hubieran
“hubieran” means “had” in Spanish (as a helping verb in the structure 'if they had done something').
had
Also: they/you (plural formal) had
📝 In Action
Si hubieran traído un mapa, no nos habríamos perdido.
B2If they had brought a map, we wouldn't have gotten lost.
Dudábamos que ustedes hubieran terminado la tarea a tiempo.
C1We doubted that you (formal plural) had finished the homework on time.
Me alegré de que hubieran encontrado la solución.
B2I was happy that they had found the solution.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: hubieran
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'hubieran' to talk about a past regret or missed opportunity?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin verb *habēre* (to have or to hold). Over time, this word became the main Spanish helping verb for forming compound tenses, and the special form 'hubieran' evolved to express possibilities or wishes related to the past.
First recorded: Old Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'hubieran' and 'hubiesen'?
They are the same verb form (Imperfect Subjunctive of 'haber') and mean the exact same thing. 'Hubieran' is much more commonly used in spoken and modern written Spanish, especially in Latin America and Spain, while 'hubiesen' is often seen as more formal or literary.
Can I use 'hubieran' without another verb?
No. 'Hubieran' is a helping verb. It must always be followed by a past participle (like *comido*, *visto*, or *hecho*) to form a complete thought about a past action.