So, you want to learn how to say “decided” in Spanish? The verb you’re looking for is “decidir,” which means “to decide.”
If you’re learning Spanish, you know that you can’t just swap words from English. Spanish relies on verb conjugation to show who did what, and when. Conjugating verbs correctly is essential for proper communication.
The preterite tense is used to talk about actions that were completed at a specific point in the past. Think of it as the simple past tense.
This article breaks down everything you need to know about how to conjugate and use “decidir” in the preterite tense. By the end, you’ll know all the forms of “preterite decidir” and how to use them.
Understanding the Preterite Tense
Let’s take a look at how the preterite tense works in Spanish.
What is the Preterite Tense?
The preterite tense is used to describe actions that were completed at a specific point in the past. It’s for talking about finished actions that had a clear beginning and a clear end.
The preterite is different from the imperfect tense, which is used to describe ongoing or habitual actions in the past. The preterite is for things that were done, finished, and over.
Decidir as a Regular -ir Verb
Decidir (to decide) is a regular -ir verb, which means its preterite conjugation is predictable. If you know the rules for conjugating regular -ir verbs in the preterite, you’ll know how to conjugate decidir.
Understanding verb types – whether they’re regular or irregular – makes conjugation so much easier. Once you know that decidir is a regular -ir verb, you’re already halfway there.
Conjugating “Decidir” in the Preterite Tense
Okay, so you want to talk about decisions you already made? You’ll need the preterite (or “simple past”) tense. Here’s how “decidir” (to decide) changes depending on who’s doing the deciding:
Conjugation Chart
| Pronoun | Conjugated Form | Pronunciation (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Yo (I) | Decidí | Deh-see-DEE |
| Tú (You – informal) | Decidiste | Deh-see-DEES-teh |
| Él/Ella/Usted (He/She/You – formal) | Decidió | Deh-see-DEE-oh |
| Nosotros/Nosotras (We) | Decidimos | Deh-see-DEE-mos |
| Vosotros/Vosotras (You – informal plural, Spain) | Decidisteis | Deh-see-DEES-tays |
| Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes (They/You – formal plural) | Decidieron | Deh-see-DEE-air-on |
Pronunciation Notes: Remember that Spanish vowels are generally shorter and cleaner than English vowels. “e” is like the “e” in “bed,” and “i” is like the “ee” in “see.” Stress is usually on the second-to-last syllable unless there’s a written accent mark.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest trap for learners is mixing up the endings! Pay close attention to which pronoun you’re using and make sure the ending matches. Don’t accidentally use the “yo” ending (“-í”) with “tú,” for example. That’ll sound very strange.
Also, be careful not to confuse the preterite with the present tense. “Yo decido” (I decide) is happening now. “Yo decidí” (I decided) is something that happened in the past and is now finished.
Using “Decidir” in the Preterite: Examples and Context
So, you know that the preterite of decidir indicates a completed decision in the past. But how does it actually sound in use? Let’s look at some examples.
Simple Sentence Examples
Here are a few examples of decidir in the preterite, used in simple sentences. Note how each one conveys a single, completed decision:
- Yo decidí estudiar español. (I decided to study Spanish.)
- Ella decidió vender su coche. (She decided to sell her car.)
- Nosotros decidimos ir al cine. (We decided to go to the cinema.)
- Ellos decidieron cambiar el color. (They decided to change the color.)
- Yo decidí comprar solo una falda. (I decided to buy only one skirt.)
Examples in Conversations
Understanding grammar is one thing; hearing it in natural conversation is another. Here’s a short example of how you might use decidir in the preterite in a real-life scenario:
Imagine you’re chatting with a friend:
A: “¿Qué decidiste hacer ayer?” (What did you decide to do yesterday?)
B: “Decidí quedarme en casa y leer.” (I decided to stay home and read.)
See how easily it fits into everyday conversation? The preterite of decidir is essential for talking about past decisions in a clear and concise way. It’s a building block for expressing yourself fluently in Spanish!
“Decidir” vs. “Haber Decidido”: Preterite vs. Past Perfect
When you’re talking about decisions in the past, you’ll need to choose the right tense. Two common options are the preterite (simple past) and the past perfect (pluperfect). Let’s break down the difference.
Distinguishing the Tenses
The preterite tense describes an action that was completed at a specific point in the past. It’s a simple, straightforward way to say something happened and is now finished. The past perfect, on the other hand, describes an action that was completed before another action in the past. It emphasizes the sequence of events.
Here are some examples using “decidir”:
- Preterite: Decidí ir al supermercado. (I decided to go to the supermarket.) – This simply states that you made a decision to go to the supermarket.
- Past Perfect: Ya había decidido ir al supermercado cuando me llamaste. (I had already decided to go to the supermarket when you called me.) – This shows that the decision to go to the supermarket was made before you received a phone call.
When to Use Each Tense
Choosing the correct tense is key to conveying your intended meaning. Here are some guidelines:
- Use the preterite for single, completed actions in the past. If you just want to say that you made a decision, the preterite is the way to go.
- Use the past perfect to show that one action happened before another action in the past. If you want to emphasize the order of events, the past perfect is essential.
Common Phrases and Expressions with “Decidir”
Like any verb, “decidir” appears in common phrases that can help you sound more natural when you speak Spanish. Here are a few to keep in mind:
“Decidirse a” + Infinitive
This construction means “to decide to” do something. It emphasizes the act of making a decision and committing to it. For example:
Me decidí a aprender a bailar salsa. (I decided to learn how to salsa dance.)
This implies that you weren’t just thinking about it; you actually committed to taking salsa lessons.
“Tomar la decisión de” + Infinitive
This phrase also means “to decide to” do something. It is similar to “decidirse a,” but it places more emphasis on the decision itself rather than the act of committing. For example:
Tomé la decisión de cambiar de trabajo. (I made the decision to change jobs.)
This highlights the fact that you carefully considered your options and came to a conclusion.
“Sin decidir”
This phrase translates to “undecided” or “without deciding.” It’s used to express that you haven’t made a decision yet. For example:
Todavía estoy sin decidir qué voy a hacer. (I’m still undecided about what I’m going to do.)
This indicates that you’re still weighing your options and haven’t reached a conclusion.
Putting It All Together
Let’s recap. The pretérito tense is how you talk about completed actions in the past. When conjugating “decidir” in the pretérito, remember: yo decidí, tú decidiste, él/ella/usted decidió, nosotros decidimos, vosotros decidisteis, ellos/ellas/ustedes decidieron. Getting comfortable with these endings is key to talking about decisions you and others made.
The best way to really nail this down is to practice! Try writing sentences using “decidir” in different situations. What did you decide to eat for breakfast? What did your friends decide to do last weekend?
There are tons of resources online and in libraries to help you learn more about Spanish verb conjugation. Mastering verbs like “decidir” is essential to becoming fluent and expressing yourself clearly in Spanish. So keep practicing, and you’ll be speaking like a native in no time!