lidiar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
lidiar — to deal with
The imperfect subjunctive of 'lidiar' (lidiara, lidiaras, etc.) is used for past hypotheticals or wishes.
lidiar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
Use the imperfect subjunctive of 'lidiar' when talking about hypothetical situations or desires in the past, often starting with 'Si...' (If...). For example, 'Si tuviera tiempo, lidiaría con el proyecto' (If I had time, I would deal with the project).
Notes on lidiar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Lidiar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se forms exist, but the -ra form (lidiara, lidiaras...) is more common in everyday speech.
Example Sentences
Si pudiera, lidiaría con todos los problemas.
If I could, I would deal with all the problems.
yo
Ojalá no tuvieras que lidiar con tanta gente.
I wish you didn't have to deal with so many people.
tú
Si ella lidiara con su estrés, estaría mejor.
If she dealt with her stress, she would be better.
él/ella/usted
Nos pidieron que lidiáramos con la organización.
They asked us to deal with the organization.
nosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the imperfect indicative instead of the imperfect subjunctive.
Correct: For hypothetical past situations, use 'lidiara' or 'lidiarais', not 'lidiaba' or 'lidiabais'.
Why: The indicative describes facts or realities, while the subjunctive is for hypotheticals, wishes, and emotions.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se endings.
Correct: While both exist (lidiara / lidiese), the -ra form is generally more common.
Why: Learners might be unsure which ending to use or which is preferred.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: lidio
The present tense of 'lidiar' (lidio, lidas, lidia, etc.) describes current actions or habits.
Preterite
yo: lidié
The preterite of 'lidiar' (lidié, lidiaste, lidió, etc.) refers to completed past actions.
Imperfect
yo: lidiaba
The imperfect tense of 'lidiar' (lidiaba, lidiabas, etc.) describes ongoing or habitual past actions.
Future
yo: lidiaré
The future tense of 'lidiar' (lidiaré, lidiarás, etc.) indicates actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: lidiaría
The conditional of 'lidiar' (lidiaría, lidiarías, etc.) expresses hypotheticals ('would deal').
Present Subjunctive
yo: lidie
The present subjunctive of 'lidiar' (lidie, lidies, etc.) expresses wishes, doubts, or emotions about a present situation.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: lidia
Use 'lidia' for tú commands, 'lidie' for usted/ustedes, and 'lidien' for ellos/ellas/ustedes.
Negative Imperative
yo: no lidies
Negative commands for 'lidiar' use 'no' + present subjunctive forms.