estuviera
/es-too-VYER-ah/
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Si yo estuviera en tu lugar, viajaría más.
B1If I were in your place, I would travel more.
No creía que ella estuviera tan cansada.
B1I didn't believe that she was so tired.
Me gustaría que mi oficina estuviera más cerca de casa.
B2I would like my office to be closer to home.
Ojalá estuviera de vacaciones en la playa.
B1I wish I were on vacation at the beach.
💡 Grammar Points
What is 'estuviera'?
'Estuviera' is a special form of the verb 'estar' (to be). It's used to talk about things that are hypothetical, unreal, or wished for, especially in the past. It often translates as 'I were,' 'he/she were,' or 'it were.'
The 'If' Clause Superpower
You'll very often see 'estuviera' right after 'si' (if) to set up an imaginary situation. For example, 'Si yo estuviera rico...' (If I were rich...). The second part of the sentence then usually uses a 'would' verb, like 'compraría' (I would buy).
Its Twin: 'estuviese'
You might also see or hear 'estuviese'. Don't worry! 'Estuviera' and 'estuviese' mean the exact same thing and are used in the same ways. 'Estuviera' is just a bit more common in everyday speech.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'estaba' instead of 'estuviera'
Mistake: "Si yo estaba en la playa, sería feliz."
Correction: Si yo estuviera en la playa, sería feliz. (If I were on the beach, I would be happy.) Why? After 'si' (if) when you're talking about an unreal or hypothetical situation, you need this special 'estuviera' form, not the regular past form 'estaba'.
Mixing up 'estuviera' and 'fuera'
Mistake: "Si yo fuera en el parque..."
Correction: Si yo estuviera en el parque... (If I were at the park...) Why? Use 'estuviera' for location (at the park) and temporary conditions (tired, happy). Use 'fuera' (from the verb 'ser') for permanent characteristics (tall, a doctor).
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Wishes
Use 'estuviera' after 'Ojalá' to make a strong wish about a current situation. 'Ojalá estuviera más soleado hoy' means 'I wish it were sunnier today.' It's a powerful way to express what you want reality to be.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: estuviera
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'estuviera' to talk about a hypothetical situation?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'estuviera' and 'estaba'?
Think of it like this: 'estaba' states a fact about the past ('Yo estaba en casa' - 'I was at home'). 'Estuviera' sets up a hypothetical or unreal situation, often after 'if' ('Si yo estuviera en casa...' - 'If I were at home...'). Use 'estaba' for what was, and 'estuviera' for 'what if'.
Can I just use 'estuviese' instead of 'estuviera'?
Yes, absolutely! They mean exactly the same thing and are interchangeable. 'Estuviera' is generally more common in spoken language in most regions, while 'estuviese' can sound slightly more formal or literary, but you can use whichever you prefer.
Does 'estuviera' only mean 'I were'?
No, it's very flexible! It can mean 'I were,' 'he were,' 'she were,' 'it were,' or the formal 'you were.' You know who is being talked about from the context of the conversation. For example, 'Si ella estuviera aquí...' means 'If she were here...'