Subjuntivo imperfecto

Subjuntivo Imperfecto (Imperfect Subjunctive)

Definition

The subjuntivo imperfecto is a verb form used in Spanish that expresses actions or states that are uncertain, possible, or subjective in the past.

Formation

The subjuntivo imperfecto is generally formed using the third person plural form of the preterite tense, dropping the -ron ending, and adding the following endings:

• For -ar verbs: -Ra, -ras, -ra, -ramos, -ráis, -ran

• For -er/-ir verbs: -iera, -ieras, -iera, -iéramos, -ierais, -ieran

Example:

• Hablar (to talk): hablara, hablaras, hablara, habláramos, hablarais, hablaran

• Comer (to eat): comiera, comieras, comiera, comiéramos, comierais, comieran

Usage

The subjuntivo imperfecto is primarily used in the following contexts:

1. Wishes or Desires: Expressing a wish about a situation in the past that did not happen.

   • Example: Ojalá que ella estuviera aquí. (I wish she were here.)

2. Hypothetical Situations: Referring to situations that are contrary to fact.

   • Example: Si tuviera dinero, iría de viaje. (If I had money, I would go on a trip.)

3. Polite Requests: To make polite or formal requests about something that did not happen in the past.

   • Example: Quisiera saber si llegaste a tiempo. (I would like to know if you arrived on time.)

4. Conditional Sentences: In conditional sentences where the condition is not fulfilled.

   • Example: Si supieras la verdad, probablemente no lo harías. (If you knew the truth, you probably wouldn’t do it.)

Examples of Usage in Sentences

• Si yo fuera presidente, cambiaría muchas leyes. (If I were president, I would change many laws.)

• Me gustaría que tú vinieras a la fiesta. (I would like you to come to the party.)

• Si sintieras un poco de compasión, lo entenderías. (If you felt a little compassion, you would understand.)

Notes

• The subjuntivo imperfecto is often used in conjunction with the imperfecto del indicativo (imperfect indicative) to form complex sentences.

• The conditional tense often follows the subjunctive to express what would happen under certain conditions.