Making hypothetical comparisons with "como si"
When you want to describe a situation by comparing it to an imaginary or contrary-to-fact scenario, use the phrase como si (as if).
Because these comparisons describe something that isn't actually real, they require the subjunctive mood. To describe a hypothetical scenario in the present, always follow como si with the imperfect subjunctive (the past subjunctive).
Using "fuera" (as if it were)
The most common verb used with como si is ser, which becomes fuera (or fueras, fueran, etc.) in the imperfect subjunctive. Even though the sentence describes a present action, the past tense form signals that the comparison is imaginary.
| That big man yells as if he were a fierce ogre. | Ese hombrón grita como si fuera un ogro feroz. |
| The monster looks at you as if it were a fierce beast. | El monstruo te mira como si fuera una bestia feroz. |
Using other verbs with "como si"
This structure works for any action. The first half of the sentence usually uses the present indicative to state what is actually happening. Then, como si acts as a bridge to a hypothetical world, putting the imaginary action into the imperfect subjunctive.
| The dragon attacks as if it spat fire against the armor. | El dragón ataca como si escupiera fuego contra la armadura. |
| You act as if that goblin bewitched you. | Tú actúas como si ese duende te hechizara. |
| She sings as if she bewitched this enchanted forest. | Ella canta como si hechizara este bosque encantado. |
More magical comparisons
You can use this same grammar to weave fairy tale and mythical themes into everyday descriptions.
| The white horse runs as if it were an enchanted unicorn. | El caballo blanco corre como si fuera un unicornio encantado. |
| In your place, I would use the armor as if I were immortal. | Yo en tu lugar, usaría la armadura como si fuera inmortal. |