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What is Imparfait (Imperfect)?

The Imparfait (imperfect) tense describes habitual or ongoing actions in the past, setting the scene with background details. Unlike passé composé (which shows completed actions), Imparfait paints a picture of what was happening or what used to happen.

Short answer

Imparfait expresses past habits, ongoing actions, or background conditions, formed by taking the nous present stem and adding -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient endings.

Imparfait vs. Passé Composé Timeline

x: Time (Past → Present) · y: Action TypeImparfait (ongoing)Passé Composé (completed)

Step-by-step worked examples

Conjugate 'parler' in Imparfait for je, il/elle, nous.

Je parlais
Il/elle parlait
Nous parlions
(Base: parler → regular -ais endings)

'Quand il pleuvait, les enfants jouaient dehors.' What does this mean?

When it was raining, the children were playing outside.
Imparfait describes: weather (ongoing), children playing (habitual past activity).

Form Imparfait for 'être' (to be) for tu, vous.

Tu étais
Vous étiez
(Base: être → irregular, but Imparfait uses standard endings)

Flashcards

Quick quiz

Q1.Conjugate 'manger' in Imparfait for 'je'.

Correct answer: A. Je mangais (I was eating / I used to eat).

Q2.'Ils regardaient la télé quand tu arrivais.' What time focus?

Correct answer: B. Both verbs in Imparfait = two overlapping past habits/scenes.

Q3.Which Imparfait verb is used for background?

Correct answer: B. Je marchais describes the ongoing scene; Imparfait sets atmosphere.

Q4.How are Imparfait endings NOT formed?

Correct answer: C. Imparfait uses the nous present stem, not the past participle.

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Common mistakes

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Confusing Imparfait with Passé Composé for a single past event. — Correct: Use Passé Composé: 'J'ai vu' (I saw). Reserve Imparfait for ongoing/habit.

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Treating Imparfait verbs as irregular and guessing forms. — Correct: Imparfait is always regular — add -ais, -ait, etc. to the nous stem.

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'Quand j'ai joué, il dormait' — mixing tenses incorrectly. — Correct: 'Quand je jouais, il dormait' (When I was playing, he was sleeping).

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Using Imparfait for a sudden, interrupting action. — Correct: Use Passé Composé: 'Elle lisait quand j'ai appelé.' (She was reading when I called.)

FAQ

What does Imparfait mean in English?

The imperfect or past continuous — describes ongoing or habitual past actions.

How is Imparfait formed?

Take the nous present form, drop -ons, add: -ais (je), -ais (tu), -ait (il/elle), -ions (nous), -iez (vous), -aient (ils/elles).

When do we use Imparfait vs. Passé Composé together?

Imparfait sets the scene (what was happening); Passé Composé interrupts (what suddenly happened).

Are there irregular Imparfait verbs?

No — Imparfait is always regular in conjugation, even for être, avoir, aller.