What is the Spanish Simple Conditional Tense?

The simple conditional tense, also known as condicional simple or pospretérito, is used in Spanish to express hypothetical situations, polite requests, and uncertain future actions. It is equivalent to the English “would” when used in these contexts.

Conjugation of Regular Verbs in the Simple Conditional Tense

To conjugate regular verbs in the simple conditional tense, simply add the following endings to the infinitive form of the verb:

• -ar verbs: -ía, -ías, -ía, -íamos, -íais, -ían
• -er verbs: -ía, -ías, -ía, -íamos, -íais, -ían
• -ir verbs: -ía, -ías, -ía, -íamos, -íais, -ían

Here are some examples of regular verb conjugations in the simple conditional tense:

Hablar (to speak)

• Yo hablaría (I would speak)
• Tú hablarías (You would speak)
• Él/Ella/Usted hablaría (He/She/You [formal] would speak)
• Nosotros/Nosotras hablaríamos (We would speak)
• Vosotros/Vosotras hablaríais (You all would speak)
• Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes hablarían (They/You all [formal] would speak)

Comer (to eat)

• Yo comería (I would eat)
• Tú comerías (You would eat)
• Él/Ella/Usted comería (He/She/You [formal] would eat)
• Nosotros/Nosotras comeríamos (We would eat)
• Vosotros/Vosotras comeríais (You all would eat)
• Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes comerían (They/You all [formal] would eat)

Vivir (to live)

• Yo viviría (I would live)
• Tú vivirías (You would live)
• Él/Ella/Usted viviría (He/She/You [formal] would live)
• Nosotros/Nosotras viviríamos (We would live)
• Vosotros/Vosotras viviríais (You all would live)
• Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes vivirían (They/You all [formal] would live)

Irregular Verb Conjugations in the Simple Conditional Tense

Some verbs in the simple conditional tense have irregular conjugations. These irregularities usually involve a change in the stem of the verb. Here are some common irregular verbs with their respective conjugations:

Caber (to fit)

• Yo cabría
• Tú cabrías
• Él/Ella/Usted cabría
• Nosotros/Nosotras cabríamos
• Vosotros/Vosotras cabríais
• Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes cabrían

Poder (to be able to)

• Yo podría
• Tú podrías
• Él/Ella/Usted podría
• Nosotros/Nosotras podríamos
• Vosotros/Vosotras podríais
• Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes podrían

Saber (to know)

• Yo sabría
• Tú sabrías
• Él/Ella/Usted sabría
• Nosotros/Nosotras sabríamos
• Vosotros/Vosotras sabríais
• Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes sabrían

For a more extensive list of irregular verbs in the simple conditional tense, refer to a reliable Spanish grammar resource or textbook.

Uses of the Simple Conditional Tense

Now that we know how to conjugate verbs in the simple conditional tense, let’s explore its main uses:

1. Hypothetical Situations: The simple conditional tense is often used to express hypothetical or unreal situations, especially when combined with the past subjunctive or si (if) clauses. Example: Si tuviera dinero, compraría un coche nuevo. (If I had money, I would buy a new car.)
2. Polite Requests: When making polite requests, the simple conditional tense softens the tone of the request. Example: ¿Podría pasarme la sal, por favor? (Could you pass me the salt, please?)
3. Uncertain Future Actions: The simple conditional tense can also express future actions that are uncertain or dependent on certain conditions. Example: Mañana llovería, según el pronóstico. (It would rain tomorrow, according to the forecast.)

Conclusion

The simple conditional tense is an essential aspect of Spanish grammar that allows speakers to express hypothetical situations, polite requests, and uncertain future actions. By mastering the conjugation of regular and irregular verbs and understanding its various uses, you will be well-equipped to communicate effectively in Spanish. Keep practicing, and soon the simple conditional tense will become second nature to you!