italiano · B1 · verb · 4 minutes
Avere in the imperfetto
Describe past possession, age, needs, and ongoing physical states.
Understand the choice
Avere in the imperfetto covers possessions and states that lasted or recurred. It keeps expressions such as avere fame, paura, bisogno, and … anni intact.
Core rule: Avere forms the imperfetto from avev- plus -o, -i, -a, -amo, -ate, -ano.
Notice it in context
Avevamo spesso fame dopo l’allenamento.
We were often hungry after training.
Avevamo carries noi and ongoing past; spesso marks repetition; fame stays in the expression.
Aveva vent’anni e aveva già un lavoro.
She was twenty and already had a job.
Aveva expresses both age and possession.
Avevate bisogno di aiuto quella mattina.
You needed help that morning.
Avere bisogno di remains fixed in imperfect.
What to remember
- The imperfect stem visibly contains v throughout.
- Quella mattina points to a past morning; stamattina usually today.
Common trap: Do not use era for age or hunger. Say aveva vent’anni and aveva fame.