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So apparently #español has 2 completely interchangeable versions of the imperfect subjunctive. e.g. 'cupiera' can be 'cupiese'.

Because verbs were too simple, sure let's add multiple versions of each conjugation!

For those non-students of the language, here's what the conjugation of that verb looks like:

https://conjugator.reverso.net/conjugation-spanish-verb-caber.html

To be fair, the core 4 or 5 conjugations bed into your mind OK after enough time, for most 'normal' verbs (caber is a bit 'spicier' than most), but the very complex way the subjunctive gets used mixed in with past tenses and conditionals really is over the top sometimes).

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Discussion

sudocarlos 1y ago

I like when language is something i dont even have to think about. My first language was spanish but now im a gringo and i struggle with less frequently used spanish words 🤷‍♂️

waxwing 1y ago

Yeah 90% of my 'study' is, like, watching telenovelas :) imo it's better that way, albeit it depends on your reason for learning.

But doing grammar exercises is interesting, too.

sudocarlos 1y ago

😂 the memories of my mom taking over the tv to watch "dos mujeros un camino" come to mind when i hear telenovelas

Johnathan Corgan 1y ago

The two versions are interchangeable but have wide regional differences in usage. In Spain the -ese versions are much more common; I rarely hear them from latinos on this side of the pond.

Even in my own family (Spaniard descent) here in US the -ese forms sound quaint.

waxwing 1y ago

Thanks, that's exactly what i was wondering.

foobarbazqux 1y ago

Thank you for the pointer to Reverso's conjugation tools.

podl 1y ago

Language is organic. It's not that somebody somewhere chose to overcomplicate things. It's just that if you want to be an international Spanish speaker, you need to be aware that you might hear it either way.

I've always said 'cupiera,' but I've probably heard 'cupiese' more.

It's hard to wrap your mind around the subjunctive with a purely academic approach. But in spoken Spanish it's used a lot. You start to pick it up quickly.

'Cuando puedas' is ubiquitous as a polite way to say 'when you can / at your convenience.' 'If / then' statements are another big one. 'I'd have (conditional) all the money inthe world, if I was (subjunctive - fuera / fuese) a wealthy girl.'

Bitcoin Mechanic 1y ago

I'm still trying to figure out para vs por.

waxwing 1y ago

Yo tambien 😄