Breakdown of El dragón ataca como si escupiera fuego contra la armadura.
como
as / like (such as, similar to)
la
the (feminine)
el fuego
fire
si
if
contra
against
el dragón
dragon
atacar
to attack
escupir
to spit
la armadura
armor
Questions & Answers about El dragón ataca como si escupiera fuego contra la armadura.
Why do we use the past tense escupiera when the dragon is attacking right now?
The phrase como si (as if) sets up a hypothetical situation. In Spanish, present hypothetical comparisons always use the imperfect (past) subjunctive. Even though the attack (ataca) is happening now, the dragon isn't actually spitting fire, so we must use escupiera.
Can I ever use the present subjunctive (escupa) after como si?
No, and this is a common trap! It is a strict rule in Spanish that como si is never followed by the present subjunctive. You must always use a past subjunctive form for a present hypothetical, no matter what.
Could I say como si escupiese instead?
Yes, escupiese is the alternative form of the imperfect subjunctive. Both mean the exact same thing, but the -ra ending (escupiera) is much more common in everyday Latin American Spanish.
Why use contra la armadura instead of just a la armadura?
The preposition contra specifically means 'against' and emphasizes the physical impact of the fire hitting the armor. Using a (to/at) would just mean directing the fire toward it, but contra paints a clearer picture of a forceful collision.
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