Unreal conditions: si + imperfect subjunctive
B2Grammar path · Lesson 65 of 86 · Stage B2 · The past subjunctive
You use this structure to imagine a situation that is contrary to present reality or unlikely to happen, much like the English second conditional. The if-clause takes si + imperfect subjunctive such as tuviera, fuera, pudiera, and the result clause takes the conditional such as compraría, iría. For example, Si tuviera dinero, viajaría means I do not actually have the money. The two clauses can swap places as long as the verb forms stay the same. Do not confuse it with si + present, which is for things that can really happen: Si tengo dinero, viajo means I may well have it.
Practise this lesson · 10 sentences
Form
Si + imperfecto de subjuntivo, condicionalSi no + imperfecto de subjuntivo, (no +) condicional¿Qué + condicional + si + imperfecto de subjuntivo?Condicional + si + imperfecto de subjuntivoWhen to use it
Imagined or unlikely situations
Use it for daydreams or situations that are very unlikely to happen. The speaker does not really expect them.
Contrary to present facts
Use it for something that is not true right now and what would follow if it were. The sentence implies the opposite is the case.
Giving advice
Put yourself in someone else's place to give gentle advice. A very common pattern is Si yo fuera tú.
Si + imperfect subjunctive → conditional
Signal words
Don't confuse it with
Choose si + imperfect subjunctive when you see the condition as unreal or unlikely: Si tuviera tiempo, te ayudaría. If the condition can realistically happen, use si + present: Si tengo tiempo, te ayudo.
Past unreal conditions: si hubiera…Si + imperfect subjunctive is about an imagined present or future. For something that did not happen in the past, switch to si hubiera + participle: Si hubiera estudiado, habría aprobado.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the conditional right after si?
No. After si you need the imperfect subjunctive: say Si tuviera, not Si tendría. The conditional goes only in the result clause.
What is the difference between tuviera and tuviese?
The -ra and -se forms mean the same in si-clauses. In Latin America the -ra form is far more common in everyday speech.
Is this the Spanish second conditional?
Yes. The pattern si + imperfect subjunctive, conditional matches the English If I had…, I would….
How do I form the imperfect subjunctive?
Take the ellos form of the preterite, drop -ron and add -ra, -ras, -ra, -ramos, -ran. For example, tuvieron becomes tuviera and fueron becomes fuera.
Can the si clause come at the end?
Yes. Te ayudaría si supiera cómo is as correct as Si supiera cómo, te ayudaría. When the si clause comes second, you usually drop the comma.