{"id":1723,"date":"2018-05-14T10:52:16","date_gmt":"2018-05-14T10:52:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clozemaster.com\/blog\/?p=1723"},"modified":"2022-12-15T09:39:57","modified_gmt":"2022-12-15T09:39:57","slug":"spanish-imperfect-subjunctive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clozemaster.com\/blog\/spanish-imperfect-subjunctive\/","title":{"rendered":"Spanish Imperfect Subjunctive: A Complete Guide (That ANYONE Can Follow)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The imperfect subjunctive in Spanish might be one of the most challenging tenses to understand and put into practice. However, once you learn it, you will be looking for ways to use the Spanish imperfect subjunctive whenever you can.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

If you are learning Spanish and have reached your SOS when it comes to using the imperfect subjunctive, then you have come to the right place. We will be giving you the full and complete guide on everything you need to know about what the imperfect subjunctive is and how you can use it.<\/p>\n

To start off, we want to help you conceptualize it by connecting the imperfect subjunctive to other tenses you might have learned in your Spanish learning journey.<\/p>\n

What is the Spanish Imperfect Subjunctive?<\/h2>\n

The imperfect subjunctive tense is very often used in Spanish. This tense is also known as the Spanish past subjunctive, but its real name is the preterite imperfect tense of the subjunctive mood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The word “preterite” means past and the word “subjunctive” denotes mood.\u00a0The subjunctive does not express time. It reveals the point of view of a speaker. That’s why you’ll notice that the Spanish imperfect subjunctive is often used to express a point of view in the past.<\/p>\n

The first step to understanding this past subjunctive tense is understanding the present subjunctive. This is because the imperfect subjunctive is basically used to express the same subjectivity as the present subjunctive, except in the past. Since it is in the past, the main difference is the timing. So learning more about the present subjunctive before you get into the nitty and gritty of how to use the imperfect subjunctive is something you might want to do.<\/p>\n

After you understand what the Spanish subjunctive mood is and have a better idea of what it means and when it is used, you can start looking at how you can use the imperfect subjunctive.<\/p>\n

If you have no idea what the imperfect subjunctive even looks like, we will start by showing you that first. Then we will explain the different scenarios where you can use the Spanish imperfect subjunctive along with examples of each case.<\/p>\n

There are some basic rules used to form the imperfect subjunctive. In an imperfect sentence, what will mainly change is the verb.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look at an example. <\/b><\/p>\n

Quisiera dos libros, por favor.<\/i><\/p>\n

This translates to:<\/b><\/p>\n

I’d like two books, please.<\/p>\n

In this sentence, the verb is querer<\/em>. Conjugating querer<\/em> into quisiera<\/i> is what makes this sentence an imperfect subjunctive example.<\/p>\n

So, to use the imperfect subjunctive correctly you need to know how to conjugate Spanish verbs with this tense.<\/p>\n

How to Conjugate a Regular Verb into Imperfect Subjunctive in Spanish<\/h2>\n

FIRST:<\/b> When you conjugate a regular verb into imperfect subjunctive in Spanish, you will have to use the \u00a0third plural form of the preterite tense.<\/a><\/p>\n

Take the verbs hablar<\/i> and tomar<\/i> as an example.<\/p>\n

The third person form of the preterite for these verbs would be as follows:<\/p>\n

hablar \u2192 hablaron<\/i><\/p>\n

tomar \u2192 tomaron<\/i><\/p>\n

When you conjugate hablar into the third person plural form, you think about what you would say after ellos<\/i> or ellas<\/i>.<\/p>\n

Ellos (hablar) toda la noche. <\/i><\/p>\n

Ellas (tomar) una cerveza antes de bailar. <\/i><\/p>\n

Now try conjugating the two verbs given below in the third person plural form of the preterite (simple past) tense yourself.<\/p>\n

tener \u2192<\/i><\/p>\n

escuchar \u2192 <\/i><\/p>\n

Remember, if you can\u2019t figure out how to conjugate these, then put an ellos<\/em> or ellas<\/em> in front of the verb.<\/p>\n

Ellos (tener) mucho dinero. <\/i><\/p>\n

Ellas (escuchar) la \u00f3pera. <\/i><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how you should have conjugated it:<\/p>\n

tener \u2192 tuvieron<\/i><\/p>\n

escuchar \u2192 escucharon<\/i><\/p>\n

SECOND:<\/b> The next step after having found the third person plural form of the preterite tense would be to take off the -ron.<\/p>\n

After you have conjugated the verb into the third person plural of the preterite tense, you remove the -ron at the end of the verb.<\/p>\n

escucharon \u2192 escucha<\/i>ron <\/i><\/span>\u2192 escrucha_<\/i><\/p>\n

hablaron \u2192 habla<\/i>ron<\/i><\/span> \u2192 habla_<\/i><\/p>\n

You will be adding different letters to the ending of these verbs in a minute. But first, you should practice.<\/p>\n

So I will give you two verbs and you will first conjugate them into the third person plural of the preterite tense and then remove the -ron at the end.<\/p>\n

regresar \u2192 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u2192 <\/i><\/p>\n

esperar \u2192 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u2192 <\/i><\/p>\n

Here are the solutions:<\/p>\n

regresar \u2192 regresa<\/i>ron<\/i><\/span> \u2192 regresa_<\/i><\/p>\n

Esperar \u2192 espera<\/i>ron<\/i><\/span> \u2192 espera_<\/i><\/p>\n

THIRD: <\/b>Now, you will add the imperfect subjunctive endings to your verb.<\/p>\n

Now that you have your verb with an open ending, you need to use one of the two imperfect endings to conjugate the verb into the imperfect subjunctive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
yo<\/td>\n-ra \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0or -se<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
t\u00fa<\/td>\n-ras \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0or -ses<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00e9l\/ella\/usted<\/td>\n-ra \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0or -se<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nosotros\/nosotras<\/td>\n-ramos \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0or -semos<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
vosotros\/vosotras<\/td>\n-r\u00e1is \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0or -s\u00e9is<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ellos\/ellas\/ustedes<\/td>\n-ran \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0or -sen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Let me give you some examples so you can get a better visual.<\/p>\n

comer \u2192 comie<\/i>ron<\/i><\/span> \u2192 comie_ \u2192 yo comiera o yo comiese <\/i><\/p>\n

estar \u2192 estuvie<\/i>ron<\/i><\/span> \u2192 estuvie_ \u2192 t\u00fa estuvieras o t\u00fa estuvieses<\/i><\/p>\n

Try to do the same with these verbs:<\/p>\n

llevar \u2192\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2192\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2192 yo<\/i><\/p>\n

encuentran \u2192\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2192\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u2192 ellos <\/i><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t try to rush until the end. Do it step by step and slowly you will get the hang of it.<\/p>\n

Here are the solutions:<\/p>\n

llevar \u2192 llevaron \u00a0\u2192 lleva_ \u2192 yo llevara o yo llevase<\/i><\/p>\n

encuentran \u2192 encontraron \u2192 encontra_ \u2192 ellos encontraran o ellos encontrasen<\/i><\/p>\n

The two options are good to know. You can use either or interchange them; they are both grammatically correct.<\/p>\n

How to Conjugate Irregular Verbs into the Spanish Imperfect Subjunctive<\/b><\/h2>\n

Like with most rules in Spanish, or any language really, there are exceptions. Though the system I have taught you above is the general rule, there are some irregular verbs that stray from this rule.<\/p>\n

The best thing to do is to understand and get used to conjugating the verbs into the imperfect subjunctive and once you get the hang of it, start memorizing the irregular verbs that do not follow the general guidelines.<\/p>\n

I am going to give you the three of the most commonly used irregular verbs for the imperfect subjunctive and will show you how to conjugate them. Two of these are actually conjugated identically even though they are not used in the same context.<\/p>\n

ir<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
yo<\/td>\nfuera \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0o fuese<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
t\u00fa<\/td>\nfueras \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0o fueses<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00e9l\/ella\/usted<\/td>\nfuera \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0o fuese<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nosotros\/nosotras<\/td>\nfu\u00e9ramos \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0o fu\u00e9semos<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
vosotros\/vosotras<\/td>\nfuerais \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0o fueseis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ellos\/ellas\/ustedes<\/td>\nFueran \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0o fuesen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

ser<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
yo<\/td>\nfuera \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0o fuese<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
t\u00fa<\/td>\nfueras \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0o fueses<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00e9l\/ella<\/td>\nfuera \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0o fuese<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nosotros\/nosotras<\/td>\nfu\u00e9ramos \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0o fu\u00e9semos<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
vosotros\/vosotras<\/td>\nfuerais \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0o fueseis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ellos\/ellas<\/td>\nFueran \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0o fuesen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

ver<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
yo<\/td>\nviera \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0o viese<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
t\u00fa<\/td>\nvieras \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0o vieses<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u00e9l\/ella<\/td>\nviera \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0o viese<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
nosotros\/nosotras<\/td>\nvi\u00e9ramos \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0o vi\u00e9semos<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
vosotros\/vosotras<\/td>\nvierais\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0o vieseis<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ellos\/ellas<\/td>\nvieran \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0o viesen<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

When to use the Imperfect Subjunctive in Spanish<\/b><\/h2>\n

Now that you have a good grasp of how to conjugate Spanish verbs in the imperfect subjunctive tense, you need to learn when the imperfect subjunctive structure is used in Spanish. We’ll go over all of the different times the imperfect subjunctive can be used along with specific examples in each category.<\/p>\n

1. Past and Present<\/b><\/h3>\n

The imperfect subjunctive is used when you are indicating an action in the past in the same situation where the subjunctive would be required in the present.<\/p>\n

For example, look at this sentence in the present subjunctive:<\/p>\n

Es emocionante que Maria me lea el peri\u00f3dico.<\/i><\/p>\n

This translates to:<\/p>\n

It is exciting when Maria reads the newspaper to me.<\/p>\n

This is when you can use what you have learned to good use. If you want to say the same thing but in the past, you use the imperfect subjunctive. To change something that is in the present to the imperfect subjunctive you change the verbs.<\/p>\n

So you change es<\/i> and lea<\/i><\/p>\n

es \u2192 era<\/i><\/p>\n

lea \u2192 leyera<\/i><\/p>\n

The sentence will now look like this:<\/p>\n

Era emocionante que Maria me leyera el peri\u00f3dico.<\/i><\/p>\n

This now translates to:<\/p>\n

It was exciting that Maria would read the news to me.<\/p>\n

2. Expressions of Desire\/Wishes or Doubt<\/b><\/h3>\n

The imperfect subjunctive is commonly when you are trying to express a desire of something you wish to happen, or when you are expressing doubt for something you are unsure of.<\/p>\n

A. Wishes <\/b><\/h4>\n

In situations where you are hoping for something to happen in Spanish, the phrase oj\u00e1la que <\/i>is used often. \u00a0Oj\u00e1la que <\/i>basically means hopefully or I wish.<\/p>\n

So, let\u2019s say you want to say \u201cI hope it would rain on Wednesday.\u201d<\/p>\n

Then you would take the present sentence in spanish:<\/p>\n

Ojal\u00e1 que llueva el mi\u00e9rcoles.<\/i><\/p>\n

Which means:<\/p>\n

I hope it rains on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

And then you change the verb into imperfect subjunctive.<\/p>\n

llueva \u2192 lloviera <\/i><\/p>\n

Then you make that change in the sentence:<\/p>\n

Ojal\u00e1 que lloviera el mi\u00e9rcoles.<\/i><\/p>\n

You can also use ojal\u00e1<\/em> without the word que<\/em>. Let’s see some examples.<\/p>\n

\u00a1Ojal\u00e1 lloviera ahora!<\/em>
\n(I wish it rained now!)<\/p>\n

\u00a1Ojal\u00e1 nevara!<\/em>
\n(I wish it snowed!)<\/p>\n

\u00a1Ojal\u00e1 pudiera descansar ma\u00f1ana!<\/em>
\n(I wish I could rest tomorrow!)<\/p>\n

\u00a1Ojala me ganara la loter\u00eda!<\/em>
\n(I wish I won the lottery!)<\/p>\n

Other expressions that usually indicate your desire or wish for something include sentences that start with the following phrases:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Espero que\u2026<\/li>\n
  • Deseo que\u2026<\/li>\n
  • Quiero que\u2026<\/li>\n
  • Exigo que\u2026<\/li>\n
  • Prefiero que…<\/li>\n
  • Pido que…<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    B. Doubt<\/b><\/h4>\n

    If you take the same example from above, you could also use imperfect subjunctive when you are expressing doubt about something you are unsure about. So instead of using the imperfect subjunctive before phrases that indicate your desire or wish for something, you can also use it to express doubt for a certain issue.<\/p>\n

    Expressions that usually indicate your doubt for something include sentences that start with the following phrases:<\/p>\n

      \n
    • Dudo que\u2026<\/li>\n
    • No creo que\u2026<\/li>\n
    • No estoy seguro que\u2026<\/li>\n
    • No pienso que\u2026<\/li>\n
    • Niego que…<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      3. <\/b>Si<\/i><\/b> (If) Events<\/b><\/h3>\n

      The imperfect subjunctive is also used when you use an if clause when trying to explain something that is contrary-to-fact or unlikely to happen.<\/p>\n

      So, for example when you say:<\/p>\n

      If I worked harder, I would get promoted.<\/p>\n

      This would translate to:<\/p>\n

      Si trabajara m\u00e1s duro, me promovieran.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

      This sentence is using the if clause to explain why the person cannot do something. So contrary to the fact that that person did their job, they were not promoted because they did not work hard enough. But using the if clause simplifies this sentence.<\/p>\n

      You can see that the two verbs in the Spanish sentence were conjugated according to the trick that I showed you above.<\/p>\n

      trabajar \u2192yo\u00a0 trabajara<\/i><\/p>\n

      promover \u2192 ellos promovieran<\/i><\/p>\n

      Spanish speakers use the Spanish imperfect subjunctive in the \u201cif clause\u201d of these conditional sentences.\u00a0The English equivalent of these unreal sentences is the second conditional. <\/span><\/p>\n

      In English, second conditional sentences are the ones that have a past verb in the \u201cif clause\u201d and the auxiliary verb \u201cwould\u201d in the main clause. Let\u2019s see some examples. <\/span><\/p>\n

      Si tuviera mucho dinero, comprar\u00eda una casa.<\/em>
      \n(If I had a lot of money, I would buy a house.)<\/p>\n

      Si supiera la respuesta, te la dir\u00eda.<\/em>
      \n(If I knew the answer, I would give it to you.)<\/p>\n

      Si ellos me ofrecieran el trabajo, lo aceptar\u00eda.<\/em>
      \n(If they offered me the job, I would accept it.)<\/p>\n

      Si fuera m\u00e1s alto, entrar\u00eda al equipo.<\/em>
      \n(If I were taller, I would enter the team.)<\/p>\n

      Si no fumaras, no estar\u00edas enfermo.<\/em>
      \n(If you did not smoke, you would not be sick.)<\/p>\n

      \u00bfD\u00f3nde vivir\u00edas si pudieras vivir en cualquier parte del mundo?<\/em>
      \nWhere would you live if you could live anywhere in the word?<\/p>\n

      4. Que \u2192 That <\/b><\/h3>\n

      When you hear people speak in Spanish, you might hear the word que <\/i>a lot. The que<\/em> might actually mean different things depending on where it is placed in a sentence and where the accent mark falls.<\/p>\n

      For this imperfect subjunctive example, the closest translation we can get to expressing que<\/em>\u00a0is with the word \u201cthat\u201d.<\/p>\n

      For instance, if you wanted to say something like \u201cI study so that<\/i>\u00a0I can speak better Spanish\u201d, the that<\/i> would be the replacement of the word que<\/em>\u00a0when using the imperfect subjunctive.<\/p>\n

      The imperfect subjunctive is used in the dependent clause after you use the word que<\/i> but only when the independent clause is in the past tense.<\/p>\n

      Let me give you an example of this:<\/p>\n

      Yo quer<\/i>\u00eda que \u00e9l tomara un tequila conmigo. <\/i><\/p>\n

      Which is:<\/p>\n

      I wanted him to drink a tequila with me.<\/p>\n

      As you can see, you don\u2019t necessarily need \u201cthat\u201d in this sentence. In fact, it sounds better without \u201cthat\u201d in English. But in Spanish you need to use it because you are expressing the imperfect subjunctive of what you want or expect to happen.<\/p>\n

      When you say \u201cI wanted him to drink a tequila with me\u201d, you have to use the imperfect subjunctive because you want someone to do something that is not a concrete moment or thought. It is a desire or expectation that is not substantially real.<\/p>\n

      \n

      Important: <\/b>Never use the subjunctive mood to express positive opinions in Spanish. As we learned before, you can use it to express doubts or negative opinions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      • Cre\u00ed que llegaras a tiempo (incorrect)<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Cre\u00ed que llegar\u00edas a tiempo (correct)<\/span><\/li>\n
      • No cre\u00ed que llegaras a tiempo. (correct)\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
        \n

        5. Being Polite<\/b><\/h3>\n

        The imperfect subjunctive is also used in some polite expressions that contain Spanish modal verbs. Let’s us see!<\/span><\/p>\n

        For example:<\/p>\n

        I would like to attend the party.<\/p>\n

        Would translate to:<\/p>\n

        Quisiera asistir a la fiesta.<\/i><\/p>\n

        How would you say:<\/p>\n

        Should I go with you?<\/p>\n

        The word should is the same as the verb deber<\/em>. So how would you translate this sentence? Keep in mind that you need to use the imperfect subjunctive. Try writing it down and then continue to scroll down for the answer.<\/p>\n

        Here’s the answer:<\/p>\n

        \u00bfDeber\u00eda ir con ustedes?<\/i><\/p>\n

        Let’s see an example with the verb\u00a0poder<\/i>.<\/p>\n

        Could you bring me my purse, please?<\/p>\n

        Try writing down your answer so that you can compare it with the answer below. Sometimes when you just say your answer, you don\u2019t realize you got something wrong. Trust me, write your answers down.<\/p>\n

        This should translate to:<\/p>\n

        \u00bfPudiera traerme mi cartera, por favor?<\/i><\/p>\n

        Now I’ll share with you some set expressions that are formed with the Spanish imperfect subjunctive. All of these expressions contain one of the following Spanish modal verbs: querer (want), poder (can), deber (should), parecer (seem).<\/p>\n

        \u00a1No quisiera perderme esa pel\u00edcula!<\/em>
        \n(I would not like to miss that movie!)<\/p>\n

        Quisiera hacer una pregunta.<\/em>
        \n(I would like to ask a question.)<\/p>\n

        \u00bfPudieras ayudarme?<\/em>
        \n(Could you help me?)<\/p>\n

        Pudiera hacerlo ahora mismo.<\/em>
        \n(I could do it right now.)<\/p>\n

        T\u00fa deber\u00edas ser humilde.<\/em>
        \n(You should be humble.)<\/p>\n

        Pareciera que no sabes de qu\u00e9 hablo.<\/em>
        \n(It seems to be that you don\u2019t know what I am talking about.)<\/p>\n

        Pareciera que est\u00e1s disfrutando tus vacaciones.<\/em>
        \n(It seems to be that you are enjoying your vacations.)<\/p>\n

        Click here to read our comprehensive guide to all Spanish tenses!<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

        Mastering the Imperfect Subjunctive in Spanish<\/b><\/h2>\n

        The key to mastering the imperfect subjunctive in Spanish, like any other grammatical topic, is lots of practice. Using an app like Clozemaster<\/a> is perfect since it allows you to see and practice conjugating Spanish verbs in context. You can quiz yourself on the example sentences used in this article right here on the page.<\/p>\n