The preterite of regresar is used to express a completed action of returning in the past. For example, you might say “I returned from vacation last week,” indicating a specific moment when you came back.

This is a regular -ar verb that follows the standard preterite conjugation pattern. Its conjugations are straightforward and predictable, making it easy to use in conversation.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Regresar (to return) in the Preterite (Past) Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):

The preterite of regresar indicates a completed action of returning or coming back in the past.

To return/come back: Describes coming back to a previous location, for example Regresé a casa temprano (I returned home early) or Regresaron de sus vacaciones ayer (They returned from their vacation yesterday).

To go back: Used for returning to a previous state or situation, for example Regresó a su trabajo después de la enfermedad (He/she went back to work after the illness).

Examples

Examples of Regresar in the Preterite (Past) Tense

Regresé tarde del trabajo. (I returned late from work.)

¿A qué hora regresaste ayer? (What time did you return yesterday?)

Ella regresó de sus vacaciones. (She returned from her vacation.)

Regresamos después de la medianoche. (We returned after midnight.)

Los estudiantes regresaron de la excursión. (The students returned from the field trip.)

Regresé a casa caminando. (I returned home walking.)

¿Por qué regresaste tan temprano? (Why did you return so early?)

El tren regresó a la estación principal. (The train returned to the main station.)

Regresamos por el mismo camino. (We returned by the same path.)

Los pájaros regresaron en primavera. (The birds returned in spring.)

Regresé en cuanto pude. (I returned as soon as I could.)

¿Regresaste sola a casa? (Did you return home alone?)

Mi hermano regresó de su viaje. (My brother returned from his trip.)

Regresamos por la lluvia. (We returned because of the rain.)

Los actores regresaron al escenario. (The actors returned to the stage.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Regresar (to return) in the Preterite (Past) Tense tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Preterite tense is also known as the Simple Past, Past Simple, Definite Past, Absolute Past, or Past Tense Indicative in English, and as Pretérito Perfecto Simple, Pretérito Indefinido, Pretérito Simple, Pasado Simple, or Pretérito de Indicativo in Spanish.