Understanding the Differences Between Imparfait and Passé Composé in French

What is Imparfait?

The Imparfait tense in French is primarily used to describe ongoing or repeated past actions. It sets the scene and provides background information, much like the English past continuous tense.

What is Passé Composé?

The Passé Composé is used to express completed actions or events at specific points in time in the past. It is similar to the English simple past tense.

Key Differences Between Imparfait and Passé Composé

Understanding when to use Imparfait or Passé Composé can be challenging for French learners. Here are the main points to help differentiate them:

• Imparfait: Describes habitual actions or conditions in the past.
• Imparfait: Provides background information or describes settings.
• Passé Composé: Indicates completed actions or events that occurred at a specific moment.
• Passé Composé: Advances the storyline of past narratives.

Examples in Context

Let's observe both tenses in action, showing how Imparfait and Passé Composé naturally complement each other in narratives:

Imparfait: Quand j'étais petit, je regardais des dessins animés tous les jours. (When I was a kid, I watched cartoons every day.)

Passé Composé: Hier, j'ai regardé un nouveau film. (Yesterday, I watched a new movie.)