Using the wrong past tense

Use 'estuvieran' in the 'if' part of a hypothetical sentence about the present or future (e.g., 'Si estuvieran ricos, viajarían' — If they were rich, they would travel).

The Special 'If' Tense

This form is required when the main part of the sentence expresses a past wish, doubt, or emotion about a secondary action: 'Me alegró que estuvieran sanos' (It made me happy that they were healthy).

Past Wishes and Feelings

The 'estuv-' root is a giveaway that you are dealing with the irregular forms of 'estar', especially the preterite and the subjunctive.

Recognizing the Root

Extremely common, as it is a core form of the fundamental verb 'estar'. Used frequently in complex sentences and polite constructions.

'Estuvieran' is the third-person plural Imperfect Subjunctive form of the verb 'estar' (to be). Learn how to use this form to express past wishes, doubts, and hypothetical 'if' clauses in Spanish.

estuvieran

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations