Pluperfect subjunctive
B2Grammar path · Lesson 66 of 86 · Stage B2 · The past subjunctive
You need this form to talk about things that did not happen in the past: regrets, contrary-to-fact conditions, or feelings about something that had already happened. The core idea is a completed past action placed inside a clause that requires the subjunctive. It is built with hubiera (or hubiese) conjugated for the person + the past participle, as in hubiera hablado, hubieras comido. It is most often confused with the imperfect subjunctive (tuviera, fuera): si tuviera is about an unreal present, while si hubiera tenido is about an unreal past.
Practise this lesson · 10 sentences
Form
hubiera / hubieras / hubiera / hubiéramos / hubieran + participiono + hubiera + participio¿... si + hubiera + participio?hubiese / hubieses / hubiese / hubiésemos / hubiesen + participioWhen to use it
Unreal past conditions
After 'si' for a condition that did not happen; the main clause usually uses habría + participle.
Regrets with ojalá
Ojalá + pluperfect subjunctive expresses a wish that the past had been different.
Feelings or doubt about an earlier action
When the main verb is in the past and triggers the subjunctive (surprise, doubt, joy...) and the other action happened before it.
Hubiera + past participle
Signal words
Don't confuse it with
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between hubiera and hubiese?
There is no difference in meaning. Hubiera is more common in Latin American speech, while hubiese sounds more formal or written.
What goes in the main clause after si + hubiera + participle?
Usually habría + participle: 'Si hubiera sabido, habría venido'. In speech, many people also use hubiera + participle in both clauses.
When do I use ojalá + hubiera instead of ojalá + tuviera?
Ojalá hubiera is a regret about the past: 'Ojalá hubiera ido'. Ojalá tuviera is a wish about the present: 'Ojalá tuviera un coche'.
Does como si take the pluperfect subjunctive?
Yes, when the imagined event is in the past: 'Habla como si hubiera vivido en México'. For the present, use the imperfect subjunctive: 'como si fuera rico'.
Which irregular participles are common with hubiera?
The most common are hecho, dicho, visto, escrito, puesto, vuelto, abierto, roto. Example: 'Si lo hubiera visto, te habría avisado'.