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How to Say "would come" in Spanish

English → Spanish

venía

VerbA2General
Use 'venía' to describe a habitual or repeated action in the past that 'would' happen regularly.

Examples

Yo venía en el autobús cuando me llamaste.

I was coming (would come) on the bus when you called me.

viniera

vee-NYEHR-ah/biˈnjera/

VerbB1General
Use 'viniera' to express a past hope, wish, or a hypothetical situation where someone's coming was conditional or desired.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration showing a stylized figure walking on a winding path toward a small, brightly lit house in the distance, representing the hypothetical action of arrival.

Examples

Esperaba que mi amigo viniera a la fiesta.

I hoped that my friend would come to the party.

Si él viniera con nosotros, todo sería más fácil.

If he came with us, everything would be easier.

No creía que la noticia viniera de una fuente confiable.

I didn't believe the news came from a reliable source.

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).

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.

Habit vs. Hope

The most common mistake is using 'viniera' for a simple past habit. Remember, 'venía' is for actions that *used to happen* regularly, while 'viniera' is for past hopes or hypothetical situations.

Related Translations

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