Both tenses refer to the past, but they differ based on whether a specific time is mentioned and whether there is a connection to the present:
- Past Simple: The action ended at a definite time in the past and has no relevance to the present.
- Present Perfect: No specific time is mentioned; it emphasizes the impact on or experience related to the present.
我I 看saw 他him 昨天yesterday.
I saw him yesterday. (Definite time → Past Simple)
我I (完成时)have 看seen 那部that 电影film.
I have seen that movie. (Experience, no specific time mentioned → Present Perfect)
Note: Once definite past time markers such as yesterday, last week, in 2019, or ago appear, use the Past Simple, not the Present Perfect.

Kedua tenses ini membicarakan masa lalu, perbedaannya terletak pada apakah waktu spesifik disebutkan, apakah berkaitan dengan sekarang:
- Past Simple: tindakan berakhir pada waktu lampau yang pasti, tidak berkaitan dengan sekarang.
- Present Perfect: tidak menyebut waktu spesifik, menekankan dampak atau pengalaman terhadap sekarang.
我I 看saw 他him 昨天yesterday.
Saya melihatnya kemarin. (Waktu pasti → Simple Past)
我I (完成时)have 看seen 那部that 电影film.
Saya sudah menonton film itu. (Pengalaman, tidak disebut kapan → Present Perfect)
Perhatian Jika muncul penanda waktu masa lalu yang pasti seperti yesterday, last week, in 2019, ago, dll., gunakan Simple Past Tense, bukan Present Perfect Tense.