zarpar Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation
zarpar — to set sail
The imperfect subjunctive of zarpar (zarpase, zarpases, zarpase, zarpásemos, zarpaseis, zarparan) is used for past hypotheticals, wishes, and polite requests.
zarpar Imperfect Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
Use the imperfect subjunctive for hypothetical situations in the past, or when talking about wishes, doubts, or emotions related to past events. It's common in 'if' clauses.
Notes on zarpar in the Imperfect Subjunctive
Zarpar is regular in the imperfect subjunctive. You can use either the -ra or -se endings (e.g., zarpara or zarpase). The -ra form is generally more common.
Example Sentences
Si zarpara antes, habríamos llegado a tiempo.
If we had set sail earlier, we would have arrived on time.
nosotros
Ojalá él zarpara hoy mismo.
I wish he would set sail today.
él/ella/usted
Era importante que zarparas con la marea alta.
It was important that you set sail with the high tide.
tú
Me gustaría que ustedes zarparan mañana.
I would like you all to set sail tomorrow.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the present subjunctive instead of imperfect subjunctive for past hypotheticals.
Correct: For past hypotheticals, use the imperfect subjunctive: 'Si zarpara...' not 'Si zarpe...'.
Why: The imperfect subjunctive refers to past or hypothetical conditions, while the present subjunctive refers to present or future possibilities.
Mistake: Confusing the -ra and -se forms, or using the wrong one.
Correct: Both 'zarpara' and 'zarpase' are correct for 'yo', 'él/ella/usted'. The -ra form is often preferred.
Why: While both are grammatically correct, regional preferences and style guides might favor one over the other.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: zarpo
The present indicative of zarpar (zarpo, zarpas, zarpa, zarpamos, zarpáis, zarpan) describes actions happening now or habitual actions.
Preterite
yo: zarpé
The preterite of zarpar is regular: zarpé, zarpaste, zarpó, zarpamos, zarpasteis, zarparon, indicating completed past actions.
Imperfect
yo: zarpaba
The imperfect of zarpar (zarpaba, zarpabas, zarpaba, zarpábamos, zarpabais, zarpaban) describes ongoing or habitual past actions of setting sail.
Future
yo: zarparé
The future tense of zarpar (zarparé, zarparás, zarpará, zarparémos, zarparéis, zarparán) indicates actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: zarparía
The conditional of zarpar (zarparía, zarparías, zarparía, zarparíamos, zarparíais, zarparían) is used for hypotheticals ('would set sail') and polite requests.
Present Subjunctive
yo: zarpe
The present subjunctive of zarpar (zarpe, zarpes, zarpe, zarpemos, zarpéis, zarpen) expresses wishes, doubts, emotions, and uncertainty.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: zarpa
Imperative commands for zarpar are: zarpa (tú), zarpe (usted), zarpemos (nosotros), zarpen (ustedes), zarpad (vosotros).
Negative Imperative
yo: no zarpes
Negative commands for zarpar use the present subjunctive: no zarpes (tú), no zarpe (usted), no zarpemos (nosotros), no zarpen (ustedes), no zarpéis (vosotros).