asistías

Asistías is the second-person singular form of the Spanish verb asistir in the imperfect indicative tense. It corresponds to the form tú asistías in standard Spanish, and in regions that use the voseo pronoun, it can also appear as vos asistías. The imperfect tense expresses past actions that were habitual, ongoing, or not framed as completed events.

The verb asistir has two main senses. One meaning is to be physically present at a place or event, as in asistir a una clase (to attend a class) or asistir a una reunión (to attend a meeting). The other sense, more formal or in certain contexts, is to help or assist someone, as in asistir a una persona enferma (to assist a sick person). In many contexts, the sense is clear from the preposition or object: asistir a clase emphasizes presence, while asistir a alguien emphasizes aid or support.

Usage notes: asistir is regular in the imperfect conjugation, so tú asistías follows the standard endings for -ir verbs in imperfect: -ía, -ías, -ía, -íamos, -íais, -ían. Distinctions with other tenses are important: asistes is present, asististe is pretérito, and asistiría is conditional. Common collocations include asistir a clase, asistir a un evento, and asistir a alguien en una emergencia. Examples: Tú asistías a la escuela cada mañana cuando vivías en la ciudad. ¿Asistías a la conferencia el año pasado? He would typically respond that you attended; however, perfect contrasts use the preterite or other tenses.

Etymology: asistir proviene del latín assistere, formado por ad- (hacia) y sistere (parar, estar de pie), y evolve en el español para significar estar presente o ayudar.