savoir imparfait conjugation
Savoir (to know (facts/how to)) in the imparfait: savais, savais, savait, savions, saviez, savaient.
Imparfait Imperfect
| je | |
|---|---|
| tu | |
| il/elle/on | |
| nous | |
| vous | |
| ils/elles |
ending regular · irr breaks the pattern · tap a form to hear it
When to use the imparfait
The imparfait describes the past as background: habits (“used to”), ongoing actions (“was doing”), descriptions and states. Être is the only verb with an irregular imparfait stem (ét-).
How it is formed
Take the nous form of the present, drop -ons and add ais, ais, ait, ions, iez, aient: nous finissons → je finissais.
Savoir is irregular here. 6 of 6 forms break the pattern (dark tiles above).
Savoir in a sentence
- Je sais nager depuis mon enfance.I've known how to swim since childhood.
- Elle savait la réponse.She knew the answer.
Irregular; contrast with 'connaître' (to know people/places).
FAQ
What is the imparfait of savoir?
Savoir in the French imparfait: je savais, tu savais, il/elle/on savait, nous savions, vous saviez, ils/elles savaient.
Is savoir irregular in the imparfait?
Yes. 6 of 6 forms break the regular pattern: je savais; tu savais; il/elle/on savait; nous savions; vous saviez; ils/elles savaient.
When do you use the French imparfait?
The imparfait describes the past as background: habits (“used to”), ongoing actions (“was doing”), descriptions and states. Être is the only verb with an irregular imparfait stem (ét-).
How is the imparfait formed?
Take the nous form of the present, drop -ons and add ais, ais, ait, ions, iez, aient: nous finissons → je finissais.
Full savoir conjugation, all tenses →
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