originar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
originar — to cause
The imperfect subjunctive of originar (originara/originase) is used for past hypotheticals or polite requests.
originar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
This tense is used for hypothetical situations in the past, wishes, or doubts that were relevant in the past. It's also used for polite requests, similar to the conditional. For example, 'Si originara problemas, lo castigarían' (If he were to cause problems, they would punish him).
Notes on originar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Originar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se forms are correct, though -ra is more common in many regions.
Example Sentences
Ojalá no originara tantos conflictos.
I wish he wouldn't cause so many conflicts.
él/ella/usted
Si yo originara un incendio, ¿qué pasaría?
If I were to start a fire, what would happen?
yo
Nos pidieron que no origináramos problemas.
They asked us not to cause problems.
nosotros
Me preguntaba si tú originaras el error.
I was wondering if you caused the error.
tú
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive for past hypotheticals.
Correct: Use 'Si originara...' not 'Si originó...'.
Why: The imperfect subjunctive is specifically for hypothetical or uncertain conditions, especially in the past.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms.
Correct: Both 'originara' and 'originase' are correct for the imperfect subjunctive.
Why: While regional preferences exist, both are grammatically valid ways to express the imperfect subjunctive.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: origino
The present tense of originar (origino, originas, origina...) describes actions happening now or habitual causes.
Preterite
yo: originé
The preterite of originar is regular: originé, originaste, originó, originamos, originasteis, originaron.
Imperfect
yo: originaba
The imperfect of originar (originaba, originabas...) describes ongoing or habitual past causes.
Future
yo: originaré
The future tense of originar (originaré, originarás...) predicts future causes or actions.
Conditional
yo: originaría
The conditional of originar (originaría, originarías...) expresses hypotheticals ('would cause') or polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: origine
Use the present subjunctive of originar (origine, origines, etc.) after expressions of doubt, desire, or emotion.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: origina
Use the imperative of originar for direct commands like 'origina tú' or 'originen ustedes'.
Negative Imperative
yo: no origines
Use the present subjunctive after 'no' for negative commands with originar: 'no origines'.