Imperfect Subjunctive

Lesson

The Imperfect Subjunctive (El Subjuntivo Imperfecto)

Hello! Today, we're diving into the world of the Spanish Imperfect Subjunctive (el Subjuntivo Imperfecto). This is a crucial tense that allows you to express wishes, emotions, doubts, advice, or hypothetical situations in the past. Remember, the Subjunctive always appears in subordinate clauses and is 'governed' by the verb in the main clause.

Don't worry, forming it is simpler than you might think! There are two common forms of this tense (-ra and -se), but the most frequently used and practical is the one ending in -ra. We'll focus mainly on this one.

It's worth knowing that there's also an -se form (e.g., hablase, comiese, viviese). Both forms are correct and generally interchangeable, although the -ra form is much more common in everyday speech. You don't need to memorise both; just focus on one!

When do we use the Imperfect Subjunctive?

• To express wishes, emotions, doubts, or advice concerning the past or present, when the main verb is in a past tense (e.g., Preterite, Imperfect, Conditional).
• In type 2 conditional sentences (hypothetical, less probable situations in the present or future), after si (Si + Imperfect Subjunctive, Simple Conditional).
• After the expression como si (as if), which always requires the Imperfect Subjunctive.
• For polite requests or suggestions, especially with the verbs querer, poder, deber in the Conditional (e.g., Quisiera...).

Mis padres querían que yo estudiara más.

My parents wanted me to study more.

Si tuviera tiempo, iría al cine.

If I had time, I would go to the cinema.

Ella me miraba como si no me conociera.

She looked at me as if she didn't know me.

Practise regularly, and the Imperfect Subjunctive will quickly become your ally in expressing complex thoughts in Spanish! ¡Mucho ánimo! 💪