Want to master “Aplicar” conjugations fast?

This short audio loop makes it easy to memorize the forms for the Preterite (Past) 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

“Aplicar” (to apply) in the Preterite (Past) 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 Preterite (Past) Tense of “Aplicar”

The preterite of aplicar is used to express a specific instance of applying something in the past, for example Apliqué la crema en mi piel (I applied the cream to my skin). This tense emphasizes the completed action of applying at a particular moment.

This verb requires a spelling change in the first person singular, changing ‘c’ to ‘qu’ before ‘é’ to maintain the same sound. Otherwise, it follows the regular -ar verb pattern in the preterite.

How to Use Aplicar in the Preterite (Past) Tense

The preterite of aplicar expresses a completed action of applying or implementing in the past.

To apply: Describes putting something to use, for example Apliqué la crema en la piel (I applied the cream to the skin) or Aplicaron las nuevas reglas (They applied the new rules).

To implement: Used for putting plans into action, for example Aplicó sus conocimientos al proyecto (He/she applied their knowledge to the project).

To submit an application: Used for formal requests, for example Apliqué para el trabajo (I applied for the job).

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

Apliqué la crema en mi piel. (I applied the cream to my skin.)

Aplicaste los conocimientos correctamente. (You applied the knowledge correctly.)

El doctor aplicó el tratamiento. (The doctor applied the treatment.)

Aplicamos las nuevas técnicas. (We applied the new techniques.)

Los estudiantes aplicaron las fórmulas. (The students applied the formulas.)

Apliqué para el trabajo nuevo. (I applied for the new job.)

Aplicaste la pintura uniformemente. (You applied the paint evenly.)

La empresa aplicó nuevas políticas. (The company applied new policies.)

Aplicamos los cambios sugeridos. (We applied the suggested changes.)

Los científicos aplicaron el método experimental. (The scientists applied the experimental method.)

Apliqué mis habilidades en el proyecto. (I applied my skills to the project.)

Aplicaste el maquillaje profesionalmente. (You applied the makeup professionally.)

El artista aplicó los colores con cuidado. (The artist applied the colors carefully.)

Aplicamos la teoría en la práctica. (We applied the theory in practice.)

Los jardineros aplicaron el fertilizante. (The gardeners applied the fertilizer.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Aplicar (to apply) 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.