Instruction: Spanish Past Subjunctive – Irregular

The past subjunctive, like other Spanish tenses, includes several irregular verbs that do not follow regular conjugation patterns. These irregularities often stem from changes in the preterite tense, which serves as the base for forming the past subjunctive. In this lesson, we will organize the most common irregular verbs into a table. Additionally, we’ll explore how the past subjunctive is used for polite requests and expressions of courtesy.

1. Irregular Verbs in the Past Subjunctive

Below is a table that includes the infinitive, irregular stem, and the first-person singular form (yo) in the past subjunctive for some of the most common irregular verbs.

2. Using the Past Subjunctive for Politeness and Courtesy

In Spanish, the past subjunctive is often used to make polite requests or express courtesy. This usage softens the request or statement, making it more formal and respectful. The verbs poder (to be able to) and querer (to want) are frequently used in this way.

2.1 Pudiera/Pudieras (Could you?)

Pudiera or pudieras is used when making a polite request. It’s similar to saying “could you” or “would you be able to” in English.

Examples:

• Pudiera usted ayudarme con esto?
  (Could you help me with this?)
• Si pudieras pasarme la sal, por favor.
  (If you could pass me the salt, please.)

2.2 Quisiera/Quisieras (Would you like?)

Quisiera or quisieras is used to express a polite desire or request. It’s similar to saying “I would like” or “would you like” in English.

Examples:

• Quisiera un café, por favor.
  (I would like a coffee, please.)
• Quisieras venir a mi casa esta noche?
  (Would you like to come to my house tonight?)

Note: Using the past subjunctive in these contexts doesn’t actually indicate that the action took place in the past; instead, it serves to create a more polite tone.

3. Sample Sentences Using Irregular Past Subjunctive Verbs

1. Querer:

• Yo quisiera hablar contigo sobre un tema importante.
  (I would like to talk to you about an important matter.)

2. Poder:

• Si yo pudiera asistir, lo haría con gusto.
  (If I could attend, I would do so gladly.)

3. Ir:

• No creía que él fuera a la reunión.
  (I didn’t believe that he went to the meeting.)

4. Tener:

• Si tuviera tiempo, me uniría al proyecto.
  (If I had time, I would join the project.)

5. Dormir:

• Esperaba que durmiera bien anoche.
  (I hoped that he slept well last night.)

4. Practice Exercise

Fill in the blanks with the correct past subjunctive form of the verb in parentheses:

1. Si yo __________ (tener) la oportunidad, viajaría a España.
2. Quisiera que tú __________ (venir) a la fiesta.
3. Si tú __________ (poder) ayudarme, te lo agradecería.
4. No creía que ella __________ (decir) eso.
5. Pudiera usted __________ (hacer) una excepción?

Answers:

1. Si yo tuviera la oportunidad, viajaría a España.
2. Quisiera que tú vinieras a la fiesta.
3. Si tú pudieras ayudarme, te lo agradecería.
4. No creía que ella dijera eso.
5. Pudiera usted hacer una excepción?

Conclusion

The past subjunctive is a versatile and important component of advanced Spanish. Not only does it allow you to express complex ideas about the past, but it also enables you to make polite requests and communicate with greater courtesy. By mastering the irregular verbs in the past subjunctive and practicing their use in various contexts, you’ll improve your fluency and ability to convey nuanced meanings in Spanish. Keep practicing these forms, and soon they will become second nature!