Mixing up 'hubiera' and 'habría'

Using a simple past tense for hypotheticals

Use 'hubiera' to set up a 'what if' scenario in the past that didn't actually happen. It almost always appears in a sentence that starts with 'si' (if). The structure is: Si [hubiera + verb], [habría + verb]. Example: Si hubiera llovido, no habríamos salido. (If it had rained, we wouldn't have gone out.)

Talking About an Impossible Past ('What If...')

Combine 'hubiera' with 'Ojalá' to say 'I wish...' or 'If only...' about something in the past. Example: ¡Ojalá hubiera comprado las entradas antes! (I wish I had bought the tickets sooner!)

Expressing Past Regrets and Wishes

You will often see or hear 'hubiese' used in exactly the same way as 'hubiera'. They mean the same thing and are completely interchangeable. 'Si hubiese sabido' is the same as 'Si hubiera sabido'.

The Other Form: 'Hubiese'

In casual conversation, many native speakers use 'hubiera' in both parts of a conditional sentence: 'Si hubiera tenido dinero, me hubiera comprado el coche.' While very common to hear, it's best to use 'habría' for the result in writing or more formal situations.

A Common Spoken Shortcut

Very common when talking about hypothetical past situations, wishes, or regrets.

Learn how to use 'hubiera' in Spanish to talk about hypothetical past situations ('if I had...'), express regrets ('I wish I had...'), and more. Clear examples and grammar tips for all levels.

hubiera

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations