Spanish grammar · Intermediate
Imperfect of Ir: Iba, Ibas, Iba, Conjugation and Use
The imperfect of ir is fully irregular: iba, ibas, iba, íbamos, ibais, iban. Used for habitual past movement (used to go) and ongoing past actions (was going).
Iba al gimnasio todos los días.
I used to go to the gym every day.
What it is
The imperfect of ir is one of only three irregular imperfects: iba, ibas, iba, íbamos, ibais, iban. Used for habitual past movement (used to go, would go) and ongoing past actions (was going). Special construction: iba a + infinitive = was going to + verb.
Iba al gimnasio todos los días (I used to go to the gym every day), habitual past. Iba a llamarte cuando llegaste (I was going to call you when you arrived), interrupted intention.
How to spot it
Look for iba, ibas, íbamos, ibais, iban. Only íbamos carries an accent.
- Iba a clase a las ocho. — I used to go to class at eight.
- Ibas mucho a Madrid. — You used to go to Madrid a lot.
- Íbamos juntos. — We used to go together.
Imperfect ir is one of three irregular imperfects (ser, ir, ver). Easy to remember as a small set.
Imperfect of Ir Quick Reference
Imperfect of ir, fully irregular
| Person | Form | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| yo | iba | I used to go / was going |
| tú | ibas | you used to go |
| él/ella/Ud. | iba | he/she/it used to go |
| nosotros | íbamos | we used to go |
| vosotros | ibais | you all used to go (Spain) |
| ellos/ellas/Uds. | iban | they used to go |
Common Imperfect of Ir Examples in Spanish
The imperfect of ir in real Spanish contexts:
Habitual Past Movement
- Iba al cine todos los fines de semana.
- I used to go to the movies every weekend.
- Cuando era niño, íbamos a la playa cada verano.
- When I was a child, we used to go to the beach every summer.
Default for past routines and habits, used to go.
Iba A + Infinitive (Was Going To)
- Iba a llamarte cuando llegaste.
- I was going to call you when you arrived.
- Íbamos a salir, pero empezó a llover.
- We were going to leave, but it started to rain.
Iba a + infinitive = was going to, often interrupted by another event (in preterite).
Ongoing Past Action
- Iba caminando por la calle cuando lo vi.
- I was walking down the street when I saw him.
- Iban en coche cuando ocurrió el accidente.
- They were going by car when the accident happened.
Imperfect describes the action in progress; preterite shows the interrupting event.
Don't Confuse with Fui (Preterite)
- Iba al cine todos los días. (used to)
- I used to go to the cinema every day.
- Fui al cine ayer. (one trip)
- I went to the cinema yesterday.
Imperfect for habits / ongoing past. Preterite for single completed trips.
How to Use the Imperfect of Ir
Memorize the Six Irregular Forms
Iba, ibas, iba, íbamos, ibais, iban. Only íbamos has an accent.
Iba, ibas, iba, íbamos, ibais, iban.
I used to go / was going...
One of only three irregular Spanish imperfects (ser, ir, ver).
Use for Habitual Past
Imperfect describes past habits and routines, used to go, would go.
Iba al gimnasio cada mañana.
I used to go to the gym every morning.
Often paired with frequency expressions: todos los días, cada semana, siempre, normalmente.
Iba A + Infinitive = Was Going To
Combine iba with a + infinitive to express past intentions, was going to + verb. Often interrupted.
Iba a llamarte cuando llegaste. Ibamos a salir, pero llovió.
I was going to call you when you arrived. We were going to leave, but it rained.
Usually paired with a contrastive clause (cuando + preterite or pero) showing what actually happened.
Don't Confuse with Fui (Preterite)
Iba = ongoing / habitual past. Fui = single completed trip.
Iba al gimnasio todos los días. (habit) Fui al gimnasio ayer. (single trip)
I used to go to the gym every day. I went to the gym yesterday.
If translated as used to go or was going, use iba. If translated as went (once), use fui.
Common Mistakes with Imperfect of Ir
Incorrect: Yo iría al cine todos los días. (using conditional) — I used to go to the cinema every day.
Correct: Yo iba al cine todos los días. — I used to go to the cinema every day.
For past habits, use imperfect (iba), not conditional (iría). Iría would mean I would go (hypothetical).
Incorrect: Iba al cine ayer. — I went to the cinema yesterday.
Correct: Fui al cine ayer. — I went to the cinema yesterday.
Ayer (yesterday) is bounded, a single completed event. Use preterite fui, not imperfect iba.
Incorrect: Ibamos juntos. (missing accent) — We used to go together.
Correct: Íbamos juntos. — We used to go together.
Nosotros form has an accent: íbamos. Without it, the spelling is wrong.
Iba A + Infinitive = Was Going To
Past Intentions
Iba (or imperfect of ir) + a + infinitive expresses a past intention, what someone was going to do.
- Iba a llamarte, pero olvidé.
- I was going to call you, but I forgot.
- Íbamos a salir, pero empezó a llover.
- We were going to leave, but it started raining.
Often implies the intention wasn't fulfilled, paired with a pero clause explaining what happened instead.
Reported Future (Past Perspective)
Iba a + infinitive also reports what someone was going to do, from a past perspective.
- Dijo que iba a venir.
- He said he was going to come.
- Pensaba que ibas a llegar tarde.
- I thought you were going to arrive late.
Equivalent to using conditional in reported speech (Dijo que vendría), but more conversational.
Imperfect of Ir FAQs
- What is the imperfect of ir in Spanish?
- Iba, ibas, iba, íbamos, ibais, iban. Fully irregular. Used for habitual past movement (used to go) and ongoing past actions (was going).
- What's the difference between iba and fui?
- Iba (imperfect) = used to go / was going (ongoing or habitual). Fui (preterite) = went (single completed trip). Iba al gimnasio todos los días (habit) vs. Fui al gimnasio ayer (single trip).
- What does iba a + infinitive mean?
- Iba a + infinitive = was going to + verb. Expresses past intentions, often interrupted. Iba a llamarte cuando llegaste = I was going to call you when you arrived.
- How do I know whether to use imperfect or preterite of ir?
- Use imperfect (iba) for habits, routines, ongoing past actions. Use preterite (fui) for single completed trips with clear bounds. Time markers help: todos los días → imperfect; ayer → preterite.
- How can I master the imperfect of ir?
- Memorize the six irregular forms (only three Spanish imperfects are irregular: ser, ir, ver). Practice in habitual contexts and was going to constructions. Parrot's daily videos use imperfect ir constantly in past narratives.