Breakdown of ¡Ojalá lo borraras de tu memoria!
de
from / of
tu
your
lo
it / him (direct object)
ojalá
hopefully / I hope
la memoria
the memory
borrar
to erase
Questions & Answers about ¡Ojalá lo borraras de tu memoria!
Why use the imperfect subjunctive borraras here instead of the present subjunctive borres?
Using ojalá with the imperfect subjunctive (borraras) shows that this is an unreal or highly unlikely wish, translating to "If only you erased it." If you used the present subjunctive (borres), it would change the meaning to a realistic hope: "I hope you erase it."
Could I use borrases instead of borraras?
Yes, they mean the exact same thing! The imperfect subjunctive has two sets of endings: -ra and -se. In Latin America, the -ra endings like borraras are much more common in everyday conversation, but borrases is perfectly correct.
Why does lo come before the verb here? Can I attach it to the end to make borraraslo?
No, you can't attach it to the end here. Object pronouns like lo must go before conjugated verbs, including verbs in the subjunctive. You can only attach them to the end of infinitives, gerunds (words ending in -ndo), and affirmative commands.
I've seen borrar used for deleting computer files. Is it normal to use it for memories too?
Absolutely. Borrar means "to erase" or "to delete." Just like in English, you can use it for physical marks, digital files, or abstract things like wiping a thought or memory from your mind.
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