esconderse Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive

You use the imperfect subjunctive for past hypothetical situations, unlikely wishes, or polite requests related to hiding. For example, 'If I were to hide, I would go there' (Si me escondiera, iría allí). It's also used after verbs expressing doubt or emotion in the past.

Notes on esconderse in the Imperfect Subjunctive

Esconderse conjugates regularly in the imperfect subjunctive. You take the 'ellos/ellas/ustedes' preterite form ('escondieron'), drop the '-ron', and add the subjunctive endings ('-ra', '-ras', '-ra', '-ramos', '-rais', '-ran'). For example, 'se escondiera' or 'se escondieran'.

Example Sentences

• Si yo me escondiera, nadie me encontraría.

  If I were to hide, nobody would find me.

  yo

• Ojalá no tuvieran que esconderse.

  I wish they didn't have to hide.

  ellos/ellas/ustedes

• ¿Te imaginas que él se escondiera en el armario?

  Can you imagine if he hid in the closet?

  él/ella/usted

• Nos habría gustado que no os escondierais.

  We would have liked it if you (plural, informal) hadn't hidden.

  vosotros

Common Mistakes

• Mistake: Confusing imperfect subjunctive with imperfect indicative.

  Correct: Use imperfect subjunctive for hypotheticals ('if I hid') and imperfect indicative for descriptions or ongoing past actions ('I was hiding').

  Why: The subjunctive mood expresses unreality, doubt, or emotion, while the indicative states facts or descriptions.

• Mistake: Using the '-se' form ('escondiese') when the '-ra' form is more common.

  Correct: While both are correct, 'me escondiera' is generally more frequent than 'me escondiese'.

  Why: Both forms of the imperfect subjunctive exist, but usage varies regionally and by preference; the '-ra' form is often preferred.

Related Tenses