mamar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
mamar — to suckle
The imperfect subjunctive of 'mamar' (e.g., 'mamara', 'mamaras') is used for hypothetical past situations or wishes.
mamar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
You'll use the imperfect subjunctive of 'mamar' in 'if' clauses referring to unlikely or hypothetical past scenarios, or to express wishes about the past. For example, 'Si mamara más, estaría más lleno' (If he/she were to suckle more, he/she would be fuller).
Notes on mamar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
'Mamar' is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se forms exist, but the -ra form (mamara, mamaras, etc.) is more common.
Example Sentences
Ojalá el bebé mamara un poco más.
I wish the baby would suckle a bit more.
él/ella/usted
Si yo mamara menos, tendría más hambre.
If I were to suckle less, I would be hungrier.
yo
Quería que ustedes mamaran con calma.
I wanted you all to suckle calmly.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Confusing imperfect subjunctive with preterite or imperfect indicative.
Correct: Use imperfect subjunctive forms like 'mamara' or 'mamaras' for hypothetical or desired past actions, not factual past actions.
Why: The subjunctive mood expresses doubt, desire, or unreality, distinct from the indicative's factual statements.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: mamo
The present tense of 'mamar' (mamo, mamas, mama, mamamos, mamáis, maman) describes habitual or ongoing suckling.
Preterite
yo: mamé
The preterite of 'mamar' (mamé, mamaste, mamó, mamamos, mamasteis, mamaron) describes completed actions of suckling.
Imperfect
yo: mamaba
The imperfect of 'mamar' (mamaba, mamabas, mamaba, mamábamos, mamabais, mamaban) describes ongoing or habitual suckling in the past.
Future
yo: mamaré
The future tense of 'mamar' (mamaré, mamarás, mamará, etc.) indicates actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: mamaría
The conditional of 'mamar' (mamaría, mamarías, mamaría, etc.) expresses hypothetical actions ('would suckle') or polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: mame
The present subjunctive of 'mamar' (e.g., 'mame', 'mames', 'mamen') expresses wishes, doubts, or emotions.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: mama
Use imperative forms like 'mama' (tú) and 'mamen' (ustedes) for direct commands with 'mamar'.
Negative Imperative
yo: no mames
Negative commands for 'mamar' use 'no' plus present subjunctive forms, like 'no mames' (tú) or 'no mamen' (ustedes).