conversar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
conversar — to converse
The imperfect subjunctive of conversar (conversara/conversase) is for past hypotheticals or wishes.
conversar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is used for hypothetical situations in the past, wishes, or polite requests that didn't necessarily happen. Think 'If I were to converse...' or 'I wish you would converse...' It often appears after 'si' (if) clauses.
Notes on conversar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Conversar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. You can use either the -ra form (conversara) or the -se form (conversase) – they mean the same thing, though -ra is more common in many regions.
Example Sentences
Si yo conversara más, aprendería más rápido.
If I conversed more, I would learn faster.
yo
Me gustaría que conversaras con ella.
I would like you to converse with her.
tú
Él actuaría diferente si conversara con el jefe.
He would act differently if he conversed with the boss.
él/ella/usted
Si ellos conversaran sobre el problema, tal vez lo resolverían.
If they conversed about the problem, maybe they would solve it.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Ojalá ustedes conversasen sobre sus sentimientos.
I wish you all would converse about your feelings.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the imperfect indicative instead of the imperfect subjunctive.
Correct: For 'If I conversed...', use 'Si yo conversara...' not 'Si yo conversaba...'.
Why: The 'si' clause expressing a hypothetical past condition requires the subjunctive mood.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se endings.
Correct: Both 'conversara' and 'conversase' are correct imperfect subjunctive forms.
Why: Learners sometimes think only one is correct, but both are valid, though usage varies by region.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: converso
The present tense of conversar (converso, conversas, etc.) is for actions happening now or habitually.
Preterite
yo: conversé
The preterite of conversar (conversé, conversaste, etc.) marks completed past conversations.
Imperfect
yo: conversaba
The imperfect of conversar (conversaba, conversabas, etc.) describes ongoing or habitual past actions.
Future
yo: conversaré
The future tense of conversar (conversaré, conversarás, etc.) indicates actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: conversaría
The conditional of conversar (conversaría, conversarías, etc.) is for hypotheticals ('would') and polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: converse
The present subjunctive of conversar (converse, converses, etc.) follows expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: conversa
Use the imperative of conversar for direct commands like '¡conversa!' or '¡conviérsemos!'.
Negative Imperative
yo: no converses
Use 'no converses' or 'no conversen' for negative commands, always using the present subjunctive.