español · B2 · grammar · 4 minutes
Hypothetical conditions
Imagine a distant condition and explore what would follow.
Understand the choice
An imperfect-subjunctive si-clause imagines a present or future situation at a distance from reality. The conditional result explores what would follow if that imagined condition held.
Core rule: Use imperfect subjunctive after si for an unlikely or imagined present condition and conditional in the result.
Notice it in context
Si tuviera más tiempo, aprendería otro idioma.
If I had more time, I would learn another language.
Use imperfect subjunctive after si for an unlikely or imagined present condition and conditional in the result.
Si vivieras aquí, nos veríamos más.
If you lived here, we would see each other more.
Vivieras pairs with veríamos.
¿Qué harías si perdieras el trabajo?
What would you do if you lost your job?
Both clauses frame an imagined situation.
What to remember
- The pattern is si + imperfect subjunctive, conditional: si pudiera, iría.
- For an unreal past, use pluperfect subjunctive and conditional perfect: si hubiera sabido, habría ido.
Common trap: Do not use conditional in the si-clause: si tendría tiempo is nonstandard for this pattern. Put tuviera after si and aprendería in the result.