FHUHS Spanish

The Pluperfect Subjunctive

(Pluscuamperfecto del subjuntivo)

The pluperfect subjunctive is nothing more than the perfect form (haber + past participle) of the imperfect subjunctive. Thus, you need to know the imperfect subjunctive form of haber and the correct past participle for the verb in question.

Ej.:

• ¡Ojalá que hubiera estado Miguel en la fiesta! (Oh if only Miguel had been at the party!)
• Si yo hubiera estudiado, no habría suspendido el examen. (If I had studied, I wouldn’t have failed the exam.)

Just like in the simple imperfect subjunctive, there are two forms: the -ra forms and the -se forms of haber in the imperfect subjunctive. In practice you really only need to include the -ra forms in your active vocabulary and usage, but be able to recognize the -se forms when you see them written or hear them used by a native speaker.

Imperfect subjunctive of haber (-ra forms)

For more information see:

• The simple imperfect subjunctive
• Past participles (including the many irregular forms)