operar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
operar — to perform surgery
The imperfect subjunctive of 'operar' (operara/operase) is used for past hypotheticals, wishes, or polite requests.
operar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is perfect for talking about hypothetical situations in the past or present, or expressing wishes. For example, 'Si pudiera, operaría al paciente yo mismo' (If I could, I would operate on the patient myself). It's also common in polite requests or suggestions.
Notes on operar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Operar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se endings are correct, though -ra is more common in many regions. The stem 'opera-' remains consistent.
Example Sentences
Si tuviera la oportunidad, operara ese caso.
If I had the opportunity, I would operate on that case.
yo
Me gustaría que operaras con más calma.
I would like you to operate more calmly.
tú
Ojalá el cirujano operara sin complicaciones.
Hopefully, the surgeon would operate without complications.
él/ella/usted
Ellos habrían preferido que operaran a tiempo.
They would have preferred that they operate on time.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive in hypothetical 'if' clauses.
Correct: For past hypotheticals or unlikely present conditions, use the imperfect subjunctive: 'Si operara...' not 'Si operó...'.
Why: The imperfect subjunctive is specifically for these types of conditional or hypothetical scenarios.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms or using them incorrectly.
Correct: Both forms are generally interchangeable: 'operara' and 'operase' mean the same thing in most contexts. Stick to one, or learn regional preferences.
Why: While both are correct, regional usage can vary. The -ra form is often more widespread.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: opero
The present tense of 'operar' (opero) is used for actions happening now, habitual surgeries, or general truths.
Preterite
yo: operé
The preterite of 'operar' is regular: operé, operaste, operó, operamos, operasteis, operaron.
Imperfect
yo: operaba
The imperfect of 'operar' (operaba) describes habitual or ongoing past surgeries, or sets the scene.
Future
yo: operaré
The future tense of 'operar' (operaré) indicates actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: operaría
The conditional of 'operar' (operaría) expresses hypothetical actions ('would operate') or polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: opere
The present subjunctive of 'operar' (opere) is used after expressions of doubt, desire, emotion, or uncertainty.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: opera
Use the imperative of operar for direct commands: opera, operemos, operen, operad.
Negative Imperative
yo: no operes
Negative commands for 'operar' use the present subjunctive: no operes, no operemos, no operen, no operéis.