Mixing Up Tenses in 'If' Clauses

This form ('pasara') is used when talking about past wishes, doubts, or hypothetical situations that were unlikely or impossible. Think of it as 'would' or 'were to' in English.

The 'Imperfect Subjunctive' Tense

When you set up a hypothetical condition starting with 'Si' (If), the verb in the 'If' part often needs this special form: 'Si pasara esto, haríamos aquello' (If this happened, we would do that).

Conditional Sentences

Spanish has two forms for the imperfect subjunctive: 'pasara' and 'pasase.' Both mean the same thing, but 'pasara' (the -ra form) is far more common in everyday spoken Spanish across most regions.

Choosing Between -ra and -se

Extremely common, used frequently in conditional and hypothetical statements.

Using the Past Indicative

When the main part of the sentence expresses an emotion ('Esperaba que...') or a necessity ('Era necesario que...'), the verb in the second part often takes the imperfect subjunctive form like 'pasara'.

Verbs of Emotion and Necessity

'Pasara' can refer to 'I' (yo), 'he/she/it/you formal' (él/ella/usted), or 'they/you plural' (ellos/ustedes). Always check the subject of the sentence to know who is doing the 'passing.'

Focus on the Subject

Commonly used when referring to movement, transition, or physical passing.

The expression 'Ojalá' (I hope/If only) often requires the subjunctive mood. When referring to a past wish or a current, unlikely wish, you use 'pasara'.

Expressing Wishes (Ojalá)

This meaning almost always requires a time expression immediately after 'pasara,' such as 'tiempo' (time), 'la tarde' (the afternoon), or 'dos semanas' (two weeks).

Time Expressions

Commonly used when referring to how time was spent.

'Pasara' is the imperfect subjunctive form of the verb 'pasar,' meaning 'were to happen,' 'were to pass by,' or 'were to spend time.' Learn how to use this critical verb form in hypothetical and conditional sentences.

Pasara Meaning, Conjugation, and Usage (Imperfect Subjunctive) | Inklingo

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pasara

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

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