pudiéramos
poo-dye-EH-rah-mos
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Si tuviéramos más tiempo, pudiéramos visitar el museo.
B2If we had more time, we could visit the museum.
No creía que pudiéramos terminar el proyecto tan rápido.
C1I didn't believe that we could finish the project so quickly.
Quería que le dijéramos cómo pudiéramos ayudarla.
B2She wanted us to tell her how we might be able to help her.
💡 Grammar Points
The '-ra' vs. '-se' Form
In this special past verb form (called the imperfect subjunctive), Spanish has two options: the '-ra' form (pudiéramos) and the '-se' form (pudiésemos). They mean exactly the same thing, but '-ra' is slightly more common in modern speech.
Using 'Pudiéramos' for Hypotheticals
This form is often used in 'if...then' sentences (called conditional sentences). Use it in the 'if' part when the situation is contrary to fact or highly unlikely: 'Si pudiéramos ir, iríamos' (If we could go, we would go).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Subjunctive and Conditional
Mistake: "Using the conditional tense ('podríamos') when the structure requires the imperfect special form: *Dudaba que podríamos hacerlo.*"
Correction: Use 'pudiéramos' after expressions of doubt or emotion about a past action: *Dudaba que pudiéramos hacerlo.* (I doubted that we could do it.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Polite Suggestions
In some regions, especially Latin America, 'pudiéramos' is used instead of the conditional 'podríamos' (we could) to make a very polite, soft suggestion: 'Pudiéramos reunirnos mañana' (We could meet tomorrow).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pudiéramos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence requires the special verb form 'pudiéramos' because it expresses doubt about a past possibility?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pudiéramos' the same as 'pudiésemos'?
Yes! Both 'pudiéramos' (the -ra form) and 'pudiésemos' (the -se form) are the exact same verb form (imperfect special form, or subjunctive) for 'we' and mean 'we could/might be able to.' You can usually use either one interchangeably, though the '-ra' form is generally more common today.
Why is 'pudiéramos' sometimes used instead of 'podríamos'?
'Podríamos' is the conditional tense ('we could') and is standard for simple polite requests or possibilities. 'Pudiéramos' is the special subjunctive form. In parts of Latin America, 'pudiéramos' is sometimes used as a very polite or slightly formal alternative to 'podríamos' when making a suggestion.