interpretaba

Interpretaba is the imperfect indicative form of the Spanish verb interpretar, meaning to interpret, explain, or perform something such as a role or piece of music. The form can function for yo, él/ella/usted, or other subjects depending on context.

Conjugation and forms

As a regular -ar verb, interpretaba follows the standard imperfect endings: yo interpretaba, tú interpretabas, él/ella/usted interpretaba, nosotros interpretábamos, vosotros interpretabais, ellos/ellas/ustedes interpretaban. The imperfect conveys actions that were ongoing in the past, habitual past actions, or background information in narrative.

Usage

Interpretaba is used to describe past occasions of interpretation or performance, as well as ongoing processes of understanding or explaining in the past. It can express how someone was rendering a work, presenting a role, or conveying meaning in a given moment previously.

Contexts and nuances

Beyond performing a role or musical piece, interpretar can also mean to interpret a text, data, or situation—how someone understands or conveys its meaning. In narrative writing, interpretaba helps set scenes of repetition or routine in the past, or establish the mood before a completed action.

Etymology

Interpretar comes from Latin interpretāre (and interpretari in some senses), through the development of Romance languages into modern Spanish.

Related terms

Interpretación (interpretation), intérprete (interpreter), interpretación musical (musical interpretation).