desconocer Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
desconocer — to not know
The imperfect subjunctive uses the 'desconocier-' stem: desconociera, desconocieras...
desconocer Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
Use this for hypothetical 'if' situations (e.g., 'If I didn't know you...') or in the past when doubt or uncertainty was involved.
Notes on desconocer in the Imperfect Subjunctive
It follows the regular pattern for -er verbs in this tense, based on the third-person plural preterite (desconocieron).
Example Sentences
Si yo desconociera tu pasado, te creería.
If I didn't know your past, I would believe you.
yo
Me sorprendió que ellos desconocieran el plan.
It surprised me that they didn't know the plan.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Si tú desconocieras la ciudad, te perderías.
If you didn't know the city, you would get lost.
tú
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using 'desconozca' in a past context.
Correct: Use 'desconociera'.
Why: When the main verb is in the past (e.g., 'me sorprendió'), the following subjunctive must usually be in the imperfect form.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: desconozco
Desconocer is irregular only in the 'yo' form (desconozco), otherwise it follows regular -er patterns.
Preterite
yo: desconocí
Desconocer is regular in the preterite: desconocí, desconociste, desconoció, etc.
Imperfect
yo: desconocía
Desconocer is regular in the imperfect: desconocía, desconocías, desconocía...
Future
yo: desconoceré
The future of desconocer is regular: desconoceré, desconocerás, desconocerá...
Conditional
yo: desconocería
The conditional of desconocer is regular: desconocería, desconocerías, desconocería...
Present Subjunctive
yo: desconozca
The present subjunctive uses the 'desconozc-' stem for all forms.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: desconoce
The imperative uses 'desconoce' (tú) and 'desconozca' (usted).
Negative Imperative
yo: no desconozcas
The negative imperative uses the 'zc' stem: no desconozcas, no desconozca...