The preterite of decidir is used to express a specific instance of making a decision in the past, for example Decidí estudiar medicina (I decided to study medicine). This tense emphasizes the completed action of deciding at a particular moment.
This is a regular -ir verb that follows the standard preterite conjugation pattern. Its straightforward conjugation makes it an excellent example for practicing regular preterite forms.
Conjugations
Conjugations of Decidir (to decide) in the Preterite (Past) Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):
| Pronoun | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| Yo | decidí |
| Tú | decidiste |
| Él / Ella / Usted | decidió |
| Nosotros / Nosotras | decidimos |
| Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes | decidieron |
Boost Your Memorization with Audio!
We’ve included audio recordings of the the conjugations of Decidir (to decide) in the Preterite (Past) Tense to help you learn faster.
Pro Tip: Play the audio on a loop as you study the chart. This repetition will solidify the correct conjugations in your memory.
Usage of Decidir in the Preterite (Past) Tense
The preterite of decidir indicates a completed action of deciding in the past.
To decide: Describes making a decision, for example Decidí cambiar de trabajo (I decided to change jobs) or Decidieron casarse (They decided to get married).
To make up one’s mind: Used for reaching a conclusion, for example Decidió quedarse en casa (He/she decided to stay home).
Examples
Examples of Decidir in the Preterite (Past) Tense
Decidí cambiar de trabajo el mes pasado. (I decided to change jobs last month.)
Decidiste mudarte a otra ciudad. (You decided to move to another city.)
El comité decidió aprobar el proyecto. (The committee decided to approve the project.)
Decidimos celebrar nuestro aniversario en casa. (We decided to celebrate our anniversary at home.)
Los estudiantes decidieron organizar una protesta. (The students decided to organize a protest.)
Decidí estudiar medicina. (I decided to study medicine.)
Decidiste tomar un año sabático. (You decided to take a sabbatical year.)
La empresa decidió expandir sus operaciones. (The company decided to expand its operations.)
Decidimos adoptar un perro del refugio. (We decided to adopt a dog from the shelter.)
Los vecinos decidieron renovar el parque. (The neighbors decided to renovate the park.)
Decidí aprender a tocar guitarra. (I decided to learn to play guitar.)
Decidiste empezar tu propio negocio. (You decided to start your own business.)
El jurado decidió el veredicto final. (The jury decided the final verdict.)
Decidimos vender la casa vieja. (We decided to sell the old house.)
Los directores decidieron cambiar la estrategia. (The directors decided to change the strategy.)
Conjugations with English Translations
Conjugations of Decidir (to decide) in the Preterite (Past) Tense tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Yo decidí | I decided |
| Tú decidiste | You decided |
| Él / Ella / Usted decidió | He / She / You decided |
| Nosotros / Nosotras decidimos | We decided |
| Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes decidieron | They / You all decided |
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.