enfocabas

Enfocabas is the second-person singular form of the Spanish verb enfocar in the imperfect indicative. It translates roughly as you were focusing or you used to focus, depending on context. Enfocar is an -ar verb meaning to focus, either literally (adjust a lens or camera) or figuratively (direct attention). In the imperfect, -ar verbs take the endings -aba, -abas, -aba, -ábamos, -abais, -aban; for enfocar this yields forms such as yo enfocaba, tú enfocabas, él enfocaba, nosotros enfocábamos, vosotros enfocabais, ellos enfocaban. The form enfocabas is used in ordinary speech and writing and follows regular conjugation rules.

Usage: enfocabas is used to describe past, ongoing actions or habitual past actions. It is common in narrative, descriptive prose and subordinate clauses. It can be used with both literal and figurative senses of enfocar: “tú enfocabas la cámara” (you were focusing the camera) or “tú enfocabas la atención en los detalles” (you were focusing your attention on the details).

Notes: The spelling follows regular conjugation rules for -ar verbs; no irregularities are associated with enfocar in the imperfect. It should be distinguished from the preterite forms such as enfocaste, which indicate a single completed action in the past.

See also: enfocar, Spanish verbs, imperfect indicative, conjugation.