The imperfect subjunctive of modal verbs in Italian

Learn how to use The imperfect subjunctive of modal verbs with examples.
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The imperfect subjunctive of modal verbs

Reminder: the modal verbs are potere (to be able to), dovere (to have to), volere (to want to) and sapere (to know how to). These verbs are conjugated and followed by other verbs in the infinitive.

Marta vuole andare al cinema.

Marta wants to go to the movies.

This is how the four modal verbs are conjugated in the imperfect subjunctive.

Potere
Io potessi
Tu potessi
Lui/lei potesse
Noi potessimo
Voi poteste
Loro potessero
Dovere
Io dovessi
Tu dovessi
Lui/lei dovesse
Noi dovessimo
Voi doveste
Loro dovessero
Volere
Io volessi
Tu volessi
Lui/lei volesse
Noi volessimo
Voi voleste
Loro volessero
Sapere
Io sapessi
Tu sapessi
Lui/lei sapesse
Noi sapessimo
Voi sapeste
Loro sapessero

Se volessero, potrebbero andare in vacanza. 

If they wanted to, they could go on vacation.

Se potessi, farei un giro in barca oggi.  

If I could, I would take a boat ride today.

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