definir Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
definir — to define
Use the imperfect subjunctive (definiera/definiese) for past hypotheticals or wishes.
definir Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
The imperfect subjunctive is used for hypothetical situations, polite requests, or wishes in the past. If you were talking about what you *would have defined* or what you *wished someone would define* in the past, you'd use this tense.
Notes on definir in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Definir is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. You take the 'ellos/ellas/ustedes' preterite form ('definieron'), drop the '-ron', and add the imperfect subjunctive endings: '-ra' or '-se'. So, 'definieran' or 'definiesen'.
Example Sentences
Si pudiera, definiría mi posición claramente.
If I could, I would define my position clearly.
yo
Me gustaría que definieras mejor tus ideas.
I would like you to define your ideas better.
tú
Ellos actuarían si él definiera las reglas.
They would act if he defined the rules.
él/ella/usted
Ojalá definiéramos el camino correcto.
Hopefully, we would define the right path.
nosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the imperfect indicative instead of the imperfect subjunctive.
Correct: Instead of 'Si definía las reglas...', use 'Si definiera las reglas...'.
Why: The imperfect indicative describes past actions or states, while the imperfect subjunctive introduces hypothetical or contrary-to-fact conditions.
Mistake: Confusing the '-ra' and '-se' forms.
Correct: Both 'definiera' and 'definiese' are correct imperfect subjunctive forms for 'él/ella/usted'.
Why: Spanish offers two sets of endings for the imperfect subjunctive, and they are interchangeable.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: defino
Use the present of 'definir' for 'I define', 'you define', 'they define' happening now or habitually.
Preterite
yo: definí
Use the preterite of 'definir' for completed actions like 'I defined' or 'she defined'.
Imperfect
yo: definía
Use the imperfect of 'definir' for ongoing or habitual past actions like 'I used to define' or 'she was defining'.
Future
yo: definiré
Use the future of 'definir' for 'I will define', 'you will define', 'they will define'.
Conditional
yo: definiría
Use the conditional of 'definir' for 'I would define', 'you would define', 'they would define'.
Present Subjunctive
yo: defina
Use the present subjunctive (defina/defina) after expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: define
Use the imperative of definir for direct commands like 'define!', 'let's define!'.
Negative Imperative
yo: no definas
Use 'no + present subjunctive' for negative commands like 'don't define!'.