Transcurría

Transcurría is the imperfect indicative form of the Spanish verb transcurrir. The verb means to pass or elapse, especially with reference to time, or to take place and unfold events. It is commonly used in narratives and descriptions to convey the ongoing flow of a period or situation.

Etymology and meaning: Transcurrir comes from Latin transcurrere, literally “to run across” (trans- across + currere to run). The noun transcurso derives from the same root and refers to the course or progression of time and events.

Usage and nuance: Transcurrir emphasizes an ongoing, unbroken progression rather than a punctual moment. It is often found in literary or formal contexts, for example: “El día transcurría sin incidentes” or “La década transcurría entre crisis y cambios.” In everyday speech, more common verbs such as pasar, ocurrir, or tener lugar may be used instead, depending on style and emphasis.

Grammar and forms: Transcurrir is an -ir verb with a stem transcurr-. Its imperfect forms include transcurría, transcurrías, transcurría, transcurríamos, transcurríais, transcurrían. The form transcurría is most frequently seen in the third person singular (él/ella/usted) but can also appear as a first-person singular form in some constructions, where context clarifies the subject. The present tense forms are transcurro, transcurres, transcurre, transcurrimos, transcurrís, transcurren.

Related terms: transcurso (course or passage of time), transcurrido (elapsed), and phrases such as “tiempo que transpura/transcurre” used to discuss how time moves forward.