The pluperfect subjunctive in Spanish
Pretérito pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo, subjunctive
Non-assertive statements about actions in the past from the perspective of the past (actions already completed in the past)
Type the forms, check them instantly, and see which tenses and irregularities need work.
When to use it
- Counterfactual si clausesSi hubiera sabido, habría venido. (If I had known, I would have come.)
- Regrets with ojaláOjalá hubiera estudiado más. (I wish I had studied more.)
- After a main verb in the past, about an earlier actionNo creía que lo hubieras hecho. (I did not believe that you had done it.)
Regular verbs
The pluperfect subjunctive of a regular -ar, -er, and -ir verb.
Irregular verbs in the pluperfect subjunctive
Examples
La profesora Ruiz se sorprendió de que Ana hubiera sido presentadora.
Ms. Ruiz was surprised that Ana had been a presenter.
A Lucía le sorprendió que Ana hubiera estado en la biblioteca.
Lucía was surprised that Ana had been to the library.
A Lucía le sorprendió que Ana hubiera tenido tanto tiempo para practicar.
Lucía was surprised that Ana had had so much time to practise.
A Marcos le sorprendió que Ana ya hubiera ido al museo.
Marcos was surprised that Ana had already gone to the museum.
A Marcos le sorprendió que Ana ya hubiera hecho estrellas de papel.
Marcos was surprised that Ana had already made paper stars.
A Lucía le sorprendió que Ana ya hubiera hablado en clase.
Lucía was surprised that Ana had already spoken in class.