fueran
Wordform Details
Translation: werewould be
Part of Speech: verb
Inflection Type:
third-personpluralimperfectsubjunctiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma Details
Translation: to be; to exist; to occur
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'esse' (to be), which came from Proto-Indo-European *h₁es- (to be). The Spanish 'ser' developed from the Latin infinitive 'esse' and the perfect form 'fui', creating an irregular verb with forms from different roots. English 'is' and 'be' share the same Proto-Indo-European root, making them distant cognates.
Commonality: 100%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'ser' as describing what something 'essentially is' - permanent traits.
- The 's' in 'ser' can remind you of 'static' or 'stable' characteristics.
- For the irregular forms like 'soy' (I am), think 'soy sauce' - something with a permanent, consistent flavor.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
One of the two main verbs for 'to be' in Spanish (along with 'estar'). The distinction between 'ser' and 'estar' is fundamental to Spanish grammar and reflects a conceptual distinction not present in English. 'Ser' is used for permanent or inherent characteristics, while 'estar' is used for temporary states or locations.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Ser' is used for permanent characteristics, identity, origin, and inherent qualities, while 'estar' is used for temporary conditions, locations, and states that can change.
Confused word:
Él está cansado.
He is tired. (temporary state)
Notes: The ser/estar distinction is one of the most challenging aspects of Spanish for English speakers, as English uses a single verb 'to be' for both concepts.
Mnemonic: SER = Permanent (Substance, Essence, Reality); ESTAR = Temporary (State, Temporary, Arrangement, Reaction)
Explanation: While 'ser' means 'to be', 'ir' means 'to go'. They can be confused because they share the same past participle form 'ido' and some similar conjugated forms in the preterite tense.
Confused word:
Fui al mercado ayer.
I went to the market yesterday.
Notes: The preterite forms of 'ser' and 'ir' are identical: fui, fuiste, fue, fuimos, fuisteis, fueron.
Mnemonic: When using 'fui' (I was/I went), think about whether you're describing what you WERE (ser) or where you WENT (ir).