viniera
vee-NYEHR-ah
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Esperaba que mi amigo viniera a la fiesta.
B1I hoped that my friend would come to the party.
Si él viniera con nosotros, todo sería más fácil.
B2If he came with us, everything would be easier.
No creía que la noticia viniera de una fuente confiable.
B2I didn't believe the news came from a reliable source.
💡 Grammar Points
Hypothetical Past
Use 'viniera' after 'si' (if) when talking about an unlikely or impossible condition in the present or past: 'Si viniera, te lo diría' (If he came, I would tell you).
Wishes and Emotions
This special verb form is required after expressions of emotion, doubt, or desire about a past event: 'Me alegró que viniera' (I was happy that he came).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Moods
Mistake: "Using the normal past tense (indicative) after 'si' for hypotheticals: 'Si él vino, seríamos felices.'"
Correction: You must use the special form: 'Si él viniera, seríamos felices.' This tells the listener the action is hypothetical, not a fact.
⭐ Usage Tips
The '-ra' vs. '-se' forms
'Viniera' (the -ra form) is the most common way to say this. You might also hear 'viniese' (the -se form), which means the exact same thing, but '-ra' is generally preferred in conversational Spanish.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: viniera
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'viniera' to express a hypothetical situation?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'vino' and 'viniera'?
'Vino' is the simple past (he/she came), used for facts and completed actions in the past: 'Él vino a las tres.' ('He came at three.'). 'Viniera' is a special verb form (the subjunctive) used when the coming is uncertain, wished for, or part of a hypothetical situation: 'Dudé que él viniera.' ('I doubted that he came.')
Is 'viniera' always about the past?
Not exactly. While it is the 'past' form of the subjunctive, it is most often used to talk about actions that are hypothetical or pending in the present or future, especially when paired with a conditional sentence: 'Si viniera mañana, avísame.' (If he were to come tomorrow, let me know.)