Imperfecto

[subjuntivo]

When do I use it?

The imperfect subjunctive is used when you want to talk about something in the past that has a subjunctive trigger tied to it. For information on when to use the subjunctive (and not the indicative), click here.

  • It was disappointing that she went to jail at such a young age.

  • He looked at me as if I were crazy!

When do I learn it?

-Originally learned in: Spanish IV

-Reviewed in: Spanish V, APSLang


Basic info:

This conjugation requires a 3-step process that is tricky if you don't remember preterite conjugations. To re-educate yourself on the preterite conjugations, click here.

**This conjugation is ALWAYS used after the expression "como si" (as if)**

3 step conjugation

"Ellos" preterite

Once again, if you don't remember your preterite conjugations, go here for a refresher.

DECIR --> dijeron

DORMIR --> durmieron

HABLAR --> hablaron


**For imperfect subjunctive verbs, if the ellos preterite verb is irregular, all these conjugations will maintain that irregularity.**

Drop the "ron"

dijeron --> dije-

durmieron --> durmie-

hablaron --> habla-

add new endings

*-ar, -er, & -ir verbs all get the same endings seen below*

NEW ENDINGS:

-ra (yo)

-ras (tú)

-ra (él, ella, Ud.)

-__'ramos (nosotros)[there will ALWAYS be an accent on the vowel right before the "r"]

-rais (vosotros)

-ran (ellos, ellas, Uds.)


dijera, dijéramos...

durmiera, durmiéramos...

hablara, habláramos...


Online practice