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A person falling back into the arms of a friend, appearing unconscious.

desmayar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

desmayarto faint

A2regular -ar★★★★
Quick answer:

The imperfect subjunctive of desmayar (desmayara/desmayase) is for past hypotheticals or wishes.

desmayar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms

yodesmayara
desmayaras
él/ella/usteddesmayara
nosotrosdesmayáramos
vosotrosdesmayarais
ellos/ellas/ustedesdesmayaran

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

Use the imperfect subjunctive of desmayar in 'if' clauses referring to unlikely or hypothetical situations in the past, or after expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion related to the past.

Notes on desmayar in the Imperfect Subjunctive

Desmayar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se forms are correct, though -ra is more common in many regions.

Example Sentences

  • Si yo me desmayara, ¿quién me ayudaría?

    If I were to faint, who would help me?

    yo

  • Quería que no se desmayara de la emoción.

    I wanted him/her not to faint from the emotion.

    él/ella/usted

  • No creía que ellos se desmayaran tan rápido.

    I didn't think they would faint so quickly.

    ellos/ellas/ustedes

Common Mistakes

  • Mistake: Using the preterite instead of imperfect subjunctive: 'Si me desmayó...'.

    Correct: 'Si me desmayara...'.

    Why: The 'if' clause for hypotheticals requires the subjunctive mood, specifically the imperfect subjunctive.

  • Mistake: Using the wrong ending, like 'desmayaría' instead of 'desmayara'.

    Correct: The imperfect subjunctive forms are 'desmayara' or 'desmayase'.

    Why: 'Desmayaría' is the conditional tense, used for different hypothetical situations.

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