Language
French
Level
A2
Unit
Verbes et temps verbaux
Practice types
0

What this grammar point covers

The imparfait is a French past tense used to talk about ongoing actions, habits, or situations in the past.

When to use it

Use the imparfait to describe what was happening, repeated actions, habits, descriptions, or background information in the past.

Key forms

  • Take the present tense 'nous' form of the verb.
  • Remove the '-ons' ending.
  • Add these endings: -ais, -ais, -ait, -ions, -iez, -aient.

Examples

Je mangeais une pomme.

English: I was eating an apple.

Nous regardions la télévision tous les soirs.

English: We watched TV every evening.

Il faisait froid.

English: It was cold.

Vous jouiez dans le jardin.

English: You were playing in the garden.

Tips

  • Do not use the imparfait for a single, completed action in the past.
  • Remember to use the correct endings for each subject.
  • The verb 'être' is irregular: j'étais, tu étais, il/elle était, etc.

Exceptions and edge cases

  • The verb 'être' is irregular in the imparfait: its stem is 'ét-'.

Verify this grammar point in French reference sources

Cross-check the rule and examples in established native references. Each link opens in a new tab.

Word of the Day

Today's hand-picked vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation page for French. Bookmark this section — it refreshes every day.

Vocabulary · French · B1

raquette

Open page

Grammar · French · A2

Les propositions avec « parce que »

Open page

Pronunciation · French

Voyelles Aperçu

Open page

Keep exploring

Previous le passé composé avec avoir et être A2 · Verbes et temps verbaux Next le futur proche A2 · Verbes et temps verbaux

Play SmartWords games

Six word games built around our real vocabulary — free in the browser, no install.

Open the game hub →
  • Word Sling illustration

    Word Sling

    Match the center word under time pressure and keep the combo alive.

    Play now →
  • Word Gate illustration

    Word Gate

    Fly through the correct gate before the speed ramps up.

    Play now →
  • Word Ninja illustration

    Word Ninja

    Slice the goal-language words, avoid the main-language decoy, and chase the announced bonus target.

    Play now →
  • Word Zip illustration

    Word Zip

    Trace a single path across the board, hit each letter anchor in order, and fill every open cell.

    Play now →
  • Word Oddity illustration

    Word Oddity

    Pick the word that doesn't belong from a topic-driven set — every tap reveals all four meanings and images so the round becomes a flash-card too.

    Play now →
  • Word Memory illustration

    Word Memory

    Flip and match goal-language words to their main-language meaning before your lives run out.

    Play now →