encarnar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
encarnar — to embody
The imperfect subjunctive ('encarnara'/'encarnase') expresses hypothetical situations or wishes in the past.
encarnar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is used for hypothetical situations, wishes, doubts, or emotions related to the past. For 'encarnar,' it's about wishing someone *had* embodied something, or imagining a past scenario where someone embodied a certain quality.
Notes on encarnar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Encarnar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. You can use either the -ra or -se ending (e.g., encarnara or encarnase), though -ra is more common.
Example Sentences
Ojalá yo encarnara la paciencia de mi abuela.
I wish I embodied my grandmother's patience.
yo
Si él encarnara al villano, sería aterrador.
If he were to embody the villain, it would be terrifying.
él/ella/usted
Me gustaría que ellos encarnaran nuestros valores.
I would like them to embody our values.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
¿Tú encarnaras esa idea si te lo pidieran?
Would you embody that idea if they asked you?
tú
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive in hypothetical 'if' clauses.
Correct: Use 'Si él encarnara...' not 'Si él encarnó...'.
Why: Hypothetical or unreal conditions in the past or present require the imperfect subjunctive.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms.
Correct: Both 'encarnara' and 'encarnase' are correct, but 'encarnara' is more common.
Why: Learners might only know one form or incorrectly conjugate the other.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: encarno
The present tense ('encarno', 'encarnas') describes habitual actions or things happening now.
Preterite
yo: encarné
The preterite of encarnar is regular: encarné, encarnaste, encarnó, encarnamos, encarnasteis, encarnaron.
Imperfect
yo: encarnaba
The imperfect ('encarnaba') describes ongoing or habitual past actions, like continuously embodying a role.
Future
yo: encarnaré
The future tense ('encarnaré', 'encarnarás') indicates actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: encarnaría
The conditional ('encarnaría') expresses hypotheticals ('would embody') or polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: encarne
The present subjunctive ('encarne', 'encarnes') is used after expressions of doubt, desire, emotion, or uncertainty.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: encarna
Commands like 'encarna' (tú) and 'encarne' (usted) are used for direct orders.
Negative Imperative
yo: no encarnes
Negative commands like 'no encarnes' (tú) and 'no encarne' (usted) use the present subjunctive.