hicieran
/ee-SEE-eh-ran/
they did
This image shows the result if they did the work perfectly.
hicieran(verb)
they did
?hypothetical or uncertain past action
,they would do
?in a conditional sentence
you (plural, formal) did
?referring to 'ustedes'
📝 In Action
Esperaba que mis amigos hicieran la tarea antes de salir.
B1I hoped that my friends would do the homework before going out.
Si ustedes hicieran ejercicio, se sentirían mejor.
B2If you (formal plural) exercised, you would feel better.
Era necesario que los estudiantes hicieran el examen ayer.
B2It was necessary that the students take the exam yesterday.
💡 Grammar Points
What 'Hicieran' Means
'Hicieran' is the past form of the verb 'hacer' (to do/make) used when the action is uncertain, desired, or hypothetical. It refers to 'they' or 'you plural (ustedes)'.
When to Use the Imperfect Subjunctive
You need this special verb form after a main verb expressing emotion, doubt, or necessity (like 'quería que...' or 'era importante que...') when the main verb is in the past.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong mood
Mistake: "Quería que ellos *hicieron* la comida. (Using the Preterite Indicative)"
Correction: Quería que ellos *hicieran* la comida. (Using the Imperfect Subjunctive is required after verbs of desire in the past.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Conditional Sentences
This form is often paired with the Conditional tense ('harían,' 'dirían') to describe impossible or improbable situations: 'Si hicieran esto, harían aquello.'
The characters are shown in the act of creation, representing 'they created'.
hicieran(verb)
they created
?hypothetical creation or production
,they caused
?uncertain past causality
they prepared
?referring to making food or plans
📝 In Action
Si los arquitectos hicieran planos más detallados, evitarían errores.
B2If the architects made more detailed plans, they would avoid errors.
Me sorprendió que hicieran una fiesta tan grande.
B1It surprised me that they made such a big party.
⭐ Usage Tips
Making vs. Doing
While English separates 'make' and 'do,' Spanish uses 'hacer' for both. In this sense, 'hicieran' covers both 'if they made' and 'if they did.'
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: hicieran
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'hicieran' to express doubt about a past action?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'hicieran' the only form of the Imperfect Subjunctive for 'hacer'?
No, there is a second, less common form: 'hiciesen.' Both 'hicieran' and 'hiciesen' are correct, but 'hicieran' is much more frequently used, especially in Latin America and everyday speech.
Why is 'hicieran' used in conditional sentences?
When you talk about a hypothetical situation that is contrary to reality ('If I were rich...'), Spanish uses the Imperfect Subjunctive ('hicieran' in this case) in the 'if' part of the sentence, followed by the Conditional tense in the result part.