Stating that you didn't know that a fact existed triggers the subjunctive?

Question

This is probably a common question but I haven't been able to find anything about it. If I were to claim that I didn't know something, would the subjunctive be triggered because of negation?

For example:

"I didn't know that there was so much anger between you and Karen." (It's true that there is anger between them).

"No sabía que hubiera/habia tanta rabia entre tu y Karen."

Is "habia" or "hubiera" used in this situation?

Gracias de antemano.

I wish I could tell you. My gut feeling is that you do not use the subjunctive if the anger actually existed before you found out. The subtlety is "I didn't know that there (actually) was much anger" or "I am ignorant that anger might have existed." - Jubilado, Apr 11, 2016

Correction: I was ignorant.... - Jubilado, Apr 11, 2016

gracias. I feel like the ignorance part was what I was going for. - cmusba, Apr 11, 2016

In that case I think it is "hubiera" but again I am only guessing. 0bito has left the site in a huff so don't expect help from him. I think everyone is asleep in Spain right now. - Jubilado, Apr 11, 2016

Que pena! I really like Obito too :( - cmusba, Apr 11, 2016

I'll see if I can find something on the RAE website in the meantime. - cmusba, Apr 11, 2016

Answer 1

"I didn't know that there was so much anger between you and Karen."

As you already said, it´s a true fact at least in the past, so there is no need for subjunctive.

thanks for the response - cmusba, Apr 11, 2016