Conditional tenses in Spanish describe actions that depend on a condition being met, whether in the present, future, or past. They allow speakers to express possibilities, hypotheses, desires, and consequences in a nuanced way.
- Expresses “would” scenarios, not certainties.
- Covers both imagined present/future (Simple) and hypothetical past (Perfect).
- Crucial for polite requests, softening statements, and speculation.
Simple Conditional
The simple conditional is used for 'would' statements and is often paired with an 'if' clause (si). Examples: 'Viajaría si tuviera dinero.' / 'Yo compraría esa casa.'
The simple conditional expresses what someone would do if a certain condition were met, or for polite requests and suggestions. Its endings for all regular verbs are: -ía, -ías, -ía, -íamos, -íais, -ían.
- Used for hypothetical or potential actions (“would…”).
- Also for softening requests/suggestions.
- Same endings for -ar, -er, -ir verbs.
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| Subject | Conditional Ending | Example (viajar) |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | -ía | Viajaría |
| Tú | -ías | Viajarías |
| Él/Ella | -ía | Viajaría |
| Nosotros | -íamos | Viajaríamos |
| Vosotros | -íais | Viajaríais |
| Ellos | -ían | Viajarían |
The simple conditional is used for hypotheticals and for polite requests or suggestions, not for completed past or factual future actions.
Example:
- Hypothetical: Yo viajaría por el mundo si pudiera.
- Polite: ¿Podrías ayudarme?
Perfect Conditional
The perfect conditional is for hypothetical past actions—what would have happened if...
The perfect conditional (condicional perfecto) expresses what would have happened if circumstances had been different. It’s used for hypothetical outcomes in the past.
- Describes unrealized past events (regret, speculation).
- Often paired with “si” in past hypothetical clauses.
Correct uses of the perfect conditional describe hypothetical past actions: 'Habríamos viajado si hubieras tenido tiempo.' / 'Ella habría comprado el coche.'
Form: Conditional of haber + past participle
(yo) habría, (tú) habrías, (él) habría, (nos) habríamos, (vos) habríais, (ellos) habrían + [participio]
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| Subject | Haber Cond. | Example (viajar) |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | Habría | Habría viajado |
| Tú | Habrías | Habrías viajado |
| Él/Ella | Habría | Habría viajado |
| Nosotros | Habríamos | Habríamos viajado |
| Vosotros | Habríais | Habríais viajado |
| Ellos | Habrían | Habrían viajado |
Example:
- Si hubieras estudiado, habrías pasado el examen.
- (Nosotros) Habríamos comprado la casa, pero no teníamos el dinero.
Conclusion
Spanish conditional tenses unlock nuanced expression for hypotheticals, desires, and speculations—both for present/future and past situations.
- Simple Conditional: Used for “would” ideas and polite requests (viajaría, podrías).
- Perfect Conditional: Describes hypothetical past actions (“would have…”).
- Both tenses rely on clear conditions and expand conversational flexibility.