pasara
/pah-SAH-rah/
were to happen
This image visualizes something that 'were to happen,' showing a sudden, transformative, hypothetical event.
pasara(verb)
were to happen
?Hypothetical event
,happened
?Reported past event (often preceded by 'that')
might happen
?Possibility
,would happen
?Conditional result
📝 In Action
Si pasara algo urgente, te llamaría de inmediato.
B1If something urgent were to happen, I would call you immediately.
No creían que eso pasara nunca en su ciudad.
B2They didn't believe that that would ever happen in their city.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Imperfect Subjunctive' Tense
This form ('pasara') is used when talking about past wishes, doubts, or hypothetical situations that were unlikely or impossible. Think of it as 'would' or 'were to' in English.
Conditional Sentences
When you set up a hypothetical condition starting with 'Si' (If), the verb in the 'If' part often needs this special form: 'Si pasara esto, haríamos aquello' (If this happened, we would do that).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Up Tenses in 'If' Clauses
Mistake: "Using the future tense after 'Si': 'Si pasará mañana, te aviso.'"
Correction: The correct pattern for future hypotheticals is 'Si pasa mañana, te aviso' (using the present indicative). Reserve 'pasara' for less likely or past hypothetical events.
⭐ Usage Tips
Choosing Between -ra and -se
Spanish has two forms for the imperfect subjunctive: 'pasara' and 'pasase.' Both mean the same thing, but 'pasara' (the -ra form) is far more common in everyday spoken Spanish across most regions.
The train moving quickly past the hill shows the meaning 'were to pass (by),' emphasizing movement and transition.
pasara(verb)
were to pass (by)
?Movement/Transition
,crossed
?Physical barrier
went through
?A place or area
📝 In Action
Esperaba que el tren pasara antes de cruzar la vía.
A2She hoped that the train would pass before crossing the track.
Era necesario que él pasara por la aduana.
B1It was necessary that he pass through customs.
💡 Grammar Points
Verbs of Emotion and Necessity
When the main part of the sentence expresses an emotion ('Esperaba que...') or a necessity ('Era necesario que...'), the verb in the second part often takes the imperfect subjunctive form like 'pasara'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Past Indicative
Mistake: "Saying: 'Esperaba que el tren pasó.' (She hoped the train passed.)"
Correction: The hope/desire makes the second verb uncertain, requiring 'pasara' (subjunctive): 'Esperaba que el tren pasara.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Subject
'Pasara' can refer to 'I' (yo), 'he/she/it/you formal' (él/ella/usted), or 'they/you plural' (ellos/ustedes). Always check the subject of the sentence to know who is doing the 'passing.'
The child reading under the tree illustrates 'were to spend (time),' focusing on the duration of an activity.
pasara(verb)
were to spend (time)
?Duration or time use
used (time)
?Hypothetical past duration
📝 In Action
Ojalá que pasara unas vacaciones inolvidables.
B1If only he would spend an unforgettable vacation (I wish he had spent...).
Era importante que pasaran tiempo juntos.
B2It was important that they spend time together.
💡 Grammar Points
Expressing Wishes (Ojalá)
The expression 'Ojalá' (I hope/If only) often requires the subjunctive mood. When referring to a past wish or a current, unlikely wish, you use 'pasara'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Time Expressions
This meaning almost always requires a time expression immediately after 'pasara,' such as 'tiempo' (time), 'la tarde' (the afternoon), or 'dos semanas' (two weeks).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pasara
Question 1 of 2
Which English phrase best captures the meaning of 'Si yo pasara el examen, celebraría'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'pasara' sound like a past tense, but often refers to the present or future?
'Pasara' is the Imperfect Subjunctive, which is often used in Spanish grammar to express a hypothetical or uncertain situation, regardless of when it actually happens. When used in conditional sentences (starting with 'si'), it refers to a situation that is unlikely to be true right now or in the future.
Which people can the form 'pasara' refer to?
The form 'pasara' can refer to: 'yo' (I), 'él/ella' (he/she/it), 'usted' (you formal), and 'ellos/ellas/ustedes' (they/you plural) in the Imperfect Subjunctive tense. You must look at the subject of the sentence to know who is performing the action.