Imperfect Subjunctive (Irregular Verbs)
The congiuntivo imperfetto (imperfect subjunctive) is used in subordinate clauses to express doubt, desire, or subjectivity in the past, and is essential for forming 'if' clauses in hypothetical sentences.
How It Works
The imperfect subjunctive is a vital part of Italian, particularly for expressing possibilities and past desires. While it is grammatically required for correct Italian, note that in very casual conversation, the indicativo imperfetto is often used as a substitute, though this is considered substandard.
1. Irregular Stems (Latin Roots)
Many common verbs revert to their Latin roots to form the stem. A helpful mnemonic is that these stems are identical to those used in the imperfect indicative (e.g., facevo → facessi).
- Fare (Latin facere) → fac-e-ssi
- Dire (Latin dicere) → dic-e-ssi
- Bere (Latin bibere; often remembered via the archaic bevere) → bev-e-ssi
- Tradurre (Latin traducere) → traduc-e-ssi
- Porre (Latin ponere) → pon-e-ssi
- Trarre (Latin trahere) → tra-e-ssi
2. The 'Dare' and 'Stare' Exception
Even though these are -are verbs, they use the thematic vowel -e- instead of -a-. Using dassi or stassi is a common error.
- Dare → dessi, dessi, desse, dessimo, deste, dessero
- Stare → stessi, stessi, stesse, stessimo, steste, stessero
3. The Verb 'Essere'
Essere is completely unique, using the stem fo-:
- fossi, fossi, fosse, fossimo, foste, fossero
4. Conjugation Tip
To help you become confident with these forms, notice that the voi form of the imperfect subjunctive (e.g., foste, faceste, deste) is identical to the voi form of the passato remoto.
5. Usage Contexts
- Hypotheticals: Used in the 'if' clause (protasi) of a periodo ipotetico della possibilità (e.g., Se fossi ricco...).
- Past Subordination: When the main verb is in the past (e.g., Speravo che...) and the action happened at the same time.
- Wishes: Used with magari to express strong, often unattainable desires.
Examples (5)
- Se fossi in te, non andrei a quella festa.
If I were you, I wouldn't go to that party.
Word by Word: If (I) were in you, not (I) would go to that party.
Uses the irregular 'fossi' (essere) to create a hypothetical situation.
- Speravo che mi dicessi la verità.
I was hoping that you would tell me the truth.
Word by Word: (I) was hoping that (to) me (you) said the truth.
Uses the irregular 'dicessi' (dire) because the main verb 'speravo' is in the past.
- Magari facesse bel tempo domani!
If only the weather were nice tomorrow!
Word by Word: If only (it) made beautiful weather tomorrow!
Uses 'facesse' (fare) with 'magari' to express a strong wish.
- Non sapevo che stessero insieme.
I didn't know they were together.
Word by Word: Not (I) knew that (they) stayed together.
Uses the irregular 'stessero' (stare) triggered by the past verb of knowing 'non sapevo'.
- Volevo che mi dessero una mano.
I wanted them to give me a hand.
Word by Word: (I) wanted that (to) me (they) gave a hand.
Uses the irregular 'dessero' (dare) following a past verb of volition.
Common Mistakes
Using the wrong thematic vowel for 'dare' and 'stare'.
Se io stassi bene, uscirei.Se io stessi bene, uscirei.Learners often assume 'stare' follows the -are pattern (stassi), but it must use the -e- vowel (stessi).
Using the conditional instead of the subjunctive after 'se'.
Se sarei ricco, comprerei una barca.Se fossi ricco, comprerei una barca.In Italian, the 'if' clause of a hypothesis requires the subjunctive, never the conditional.
Simplifying the stem for 'fare' or 'dire'.
Pensavo che lui fassi tutto da solo.Pensavo che lui facesse tutto da solo.Verbs like 'fare' must use their Latin-derived stem (fac-) rather than the modern infinitive stem.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To learn the irregular imperfect subjunctive, learners must first understand the regular conjugation patterns of the imperfect subjunctive. Additionally, familiarity with the present tense of common irregular verbs like 'essere', 'fare', and 'dare' is essential, as these verbs often maintain irregular stems across different moods and tenses.
Related Patterns
- se + Imperfect Subjunctive + ConditionalPossible Conditional (Type 2: Se + Congiuntivo Imperfetto)
The imperfect subjunctive is the mandatory tense for the 'if' clause in this type of sentence.
Level 3 - magari'Magari' (Maybe / if Only)
Magari is frequently paired with the imperfect subjunctive to express wishes.
Level 2 - Sequence of Tenses with the Subjunctive
Explains when to choose the imperfect subjunctive over the present or past subjunctive.
Level 4 - Irregular Passato Remoto
Many irregular stems in the imperfect subjunctive are similar to those in the passato remoto.
Level 3
Sources
Practice Imperfect Subjunctive (Irregular Verbs) in Bubblegum
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