The Congiuntivo Passato is used to express an opinion, emotion, or doubt in the present about an event that occurred in the past.

How to form it

It is formed using the Congiuntivo Presente of the auxiliary verb (avere or essere) + the Past Participle.

• Avere: abbia, abbia, abbia, abbiamo, abbiate, abbiano + Participle (e.g., abbia mangiato)
• Essere: sia, sia, sia, siamo, siate, siano + Participle (e.g., sia andato/a)

Usage comparison

• Present Subjunctive: Penso che Marco vada a casa (I think Marco is going home now/future).
• Past Subjunctive: Penso che Marco sia andato a casa (I think Marco went home already).