Imperfect subjunctive · -ra / -se
The past subjunctive (a special verb form for wishes, doubts and feelings), built from the they-form of the preterite. Two interchangeable endings: -ra and -se.
Examples
- Si tuviera tiempo, viajaría.If I had time, I'd travel.
- Quería que vinieras.I wanted you to come.
- Quisiera un café.I'd like a coffee (polite).
How it works
The imperfect subjunctive (a special verb form for wishes, doubts and feelings) describes hypothetical, contrary-to-fact, or past events triggered by subjunctive triggers.
Formation
take the 3rd person plural preterite (ellos -ron form), drop -ron, add the imperfect subjunctive endings. TWO equally valid sets:
-RA endings (more common in Latin America):
Examples (hablar → hablaron → habla-):
Examples (tener → tuvieron → tuvie-):
Examples (ir/ser → fueron → fue-):
Triggers
same as present subjunctive, but in past contexts:
It was important that you studied.
Hypothetical "si" clauses (contrary-to-fact):
If I had time, I'd travel.
If I were rich, I'd help you.
Polite expressions
I'd like a coffee. (more polite than quiero)
Could I speak with you?
Past subjunctive after expressions of past wish/order:
He asked him to arrive early.
What you'll practise
1. Build from 3rd-pl preterite, drop -ron, add -ra/-ras/-ra…
tuvieron → tuvie- → tuviera/tuvieras/tuviera…
- Si tuviera tiempo…If I had time…
- Si fuera rico…If I were rich…
2. si + imperfect subjunctive + conditional (hypothetical)
Standard contrary-to-fact si clause.
- Si supiera, te diría.If I knew, I'd tell you.
- Si pudiera, vendría.If I could, I'd come.
3. Past wish / order triggers imperfect subjunctive
After preterite/imperfect of querer/pedir/decir + que…
- Quería que viniera.I wanted him to come.
- Le pidió que esperara.He asked her to wait.
Practise it until it sticks
Short drills built on these 3 skills, with instant feedback on every answer. Free to start.