caber Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
caber — to fit
The imperfect subjunctive uses the irregular preterite stem 'cup-'.
caber Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
Use this in 'if' clauses (e.g., 'If it fit...') or when the main verb is in the past and triggers the subjunctive.
Notes on caber in the Imperfect Subjunctive
It follows the 3rd person plural preterite (cupieron). Remove the '-ron' to get the stem 'cupie-'.
Example Sentences
Si cupiera en el coche, lo compraría.
If it fit in the car, I would buy it.
él/ella/usted
Me sorprendió que cupiéramos todos.
It surprised me that we all fit.
nosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using 'cabiera' instead of 'cupiera'.
Correct: cupiera
Why: The imperfect subjunctive must always be derived from the irregular preterite stem 'cup-'.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: quepo
Caber is irregular only in the 'yo' form (quepo); all other forms follow the regular -er pattern.
Preterite
yo: cupe
Caber is highly irregular in the preterite, using the stem 'cup-' for all persons.
Imperfect
yo: cabía
Caber is completely regular in the imperfect: cabía, cabías, cabía, cabíamos, cabíais, cabían.
Future
yo: cabré
The future tense of caber uses the irregular stem 'cabr-'.
Conditional
yo: cabría
The conditional uses the same irregular stem as the future: 'cabr-'.
Present Subjunctive
yo: quepa
The present subjunctive is based on the irregular 'yo' form, using the stem 'quep-'.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: cabe
The imperative uses 'cabe' for 'tú' but switches to 'quep-' for formal commands.
Negative Imperative
yo: no quepas
Negative commands for caber always use the 'quep-' stem from the present subjunctive.