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Tense guide
Pretérito imperfecto subjuntivo (se) (Imperfect Subjunctive (se))

Language: Spanish
Tense:
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Introduction

This special verb form, often ending in "-se", helps you talk about things from a past perspective. You use it not to state facts, but to express past feelings, doubts, wishes, or requests about another action. It connects a past emotion or command to a secondary action.

You use this verb form after a main action in the past that expresses a feeling, a wish, or a doubt. The feeling is in the past, and it is about another action.

Yo quería que tú vinieses a la fiesta.
(I wanted you to come to the party.)
Me alegró que aprobaseis el examen.
(I was happy that you passed the exam.)
Dudaba que él dijese la verdad.
(I doubted that he was telling the truth.)
A ella le sorprendió que no supiésemos nada.
(It surprised her that we didn't know anything.)
Era una lástima que el equipo perdiese el partido.
(It was a shame that the team lost the game.)

This form is also used when someone in the past made a request, suggestion, or gave an order for someone else to do something.

Mi jefe me pidió que llegase más temprano.
(My boss asked me to arrive earlier.)
El doctor me recomendó que bebiese más agua.
(The doctor recommended that I drink more water.)
Mis padres me dijeron que hiciese la tarea.
(My parents told me to do the homework.)
El profesor insistió en que estudiásemos más.
(The teacher insisted that we study more.)

You always use this verb form after the phrase como si (as if) to make a comparison to a situation that isn't real or is contrary to fact.

Él hablaba como si fuese el experto.
(He talked as if he were the expert.)
Caminaba como si no le doliese nada.
(She walked as if nothing hurt her.)
Me miraron como si estuviese loco.
(They looked at me as if I were crazy.)

Use this form with Ojalá to express a strong wish about a past event that is now impossible to change. It is similar to saying "if only..". in English.

Ojalá tuviese más tiempo en ese momento.
(If only I had had more time at that moment.)
Ojalá no lloviese durante nuestras vacaciones.
(I wish it hadn't rained during our vacation.)

This form is needed after certain phrases in the past that express importance, necessity, or what was possible.

Era importante que todos participasen.
(It was important that everyone participate.)
Era necesario que comprásemos los boletos con tiempo.
(It was necessary that we buy the tickets in advance.)
No era probable que él viniese sin avisar.
(It wasn't likely that he would come without notice.)

You can also use this form after antes de que (before) to describe a past action that occurred before another one, often to prevent something from happening.

Me fui antes de que tú llegases.
(I left before you arrived.)
Guardamos todo antes de que empezase la tormenta.
(We put everything away before the storm started.)

Remember, this special form is used in combination with another past verb. It shows a past point of view about another action, not a direct, factual event.

Further explanations

Conjugation patterns