retratar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
retratar — to take a portrait
The imperfect subjunctive 'retratara' (yo/él/ella/usted) and 'retrataras' (tú) are used for past hypotheticals or wishes.
retratar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
Use the imperfect subjunctive after phrases expressing doubt, desire, emotion, or in 'if' clauses referring to unreal or unlikely situations in the past. It often pairs with the conditional tense.
Notes on retratar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Retratar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. Both the -ra and -se forms exist, but the -ra form (retratara, retrataras, etc.) is generally more common.
Example Sentences
Si yo retratara bien, sería artista.
If I captured well, I would be an artist.
yo
Me gustaría que tú retrataras la boda.
I would like you to capture the wedding.
tú
El fotógrafo pensaba que ella se retratara mejor con luz natural.
The photographer thought she would photograph better in natural light.
Ojalá nosotros retratáramos más momentos felices.
I wish we captured more happy moments.
nosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the preterite instead of the imperfect subjunctive in 'if' clauses.
Correct: Use 'Si yo retratara...' not 'Si yo retraté...'.
Why: The imperfect subjunctive is required for hypothetical or contrary-to-fact conditions in the past.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms.
Correct: While both are correct, stick to one form for consistency, e.g., 'retratara' for yo.
Why: Learners might mix 'retratara' and 'retratase', causing confusion.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: retrato
Regular present tense: retrato, retratas, retrata, retratamos, retratáis, retratan.
Preterite
yo: retraté
Retratar is regular in the preterite: retraté, retrataste, retrató, retratamos, retratasteis, retrataron.
Imperfect
yo: retrataba
Regular imperfect: retrataba, retratabas, retrataba, retratábamos, retratabais, retrataban.
Future
yo: retrataré
Regular future: retrataré, retratarás, retratará, retrataremos, retrataréis, retratarán.
Conditional
yo: retrataría
Regular conditional: retrataría, retratarías, retrataría, retrataríamos, retrataríais, retratarían.
Present Subjunctive
yo: retrate
Present subjunctive 'retrate' (yo/él/ella/usted) and 'retrates' (tú) express wishes, doubts, or emotions.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: retrata
Imperative 'retrata' (tú) and 'retrate' (usted) are irregular, while others follow the regular -ar pattern.
Negative Imperative
yo: no retrates
Negative commands use the present subjunctive: 'no retrates' (tú), 'no retrate' (usted).