giocavamo

Giocavamo is the Italian verb form corresponding to the imperfect indicative of giocare, meaning to play. It is the first person plural form (noi) and translates as “we were playing” or “we used to play.” The imperfect is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past, as well as background situations in narrative discourse.

Conjugation and examples: For regular -are verbs, the imperfect endings are -avo, -avi, -ava, -avamo, -avate, -avano. Therefore, the forms of giocare are: io giocavo, tu giocavi, lui/lei giocava, noi giocavamo, voi giocavate, loro giocavano. Examples include: “Quando eravamo bambini, giocavamo al parco.” or “Nei pomeriggi di pioggia, giocavamo a carte.” The form can also appear in literary or lyrical contexts to convey nostalgia or routine in the past.

Usage notes: Giocavamo indicates a past action without focusing on its completion. It contrasts with the passato prossimo (we have played) or other perfect tenses, which denote completed actions. In writing, the imperfect, including forms like giocavamo, helps set scene, express habit, or recall memories.