Lección 9.2 - Verbs That Change Meaning In The Preterite

What verbs change meaning in the preterite?

Conocer, saber, poder, and querer change meanings in the preterite.

What is the meaning of conocer in the present tense?

to know; to be acquainted with

Ex. #1: Conozco a esa pareja. --> I know that couple.

What is the meaning of conocer in the preterite tense?

to meet

Ex. #1: Conocí a esa pareja ayer. --> I met that couple yesterday.

What is the meaning of saber in the present tense?

to know information; to know how to do something

Ex. #1: Sabemos la respuesta. --> We know the answer.

What is the meaning of saber in the preterite tense?

to find out; to learn

Ex. #1: Supimos la respuesta anoche. --> We found out (learned) the answer last night.

What is the meaning of poder in the present tense?

to be able; can

Ex. #1: Podemos hacerlo. --> We can do it.

What is the meaning of poder in the preterite tense?

to manage; to succeed (could and did)

Ex. #1: Pudimos hacerlo ayer. --> We managed to do it yesterday.

What is the meaning of querer in the present tense?

to want; to have

Ex. #1: Quiero ir a la fiesta pero tengo que trabajar. --> I want to go to the party but I have to work.

What is the meaning of querer in the preterite tense?

to try

Ex. #1: Quise ir a la fiesta pero tuve que trabajar. --> I tried to go to the party but I had to work.

What is unique about poder and querer in the affirmative and negative sentences?

In the preterite, poder and querer have different meanings, depending on whether they are used in affirmative or negative sentences.

Affirmative:

- pude --> I was able (to)/succeeded

- quise --> I tried (to)

Negative:

- no pude --> I failed (to)

- no quise --> I refused (to)