intimidar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
intimidar — to intimidate
The imperfect subjunctive of 'intimidar' (intimidara, intimidaras, etc.) expresses hypothetical or uncertain past actions.
intimidar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
Use the imperfect subjunctive for hypothetical situations in the past, wishes, or conditions that may not have been met. For example, 'If he had intimidated them, they would have reacted differently.'
Notes on intimidar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Intimidar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. You can use either the -ra or -se endings (e.g., intimidara or intimidase), but the -ra form is more common.
Example Sentences
Ojalá no nos intimidara tanto el profesor.
I wish the professor didn't intimidate us so much.
él/ella/usted
Si yo fuera tú, no dejara que me intimidaras.
If I were you, I wouldn't let you intimidate me.
tú
Actuamos como si nada nos intimidara.
We acted as if nothing intimidated us.
él/ella/usted
Ellos hablaban de forma que no nos intimidaran.
They spoke in a way that wouldn't intimidate us.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the imperfect indicative instead of the imperfect subjunctive.
Correct: For hypothetical or wishful thinking, use 'intimidara' or 'intimidase', not 'intimidaba'.
Why: The indicative mood states facts or perceived realities, while the subjunctive is for doubt, desire, emotion, or hypothetical situations.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms.
Correct: Both 'intimidara' and 'intimidase' are correct, but stick to one form for consistency if possible.
Why: While interchangeable, learners might mix them, leading to awkward phrasing.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: intimido
The present tense of 'intimidar' (intimo, intimidas, etc.) describes current or habitual acts of intimidation.
Preterite
yo: intimidé
The preterite of 'intimidar' is regular: intimidé, intimidaste, intimidó, intimidamos, intimidasteis, intimidaron.
Imperfect
yo: intimidaba
The imperfect of 'intimidar' (intimidaba, intimidabas, etc.) describes ongoing or habitual past intimidation.
Future
yo: intimidaré
The future tense of 'intimidar' (intimidaré, intimidarás, etc.) speaks of future intimidation.
Conditional
yo: intimidaría
The conditional of 'intimidar' (intimidaría, intimidarías, etc.) expresses 'would' intimidate or polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: intimide
The present subjunctive of 'intimidar' (intimide, intimides, etc.) is used after expressions of doubt, emotion, or desire.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: intimida
Use the imperative of 'intimidar' for direct commands like 'intimidate!' (tú: intimida, ustedes: intimiden).
Negative Imperative
yo: no intimides
Form negative commands for 'intimidar' using 'no' + present subjunctive (e.g., no intimides, no intimiden).