preguntaras

Preguntaras is the second-person singular form of the Spanish verb preguntar in the imperfect subjunctive. It is used to express hypothetical or non-real actions in past contexts and appears in subordinate clauses such as those introduced by if (si) or after verbs of wishing, doubt, or necessity. For example: Si tú preguntaras al guía, podrías obtener la información. Quería que tú preguntaras antes de empezar.

Formation and variants: For -ar verbs, the imperfect subjunctive endings include -ara and -aras, so preguntaras is the form corresponding to tú in this mood. A common variant in many dialects is preguntases, which uses the -ases ending. Both forms convey the same grammatical function, with regional preferences influencing which one is more common. In formal or literary contexts, you may also encounter preguntara, preguntaras, or preguntáramos as part of different persons, but preguntaras specifically marks the second person singular in the imperfect subjunctive.

Usage notes: The imperfect subjunctive, including preguntaras, is used in sentences that describe hypothetical past actions, conditions contrary to fact, wishes, or reported speech. It often follows si in contrafactual clauses (Si tú preguntaras más, tendrías más información) or after verbs expressing desire or doubt (Quería que tú preguntaras). In many contemporary conversations, speakers may opt for periphrastic or simplified constructions, but preguntaras remains correct and standard in formal, literary, or traditional registers.

See also: Subjunctive mood, Spanish grammar, Imperfect subjunctive.