Using the Past Indicative

This form ('estuviese') is used when the main part of the sentence describes a past emotion, doubt, or wish, and the second part (the clause with 'estuviese') describes the state or location that was doubted or wished for.

The Past Subjunctive

You use 'estuviese' (or 'estuviera') in the 'if' part of a hypothetical sentence: 'Si yo estuviese rico...' (If I were rich...). It often pairs with the conditional tense ('compraría').

Conditional Sentences

The form 'estuviese' is completely interchangeable with 'estuviera'. Both are correct and mean the same thing, though 'estuviera' is generally more common in spoken Spanish.

Interchangeable Forms

A specific, formal verb form used in complex sentences to talk about past possibilities, wishes, or doubts.

Learn the meaning and correct usage of 'estuviese,' the C1-level imperfect subjunctive form of the irregular verb 'estar.' Includes full conjugations and grammar tips for hypothetical sentences.

estuviese

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations