Difference between Italian imperfetto and passato prossimo

One of the most difficult Italian topics for English speakers is understanding the difference between imperfetto and passato prossimo.

These two tenses are very different compared to how English speakers use simple past and present perfect, so at the beginning, imperfetto and passato prossimo are usually felt as very confusing topics.

So, today I’m going to explain all the main differences between the Italian imperfetto and passato prossimo.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IMPERFETTO AND PASSATO PROSSIMO

IMPERFETTO
Imperfetto is used to talk about past habits or past repetitive actions.

Example:

Quando ero bambino il sabato andavo sempre a catechismo
When I was a child I always went to catechism on saturdays  

So, going to catechism was a repetitive action I did every Saturday.

PASSATO PROSSIMO
Passato prossimo, instead, is used to talk about a past temporary action that usually has still effects on the present.

Example:

Ieri sono andata in piscina
I went to the swimming pool yesterday

It’s not a habit for me to go to the swimming pool, I just went there only yesterday. So, it’s a temporary action.

IMPERFETTO
Imperfetto is used to describe conditions or states – emotional, physical or metereological.

Example:

Ieri ero molto triste
I was very sad yesterday

So, in the example above I’m describing an emotional state.

PASSATO PROSSIMO
Passato prossimo, instead, is used to talk about a physical, emotional or mental change.

Example:

Dopo aver dato l’esame mi sono sentita molto più rilassata
After having taken the exam I felt much more relaxed

Before taking the exam I was worried, and after having taken it I was relaxed. So, there was a physical and mental change.

ATTENTION
In descriptions after words such as così, allora, dunque, e quindi, generally comes passato prossimo

Ex:

Ieri faceva troppo caldo, così sono andata al mare
It was too hot yesterday, so I went to the sea

IMPERFETTO AND PASSATO PROSSIMO

Imperfetto and passato prossimo can also be used to describe two actions that happened at the same time in the past.

IMPERFETTO + IMPERFETTO
They usually indicate two actions of a medium or long duration

Example:

Mentre leggevo un libro, mio marito faceva ginnastica
While I was reading a book, my husband was working out

PASSATO PROSSIMO + PASSATO PROSSIMO
They usually indicate two actions of brief duration

Example:

Quando Luca è atterrato, siamo andati a prenderlo all’aereoporto
When Luca landed we went to fetch him at the airport

IMPERFETTO + PASSATO PROSSIMO
They usually indicate an action of a medium or long duration that happened at the same time of an action of a brief duration

Examples:

Mentre passeggiavo, ho visto Marta
While I was having a stroll, I saw Marta

Mentre leggevo, è squillato il telefono
While I was reading, the phone rang

I hope I helped you to understand the difference between imperfetto and passato prossimo. If you found this article useful, don’t forget to share it or to like our Facebook page.

---

Credits

Original image by ROverhate