In Spanish the conjunction como si (as if/like) is used to form subordinate clauses.
Learn how to use como si with Modo subjuntivo in Spanish
These clauses express the way something is done. It is always followed by the subjunctive, specifically by El Pretérito Imperfecto Subjuntivo or El Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto de Subjuntivo.
To learn how it is used with El Pretérito Imperfecto Subjuntivo see Using the imperfect subjunctive after the conjunction como si in Spanish (subordinate manner clauses).
In this lesson we will see how to use "como si" with El Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto de Subjuntivo.
Have a look and listen to the following examples:
Elisa me miraba como si yo hubiera hecho algo malo.Elisa looked at me as if I had done something bad.
Notice how the subordinate clauses introduced by como si are followed by El Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto de Subjuntivo.
Unlike in English where as if is often followed by a past tense in the indicative, in Spanish como si can never be followed by a tense in the indicative or El Presente de Subjuntivo, or El Pretérito Perfecto Subjuntivo. Bear in mind though that "como si" is also used idiomatically, with the indicative, but this other use is very different. See also lesson Using "como si" in Spanish with indicative to express indifference.
Have a look:
Lo tomó como si se tratara de una broma. (Imperfect subjunctive)
He took it as a joke. [as if it were a joke]
Lo tomó como si se hubiera tratado de una broma. (Pluperfect subjunctive)
He took it as a joke. [as if it had been a joke]
Lo tomó como si se trata / se trató / se trataba de una broma. (No indicative)
Lo tomó como si se trate /haya tratado de una broma. (No Present Subjunctive, no Perfect Subjunctive)
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