estrechar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
estrechar — to shake hands
The imperfect subjunctive of estrechar (estrechara/estrechase) is used for past hypotheticals or polite requests.
estrechar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
Use the imperfect subjunctive when talking about past wishes, doubts, or hypothetical situations that were contrary to fact. It's also common in polite requests or suggestions, especially when referring to the past.
Notes on estrechar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Estrechar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. You can use either the -ra or -se ending (e.g., estrechara or estrechase), with -ra being more common in many regions.
Example Sentences
Si pudiera, estrecharía tu mano con gusto.
If I could, I would gladly shake your hand.
yo
Me pidió que le estrechara la mano.
He asked me to shake his hand.
él/ella/usted
Ojalá nos estrecháramos más a menudo.
I wish we would shake hands more often.
nosotros
¿Creías que estrecharan los negocios?
Did you think they would strengthen the business ties?
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive for past hypotheticals.
Correct: For unreal or hypothetical situations in the past, use the imperfect subjunctive (e.g., 'Si tuviera dinero, compraría...' not 'Si tuve dinero, compré...').
Why: The imperfect subjunctive sets up a hypothetical scenario, while the preterite describes a completed action.
Mistake: Forgetting the accent on the -ra or -se endings for some pronouns.
Correct: Ensure correct accent placement, like 'estrecharas' (tú) vs. 'estrecharas' (él/ella/usted) which are the same, but 'estrecharais' (vosotros) has the accent.
Why: Accents are crucial for pronunciation and distinguishing forms, especially with the vosotros ending.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: estrecho
The present tense of estrechar is regular: estrecho, estrechas, estrecha, estrechamos, estrecháis, estrechan.
Preterite
yo: estreché
The preterite of estrechar is regular: estreché, estrechaste, estrechó, estrechamos, estrechasteis, estrecharon.
Imperfect
yo: estrechaba
The imperfect of estrechar is regular: estrechaba, estrechabas, estrechaba, estrechábamos, estrechabais, estrechaban.
Future
yo: estrecharé
The future tense of estrechar is regular: estrecharé, estrecharás, estrechará, estrecharemos, estrecharéis, estrecharán.
Conditional
yo: estrecharía
The conditional of estrechar is regular: estrecharía, estrecharías, estrecharía, estrecharíamos, estrecharíais, estrecharían.
Present Subjunctive
yo: estreche
The present subjunctive of estrechar (estreche, estreches, etc.) is used after expressions of doubt, emotion, or desire.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: estrecha
Use the imperative of estrechar for direct commands: ¡estrecha!, ¡estrechemos!, ¡estrechen!, ¡estrechad!
Negative Imperative
yo: no estreches
Use 'no' + present subjunctive for negative commands: ¡no estreches!, ¡no estrechemos!, ¡no estrechen!, ¡no estrechéis!