supiera
“supiera” means “knew” in Spanish (Hypothetical/if I knew).
knew, would know
Also: found out
📝 In Action
Si yo supiera la respuesta, te la diría.
B1If I knew the answer, I would tell you.
Esperaba que ella supiera la verdad.
B2I hoped that she knew the truth.
No había nadie que supiera manejar ese sistema antiguo.
B2There was no one who knew how to operate that old system.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: supiera
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'supiera' to express a hypothetical situation?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The verb *saber* comes from the Latin verb *sapere*, which originally meant 'to taste' or 'to have flavor,' but later evolved to mean 'to be wise' or 'to know.' The connection is that someone who 'tastes' life is wise.
First recorded: Before 1000 AD (Old Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'supiera' the same as 'supiese'?
Yes, they are both forms of the Imperfect Subjunctive for 'saber' (to know). They mean the exact same thing and are interchangeable, though 'supiera' (the -ra form) is slightly more common in modern speech.
When do I use 'supiera' instead of 'sabía' (the Imperfect Indicative)?
You use 'sabía' when stating a definite fact or repeated action in the past (e.g., 'I knew he was here'). You use 'supiera' when expressing feelings, doubts, wishes, or hypothetical conditions related to the past or present (e.g., 'I doubted he knew').