tuviese
too-VYAY-say
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Si yo tuviese un coche, iría a la playa hoy.
B2If I had a car, I would go to the beach today.
Era necesario que él tuviese el permiso para entrar.
B2It was necessary that he had the permit to enter.
Actuaba como si nunca tuviese problemas económicos.
C1He acted as if he never had financial problems.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'If' Structure
This form is essential for creating hypothetical or impossible situations in the present: 'Si tuviese X, haría Y' (If I had X, I would do Y).
Two Options for Imperfect Subjunctive
In Spanish, the imperfect subjunctive has two equally correct forms: 'tuviese' and 'tuviera'. You can use either one; 'tuviera' is often slightly more common in daily speech.
When the Main Verb Commands
When the first part of a past sentence expresses a wish, doubt, or command (e.g., 'Dudaba que...' or 'Esperaba que...'), the second verb must change to this special form.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Wrong 'Had'
Mistake: "Si yo tenía tiempo, iría."
Correction: Si yo tuviese tiempo, iría. The indicative 'tenía' (I used to have) is descriptive; the subjunctive 'tuviese' is hypothetical.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'As If'
Always use 'tuviese' (or 'tuviera') after the phrase 'como si' (as if): 'Ella hablaba como si lo tuviese todo' (She spoke as if she had everything).
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: tuviese
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'tuviese' to express a hypothetical situation?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'tuviese' and 'tuviera'?
'Tuviese' and 'tuviera' are exactly the same tense (Imperfect Subjunctive) and can be used interchangeably in almost every context. 'Tuviera' is often slightly preferred in parts of Latin America, while 'tuviese' is still very common in Spain and formal writing.
Can I use 'tuviese' instead of 'tenía'?
No. 'Tenía' is the descriptive past (I used to have, I was having). 'Tuviese' is the hypothetical/wish past (If I had, I wanted him to have). You must use 'tuviese' in conditional sentences or after verbs that express desire or doubt.