The Spanish Imperfect Subjunctive 2 is a more formal and literary variation of the imperfect subjunctive tense. Understanding its formation and usage will enrich your Spanish grammar skills.
Conjugation
To form the Imperfect Subjunctive 2, follow these steps:
- Start with the third person plural of the preterite tense.
- Remove the “-ron” ending.
- Add the following endings:
- -ra for first person singular, third person singular, and third person plural
- -ras for second person singular
- -ramos for first person plural
Examples:
Regular Verbs:
- Hablar (to speak):
- yo hablara
- tú hablaras
- él/ella/usted hablara
- nosotros/nosotras habláramos
- ellos/ellas/ustedes hablaran
- Comer (to eat):
- yo comiera
- tú comieras
- él/ella/usted comiera
- nosotros/nosotras comiéramos
- ellos/ellas/ustedes comieran
- Vivir (to live):
- yo viviera
- tú vivieras
- él/ella/usted viviera
- nosotros/nosotras viviéramos
- ellos/ellas/ustedes vivieran
Irregular Verbs:
- Ser (to be): yo fuera, tú fueras, él/ella/usted fuera, nosotros/nosotras fuéramos, ellos/ellas/ustedes fueran
- Estar (to be): yo estuviera, tú estuvieras, él/ella/usted estuviera, nosotros/nosotras estuviéramos, ellos/ellas/ustedes estuvieran
- Ir (to go): yo fuera, tú fueras, él/ella/usted fuera, nosotros/nosotras fuéramos, ellos/ellas/ustedes fueran
- Hacer (to do): yo hiciera, tú hicieras, él/ella/usted hiciera, nosotros/nosotras hiciéramos, ellos/ellas/ustedes hicieran
- Tener (to have): yo tuviera, tú tuvieras, él/ella/usted tuviera, nosotros/nosotras tuviéramos, ellos/ellas/ustedes tuvieran
- Venir (to come): yo viniera, tú vinieras, él/ella/usted viniera, nosotros/nosotras viniéramos, ellos/ellas/ustedes vinieran
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive 2:
- Hypothetical situations in the past: Si hubiera estudiado más, habría aprobado el examen. (If I had studied more, I would have passed the exam.)
- Expressing wishes or desires about the past: Ojalá hubiera viajado a Europa cuando era joven. (I wish I had traveled to Europe when I was young.)
- Subjunctive clauses after certain verbs: Preferiría que vinieras conmigo. (I would prefer that you came with me.)
Key Points:
- The -ra form is more formal and literary than the -se form.
- It’s often used in written Spanish and in more elevated or poetic contexts.
- While the -ra and -se forms are interchangeable, the -ra form can convey a more distant or formal tone.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll master the Spanish Imperfect Subjunctive 2 and enhance your overall Spanish proficiency.