Most of my students say the same thing: "I know the rule… but I still don't know which one to use." So here's how I explain it in class 👇 Pretérito indefinido = already over. Comí ayer. Yesterday is gone. Done. Pretérito perfecto = still feels close. He comido hoy. Today isn't finished yet. The trick? Ask yourself: is that moment still alive? ❌ Visité Madrid este año. (this year isn't over) ✅ He visitado Madrid este año. That's it. Not a grammar rule — just a feeling of time.