Confusing Past Subjunctive and Simple Past

'Dijera' is a special past verb form (called the imperfect subjunctive) used for expressing wishes, doubts, or hypothetical situations that relate to the past or conditional statements.

The Special Form for Past Uncertainty

You almost always use 'dijera' after phrases that express necessity, emotion, or uncertainty in the past, often linking two parts of a sentence with 'que' (that), like 'Yo quería que me dijera...' (I wanted him/her/you to tell me...).

Trigger Phrases

When making a past hypothetical sentence (If X happened, then Y would happen), the 'if' part (Si...) requires 'dijera' or a similar imperfect subjunctive form.

The 'If...Then...' Rule

Spanish has two forms for this tense: 'dijera' and 'dijese'. They mean exactly the same thing. 'Dijera' (the -ra form) is generally more common in everyday conversation.

Two Forms, One Meaning

A highly common form of the verb 'decir' (to say/tell), essential for expressing past hypothetical situations or wishes.

Learn the meaning and correct usage of 'dijera,' the yo/él/ella/usted form of the imperfect subjunctive of 'decir' (to say/tell). Essential for expressing past wishes and hypotheticals.

dijera

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations