desfilar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
desfilar — to parade
The imperfect subjunctive (desfilara/desfilase) is for past hypotheticals, wishes, or polite requests.
desfilar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
Use the imperfect subjunctive after expressions of doubt, emotion, or desire in the past, or in 'if' clauses that were contrary to fact. For example, 'Si yo desfilara en ese evento, sería genial' (If I were to parade in that event, it would be great).
Notes on desfilar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Desfilar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se endings are correct, though -ra is more common in many regions.
Example Sentences
Ojalá desfilara mejor.
I wish I paraded better.
yo
Si ellos desfilaran, la gente aplaudiría.
If they paraded, the people would applaud.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Me pidió que desfilara con la bandera.
He asked me to parade with the flag.
yo
¿Tú desfilaras en el carnaval el año pasado?
Were you parading in the carnival last year? (hypothetical/doubt)
tú
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Confusing imperfect subjunctive with preterite or imperfect indicative.
Correct: Use imperfect subjunctive after phrases like 'ojalá', 'si' (hypothetical), 'quisiera que', etc.
Why: The subjunctive mood expresses uncertainty or desire, distinct from the indicative's factual reporting.
Mistake: Using the -se ending when the -ra ending is expected or preferred.
Correct: While both are technically correct, 'desfilara' is often more common than 'desfilase'.
Why: Regional and stylistic preferences exist for the two imperfect subjunctive forms.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: desfilo
The present tense (desfilo, desfilas, desfila) describes actions happening now or habitual parading.
Preterite
yo: desfilé
The preterite of desfilar is regular: desfilé, desfilaste, desfiló, desfilamos, desfilasteis, desfilaron.
Imperfect
yo: desfilaba
The imperfect of desfilar (desfilaba) describes ongoing or habitual past parades.
Future
yo: desfilaré
The future tense (desfilaré) indicates actions that will happen, or expresses probability.
Conditional
yo: desfilaría
The conditional (desfilaría) is for hypothetical parades ('would parade') or polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: desfile
Present subjunctive (desfile) follows expressions of desire, doubt, emotion, and uncertainty.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: desfila
Use imperative forms like 'desfila' (tú) and 'desfilen' (ustedes) for direct commands.
Negative Imperative
yo: no desfiles
Negative commands use 'no' plus the present subjunctive, like 'no desfiles' (tú) or 'no desfilen' (ustedes).