despreciar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
despreciar — to look down on
The imperfect subjunctive of despreciar (e.g., despreciara, despreciaras) is used for past hypotheticals and wishes.
despreciar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is perfect for talking about past hypothetical situations, wishes, or doubts. Think 'if I *were* to look down on...' or 'I wish he *would* look down on...'. It often appears in 'si' (if) clauses.
Notes on despreciar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Despreciar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. The two forms (-ra and -se) are interchangeable, but the -ra form is more common.
Example Sentences
Si yo despreciara su opinión, no estaría aquí.
If I looked down on his opinion, I wouldn't be here.
yo
Me gustaría que tú no despreciaras tanto el arte moderno.
I would like you not to look down on modern art so much.
tú
Ellos actuarían diferente si no despreciaran al jefe.
They would act differently if they didn't look down on the boss.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the imperfect indicative instead of the imperfect subjunctive.
Correct: In hypothetical 'si' clauses, use 'despreciara' (subjunctive), not 'despreciaba' (indicative).
Why: The subjunctive mood is required for hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situations.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms.
Correct: Both 'despreciara' and 'despreciase' are correct, but 'despreciara' is often preferred.
Why: While both are grammatically correct, regional preferences and formality can influence choice.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: desprecio
The present tense of despreciar (desprecio, desprecias, desprecia...) describes current actions or habits.
Preterite
yo: desprecié
The preterite of despreciar is regular: desprecié, despreciaste, despreció, despreciamos, despreciasteis, despreciaron.
Imperfect
yo: despreciaba
The imperfect of despreciar (despreciaba, despreciabas...) describes ongoing or habitual past actions.
Future
yo: despreciaré
The future tense of despreciar (despreciaré, despreciarás...) indicates actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: despreciaría
The conditional of despreciar (despreciaría, despreciarías...) expresses 'would' actions or polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: desprecie
Use 'desprecie' (yo/él/ella/Ud.) and 'desprecien' (ellos/ellas/Uds.) after wishes, doubts, and emotions.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: desprecia
Use 'desprecia' (tú) and 'desprecien' (ustedes) for direct commands with despreciar.
Negative Imperative
yo: no desprecies
Negative commands for despreciar use the present subjunctive: 'no desprecies', 'no desprecien'.