The past tense (pretérito) is used to describe actions or events that happened in the past. There are three main types of past tense in Spanish:
* The simple past tense (pretérito simple) is used to describe actions or events that happened in the past at a specific time or point.
* *Example: "Canté una canción en la fiesta." (I sang a song at the party.)*
* The imperfect past tense (pretérito imperfecto) is used to describe actions or events that were ongoing or repeated in the past.
* *Example: "Leía un libro cuando tú llegaste." (I was reading a book when you arrived.)*
* The preterite perfect tense (pretérito perfecto) is used to describe actions or events that were completed in the past, often in relation to another event.
* *Example: "Había escrito la carta antes de que llegara." (I had written the letter before she arrived.)*
The present tense (presente) is used to describe actions or events that are happening now, or that are true or relevant to the present moment. There are two main types of present tense in Spanish:
* The present indicative (presente de indicativo) is used to describe actions or events that are currently happening or are true in general.
* *Example: "Canto en la ducha todos los días." (I sing in the shower every day.)*
* The present subjunctive (presente de subjuntivo) is used to express emotions, desires, or hypothetical situations.
* *Example: "Me gustaría que cantaras una canción para mí." (I would like you to sing a song for me.)*
The future tense (futuro) is used to describe actions or events that will happen in the future. There are two main types of future tense in Spanish:
* The simple future tense (futuro simple) is used to describe actions or events that will happen in the future at a specific time or point.
* *Example: "Cantaré una canción en la fiesta." (I will sing a song at the party.)*
* The future progressive tense (futuro continuo) is used to describe actions or events that will be ongoing in the future.
* *Example: "Estaré cantando una canción cuando tú llegues." (I will be singing a song when you arrive.)*
In addition to these three main tense forms, Spanish also has a number of compound tenses, which are formed by combining two or more simple tenses. These compound tenses can be used to express a variety of different meanings, such as the past perfect, the future perfect, and the conditional.