volviera
bol-BYE-ra
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Esperaba que mi hermano volviera antes de la cena.
B2I hoped that my brother would return before dinner.
Si volviera a nacer, elegiría la misma profesión.
C1If I were born again (were to return to be born), I would choose the same profession.
Era necesario que usted volviera a firmar los papeles.
B2It was necessary that you return to sign the papers.
💡 Grammar Points
What 'Volviera' Does
This form is called the 'imperfect subjunctive.' It is used primarily when the main part of the sentence expresses a wish, doubt, or command about an action happening in the past.
Using 'If' Clauses
When setting up a hypothetical situation ('If X happened...'), you must use volviera in the 'if' part. Example: 'Si volviera, lo abrazaría' (If he returned, I would hug him).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Indicative and Subjunctive
Mistake: "No creí que él volvía."
Correction: No creí que él volviera. (When expressing doubt or disbelief in the past, Spanish requires the special subjunctive form, not the normal past form.)
⭐ Usage Tips
The Two Options
The form volviera is completely interchangeable with volviese. They mean the exact same thing, but the -ra forms (like volviera) are far more common in daily speech.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: volviera
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'volviera' to express a past desire?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'volviera' the same as 'volvió'?
No, they are very different! 'Volvió' is the simple past tense (He returned), used for facts. 'Volviera' is the special subjunctive past form (That he returned), used for wishes, doubts, or hypothetical situations.
Can I use 'volviera' to talk about the future?
Yes, but only in hypothetical sentences! For example, 'Si volviera a llover...' means 'If it were to rain again...'—the action is future, but the form is used because the situation is hypothetical.