nombrar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
nombrar — to name
The imperfect subjunctive (nombrara/nombre) expresses hypothetical past situations or wishes.
nombrar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
You use the imperfect subjunctive for actions or states in the past that were hypothetical, uncertain, or contrary to fact. It's also common in polite requests or when expressing wishes about the past, often following phrases like 'if' (si) or 'I wish' (ojalá).
Notes on nombrar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Nombrar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. You can use either the -ra form (nombrara) or the -se form (nombrase), though the -ra form is more common in many regions.
Example Sentences
Si nombrara un rey, sería yo.
If I were to name a king, it would be me.
yo
Me gustaría que nombraras a tu hermano.
I would like you to name your brother.
tú
Ojalá él nombrara un sucesor pronto.
I wish he would name a successor soon.
él/ella/usted
Si ustedes nombraran un equipo nuevo, yo estaría feliz.
If you all were to name a new team, I would be happy.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the imperfect indicative instead of the imperfect subjunctive.
Correct: For hypotheticals or wishes about the past, use the imperfect subjunctive: 'Si yo nombrara...' not 'Si yo nombraba...'.
Why: The imperfect indicative describes factual past events, while the subjunctive is for non-factual or hypothetical situations.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se endings.
Correct: Both 'nombrara' and 'nombrase' are correct imperfect subjunctive forms, but 'nombrara' is often more common.
Why: While regional preferences exist, understanding both forms is useful.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: nombro
The present tense (nombro) describes current actions or habits, like 'Yo nombro la capital.' (I name the capital).
Preterite
yo: nombré
The preterite of 'nombrar' is regular: nombré, nombraste, nombró, nombramos, nombrasteis, nombraron.
Imperfect
yo: nombraba
The imperfect (nombra) describes ongoing or habitual past actions, like 'Él nombraba a sus hijos.' (He used to name his children).
Future
yo: nombraré
The future tense (nombraré) talks about future actions: 'Yo nombraré al nuevo líder.' (I will name the new leader).
Conditional
yo: nombraría
The conditional (nombraría) expresses hypotheticals ('would name'): 'Yo nombraría el lugar.' (I would name the place).
Present Subjunctive
yo: nombre
Use present subjunctive (nombre) after doubts, wishes, or emotions, like 'Espero que nombres bien.' (I hope you name well).
Affirmative Imperative
yo: nombra
Use imperative for direct commands like '¡Nombra a tu amigo!' (Name your friend!).
Negative Imperative
yo: no nombres
Negative commands use 'no' + present subjunctive, e.g., 'No nombres a nadie.' (Don't name anyone).