Memorize “Retener” conjugations in the Preterite (Past) Tense effortlessly. Our unique loop-based audio helps you absorb verb forms naturally—just like native speakers. Tap to play and start memorizing 10x faster now!

Pro Tip: Play the audio on a loop while reviewing the conjugation chart to naturally absorb the correct forms. Try it now!

Conjugation Chart of “Retener” (to retain) in the Preterite (Past) Tense

Why Use Loop-Based Learning

• 🧠 Activates natural language processing in the brain
• 🔄 Makes conjugations feel automatic
• 📝 Reduces mental effort compared to rote memorization
• 💡 Builds fluency through repetition

Unlike traditional methods that rely on memorizing rules and grammar drills, our approach mimics how native speakers naturally acquire language—by hearing patterns repeatedly in context. This activates your brain’s phonological loop, making verb forms feel familiar and automatic.

To learn more about the science behind this technique, read our detailed article: The Neuroscience of Language Learning: How Listening on a Loop Strengthens Your Fluency

Understanding the Preterite (Past) Tense of “Retener”

The preterite of retener is used to express a specific instance of retaining or holding back something in the past, for example Retuve la información hasta el momento adecuado (I retained the information until the right moment). This tense emphasizes the completed action of retaining at a particular moment.

This is an irregular verb that follows the same pattern as ‘tener’ in the preterite, changing to ‘retuv-‘ in all forms.

How to Use Retener in the Preterite (Past) Tense

The preterite of retener indicates a completed action of retaining or holding back in the past.

To retain/keep: Describes keeping or holding onto something, for example Retuve la información en mi memoria (I retained the information in my memory) or El banco retuvo el dinero (The bank retained the money).

To hold back/detain: Used for preventing movement or progress, for example Lo retuvieron en la aduana (They detained him at customs).

Real Life Examples of Retener in the Preterite (Past) Tense

Retuve la información importante. (I retained the important information.)

Retuviste el agua en el dique. (You retained the water in the dam.)

La esponja retuvo toda la humedad. (The sponge retained all the moisture.)

Retuvimos a los empleados talentosos. (We retained the talented employees.)

Las paredes retuvieron el calor. (The walls retained the heat.)

Retuve los detalles de la reunión. (I retained the details of the meeting.)

Retuviste el cargo por años. (You retained the position for years.)

El filtro retuvo las impurezas. (The filter retained the impurities.)

Retuvimos los documentos importantes. (We retained the important documents.)

Los árboles retuvieron la tierra. (The trees retained the soil.)

Retuve el nombre en mi memoria. (I retained the name in my memory.)

Retuviste la calma en la crisis. (You retained your calm during the crisis.)

La tierra retuvo la humedad. (The soil retained the moisture.)

Retuvimos el liderazgo del mercado. (We retained the market leadership.)

Las nubes retuvieron la lluvia. (The clouds retained the rain.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Retener (to retain) in the Preterite (Past) 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.