian at college, but I need help to get ready for the exam”.
Do you recognize yourself in any of these statements? These are some typical things that I hear from people who come to my lessons.
People study Russian for all sorts of reasons. Whatever your needs are, I’m here to help you.
If you have never studied Russian, after my lessons you will be able to:
- read that mysterious Russian alphabet and understand a lot of Russian words, because, once the code has been cracked, they appear to be very similar to English;
- learn and use simple phrases of everyday use to communicate with Russians from the very start;
- understand Russian native speakers thanks to the use of authentic audio and video materials,
- write simple messages and emails in Russian;
- read simple texts and find the information you need even if you don’t understand every single word.
If you have already studied Russian and have some command of the language, you will be able to:
- improve your grammar;
- speak in Russian on different topics and gain fluency;
- write different types of texts (from text messages and greeting cards to presentations and essays);
- read and listen to different authentic texts suitable for your linguistic level, and improve your comprehension skills;
- discover the fascinating world of the Russian culture, from history and traditions to life in modern Russia.
Studying a new language opens a new world. Studying Russian opens the door not just to the Russian world, but also to other countries where Russian is widely spoken and understood, like Belarus, Ukraine, or Kazakhstan. Moreover, if you know Russian, it will be easier to study other Slavic languages, too.
So, why choose me as your Russian teacher? Here are some good reasons:
- I am a native speaker of Russian;
- I have more than 10 years of experience as a teacher of Russian as a foreign language and more than 20 years of teaching foreign languages in general;
- I’m very patient and I adapt my teaching style to the needs and the level of my students;
- I use a lot of authentic materials and I never limit myself to just one textbook;
- I can explain grammar in your language;
- with me, you can practice Russian in a friendly and stimulating environment, without any fear of mistakes. Making mistakes is human, mistakes are a natural part of learning a new skill. There are no votes here, so don’t be afraid to speak! The more you practice, the more fluent you become.
At our first meeting, we’ll be able to get to know each other, I will learn about your needs and skills, together we will prepare your lesson plan, determine the goals and choose appropriate materials.
Book your first session today and let’s begin this journey together. I hope to see you soon in my virtual classroom!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Alena is a very lovely and experienced teacher, with students of different ages and nationalities. Her lessons are centred on the student schools based on their strengths and weaknesses. The classes of Alena are active and engaging, not only theoretical but also very practical. homework and tasks are based on the availability of the students and their own schedules.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi and welcome to Learning English,
Lets make the best of our time learning together.
Learning can be such a fun experience to get better and better each day.
Besides having English Language and Literature Bachelor Degree and
Level II Teaching Diploma, I also have MA in Language and Communication in Business Administration.
I also do Life and Business Coaching, I am an Emotional Intelligence and NLP Practitioner and I am most delighted to use simple practical tools to support best communication and wellbeing in my English classes.
I am most honored to teach you, learn together and improve our skills on daily basis.
Thank You,
Roxana Cioaza
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Roxana is an English teacher since years. She used to teach for different students nationality, age, level and need. She uses varied tools as videos on Youtube, grammar exercises, dialog, quizz and vocabulary. Roxana encourages her students to practice their English by giving homework. She is involved on their English learning and progress. I recommend her !
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I found CoLanguage accidentally when I was searching for online private lessons to improve my spanish skills which had diminished a bit since my stay abroad two years ago (B2+ level). After the free trial with Noelia (where we talked about my objectives and her learning methods and got to know each other) I was already so blessed and motivated! Her lessons are well-structured, she is really flexible, patient, reacts to sentences spoken and directly helps to rephrase mistakes/sentences. I am able to repeat and learn grammar/vocabularies and at the same time we have good conversations which makes my speaking more fluent again. She visualizes everything while speaking which makes it easy to follow. I am really looking forward to continue learning Spanish with her!
Noelia N.Thank you very much Wiebke !!! :)
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am Susana or just call me Su, I grew up in Venezuela but my family is from Portugal, and I have been teaching in Madrid since 3 years ago. According to my students I am patient, dedicated and arrive to each class with a positive and happy attitude. As a teacher I am optimistic and enthusiastic and always try to transmit a boundless energy and yet straight-forward -guide. I know how to handle the change for different situations and to be flexible to every one according to their needs and goals.
The classes are a wonderful balance of textbook work and general speaking and reading, which is great to help with pronunciation and real life Spanish conversations.
The only I ask from students is that they want to learn and to share their stories as I will
I hold a Certificate in Teaching Spanish as a Second Language from Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru. My bachelor degree is Modern Languages from Universidad de Margarita but still I am learning everyday speacially from my students.
I started my experience as an assistant Spanish teacher at CELA Spanish School in Margarita island, eight years ago. Then I moved to London for one year and worked as one to one Spanish tutor. Today I am currently living in Madrid and work as a Spanish Teacher
on line. Hope I can meet you and help you in this beautiful process. See you soon!!!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Susana is a really nice teacher, with experience teaching both online and in person. She structures her classes in a different way according to her student's level, but she always covers each one of the language learning skills. Her teaching materials are good and she also does a great use of online tools.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi, I'm Dajana, I'm 31 years old and I come from Naples.
I am graduated in Foreign Languages and Litteratures and I have a II Level Master degree in Teaching Italian as Second Language.
I have teached italian to foreign people, above all adults at any age, in several NGOs and social cooperatives in the last 4 years.
How will I teach you italian? By playing!
I know that studying a language by reading a grammar book and mechanically completing the attached exercises can be boring and above all does not train your mind.
Learning instead should be a pleasure, so I like to use small funny videos, songs, puzzles and so on.
I also prefer the inductive method so that you can understand how Italian works on your own and then fix the grammatical rules together.
That way you’ll learn Italian without even realizing it!
But all this depends on you and how you prefer to study. I will be very happy to adopt the method that suits your case. The most important thing is that you get your goals with pleasure!
Don’t you think studying can be a pleasure? Join me and you’ll find out!
Cheers,
Dajana
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Dajana is an excellent Italian native teacher. She has a great variety of learning materials to help you with the Italian language. Her lessons will be adapted to your needs and level.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello everyone!
My name is Wanda, I'm 27 and I'm French.
I have a Master's Degree in Teaching French as a Foreign Language from the University of Sorbonne Nouvelle, Paris, as well as 3 years of teaching experience (face-to-face, remote courses, or group classes).
I can teach you everything from grammar to culture, but I am particularly able to help you get a better pronunciation! Indeed, I also have a Master's Degree in Linguistics, for which I wrote a thesis about the pronunciation of people learning French as a foreign language =)
Regarding pronunciation, I'll help you without any judgment and only if you express the need to improve!
I studied one year in Japan (Osaka) where I gave French classes at the University of Kansai. During this time, I met a lot of people from various background and I became very open-minded and comfortable with different cultures.
What I like the most in teaching French is getting to meet and know people from different cultures =)
So, I'll be waiting for you! =)
See you soon,
Wanda
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Wanda is a professional native French teacher that can help you to master the language! She has a lot of experience with individual and group lessons and great learning materials.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials