Imperfect Subjunctive

In brief

The imperfect subjunctive (congiuntivo imperfetto) often appears in a clause introduced by che when the main verb is in the past and expresses a wish, doubt, feeling, or judgment. Despite its name, it does not necessarily describe an action completed in the past: the event can be simultaneous with or later than the past viewpoint.

Form

For regular verbs, use the imperfect subjunctive endings: parlare → parlassi, parlassi, parlasse, parlassimo, parlaste, parlassero; credere → credessi; dormire → dormissi. Common irregular forms include essere → fossi, avere → avessi, and fare → facessi.

Usage

• After a past-tense expression of wanting or hoping: volevo che tu venissi.
• After past-tense doubt, emotion, or opinion: dubitavo che fosse vero.
• After a past-tense impersonal judgment: era importante che finissimo presto.

Examples

• Volevo che tu venissi con noi. — I wanted you to come with us.
• Dubitavo che Marco fosse a casa. — I doubted that Marco was at home.
• Era importante che finissimo il lavoro entro venerdì. — It was important that we finish the work by Friday.

Common mistake

❌ Volevo che tu vieni con noi.

✅ Volevo che tu venissi con noi.

After past-tense volevo che, use the imperfect subjunctive venissi rather than the present indicative vieni. English ‘I wanted you to come’ does not signal this form directly.

Remember

A past-tense main verb often shifts the required subjunctive in the che-clause to the imperfect subjunctive.