Want to master “Actuar” conjugations fast?

This short audio loop makes it easy to memorize the forms for the Imperfect Tense — just press play.

🔊 Audio plays automatically on a loop – makes memorization easy. While the audio plays, follow the chart below to reinforce what you hear.

Conjugation Chart

“Actuar” (to act) in the Imperfect Tense

Learn Faster with 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 Imperfect Tense of “Actuar”

The Imperfect Tense of Actuar is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past, for example, Yo actuaba en obras de teatro cuando era joven. (I used to act in plays when I was young.)

Actuar is a regular -ar verb, so its conjugations in the Imperfect Tense follow the typical pattern for this verb type.

How to Use Actuar in the Imperfect Tense

The imperfect tense of actuar is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past, as well as descriptions and states of being.

To act or perform: Por ejemplo, los actores actuaban en el escenario (the actors were acting/performing on the stage). This meaning refers to the act of portraying a character or role.

To behave or conduct oneself: Por ejemplo, ella actuaba de manera extraña (she was behaving/acting in a strange way). This usage describes someone’s behavior or demeanor.

To take action or intervene: Por ejemplo, la policía actuaba rápidamente (the police were acting/intervening quickly). This meaning implies taking action in a situation.

To operate or function (colloquial): Por ejemplo, el aire acondicionado no actuaba bien (the air conditioning wasn’t working/functioning well). This informal usage refers to the operation of a device or system.

Real Life Examples of Actuar in the Imperfect Tense

Yo actuaba en las obras de teatro de la escuela. (I used to act in the school plays.)

Ellos actuaban de manera sospechosa en el parque. (They were acting suspiciously in the park.)

Nosotros actuábamos con cautela ante la situación delicada. (We were acting cautiously in the delicate situation.)

Ella actuaba de forma profesional en su trabajo. (She used to act professionally at her job.)

Tú actuabas como si nada hubiera pasado. (You were acting as if nothing had happened.)

Él actuaba de manera extraña últimamente. (He had been acting strangely lately.)

Ustedes actuaban con demasiada confianza. (You all were acting too confidently.)

Ellas actuaban en la obra de teatro local. (They used to act in the local play.)

Yo actuaba como si todo estuviera bien, pero en realidad estaba preocupado. (I was acting as if everything was fine, but I was actually worried.)

Tú actuabas de manera sospechosa cuando te preguntaban sobre el incidente. (You were acting suspiciously when asked about the incident.)

Ellos actuaban con cautela en las negociaciones. (They were acting cautiously in the negotiations.)

Nosotros actuábamos de acuerdo con las reglas establecidas. (We used to act according to the established rules.)

Ella actuaba como si fuera la dueña del lugar. (She was acting as if she owned the place.)

Ustedes actuaban de manera irresponsable en la fiesta. (You all were acting irresponsibly at the party.)

Ellas actuaban con profesionalismo en su trabajo. (They used to act professionally at their job.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Actuar (to act) in the Imperfect Tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

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

Synonyms

The Imperfect tense is also known as the Past Imperfect, Descriptive Past, Past Progressive, or Imperfect Indicative in English, and as Pretérito Imperfecto, Copretérito, Imperfecto de Indicativo, or Pasado Descriptivo in Spanish.