The Imperfect Tense of respetar is used to describe ongoing or repeated actions in the past, for example, Yo respetaba las reglas de la casa. (I used to respect the house rules.)

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

Conjugations

Conjugations of Respetar (to respect) in the Imperfect Tense tense (Castilian Spanish):

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

Respecting someone or something: Por ejemplo, de niño respetaba mucho a mis padres (As a child, I respected my parents a lot). This is the most common meaning, referring to showing regard, deference, or esteem for someone or something.

Following rules or laws: For example, en la escuela respetábamos el código de vestimenta (At school, we respected the dress code). This usage implies complying with regulations, guidelines, or instructions.

Preserving or maintaining something: For example, los arqueólogos respetaban los restos antiguos (The archaeologists respected the ancient remains). This meaning refers to being careful not to damage or alter something.

Slang/Idiomatic usage: In some contexts, respetar can be used in a rude or vulgar way to mean “to put someone in their place” or “to show dominance over someone”. For example, ¡respétame, cabrón! (Respect me, asshole!).

Examples

Examples of Respetar in the Imperfect Tense

Cuando era niño, respetaba mucho a mis padres. (When I was a child, I respected my parents a lot.)

Ella siempre respetaba las reglas del juego. (She always respected the rules of the game.)

En la oficina, respetábamos el horario de trabajo. (At the office, we respected the work schedule.)

Mis abuelos respetaban las tradiciones familiares. (My grandparents respected family traditions.)

Vosotros respetabais la autoridad del profesor. (You respected the teacher’s authority.)

Ustedes respetaban el medio ambiente. (You respected the environment.)

Yo respetaba las creencias de los demás. (I respected others’ beliefs.)

Ellos respetaban el espacio personal de cada uno. (They respected each other’s personal space.)

Nosotros respetábamos las normas de convivencia. (We respected the rules of coexistence.)

Tú respetabas los derechos humanos. (You respected human rights.)

Él respetaba la privacidad de sus amigos. (He respected his friends’ privacy.)

Vosotros respetabais las señales de tráfico. (You respected traffic signs.)

Ellas respetaban las diferencias culturales. (They respected cultural differences.)

Ustedes respetaban el turno de palabra. (You respected the turn to speak.)

Yo respetaba las decisiones de mis superiores. (I respected my superiors’ decisions.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Respetar (to respect) in the Imperfect Tense tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American 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.