pudieran
poo-DYAY-rahn
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Si ellos **pudieran** venir mañana, sería fantástico.
B2If they **could** come tomorrow, it would be fantastic.
Dudaba que ustedes **pudieran** resolver el problema tan rápido.
C1I doubted that you (plural formal) **could** solve the problem so quickly.
Ojalá que **pudieran** entender la situación desde mi perspectiva.
B2If only they **could** understand the situation from my perspective.
💡 Grammar Points
A Form of the Subjunctive
Pudieran is a special verb form (imperfect subjunctive) of poder. It is used for 'ellos,' 'ellas,' and 'ustedes' (they/you plural) and expresses possibility or ability.
Usage with 'Si' (If)
This form is required when setting up a hypothetical condition in the past or present that is unlikely or contrary to fact. The main part of the sentence usually uses the conditional form (e.g., sería).
Expressing Past Influence or Doubt
Use pudieran after expressions of doubt, emotion, or influence in the past, like No creía que... (I didn't believe that...) or Me alegró que... (It made me happy that...).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Subjunctive and Indicative
Mistake: "Using the preterite form *pudieron* (they were able to) instead of *pudieran* in hypothetical sentences."
Correction: The preterite (*pudieron*) states a fact that happened (e.g., 'They managed to escape'). The subjunctive (*pudieran*) expresses a wish or condition ('If they could escape').
⭐ Usage Tips
Politeness and Softness
Using the imperfect subjunctive (pudiera/pudieran) is often the most polite way to ask for something or suggest a possibility, making the request sound softer than the indicative.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pudieran
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'pudieran' to express a hypothetical condition?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'pudieran' and 'podrían'?
'Pudieran' (Imperfect Subjunctive) is used for wishes, doubts, or hypothetical conditions, often following 'si' (if) or verbs of influence. 'Podrían' (Conditional) means 'they would be able to' or is used for very polite, direct requests (e.g., 'Podrían abrir la ventana?').
Does 'pudieran' always refer to the past?
No. While the imperfect subjunctive is a 'past' tense form, when used in hypothetical sentences starting with 'si,' it often refers to a present or future situation that is contrary to the facts (e.g., 'If they could [now]...').