Cómo iba a

how could I

→ cómo
phrase Uncommon #22,963
how could I Often used rhetorically to express that something seemed impossible or unlikely. The subject depends on context; “iba a” literally means “was going to.”
SP: ¿Cómo iba a saberlo?
EN: How could I have known?

¿Cómo iba a decirle que no?

How could I say no to him?

— El conformista (1971)

¿Cómo iba a saber eso?

How was I supposed to know that?

— Drive: El Escape (2011)

¿Cómo iba a olvidarlo, mamá?

How could I forget, Mom?

— Gángster Americano (2007)

¿Cómo iba a estudiar?

How was I supposed to study?

— Que Horas Ela Volta? (2015)

¿Cómo iba a saberlo?

How was I supposed to know?

— Drive: El Escape (2011)

¿Cómo iba a dejarte ir tan fácilmente?

How could I let you go so easily?

— Dil Se.. (1998)

¿Cómo iba a saber que Nino estaba detrás de todo?

How was I supposed to know Nino was behind it all?

— Drive: El Escape (2011)

¿Cómo iba a parar?

How was I supposed to stop?

— Jugada Maestra (2026)

¿Cómo iba a hacerle daño?

How was I supposed to hurt him?

— Buenos Muchachos (1990)

¿Cómo iba a esperar que la selkie cantara sin su abrigo?

How was I supposed to expect the selkie to sing without her coat?

— La canción del mar (2014)

¿Cómo iba a saber que estaría trabajando con carbón?

How was I supposed to know I’d be working with coal?

— Ip Man (2008)

¿Cómo iba a pensar eso?

How was I supposed to think that?

— Río Místico (2003)

¿Cómo iba a hacerlo yo?

How was I supposed to do it?

— Замри-умри-воскресни! (1990)

¿Cómo iba a tener relaciones sexuales contigo?

How was I supposed to have sex with you?

— Sed de Sangre (2009)

"¿Cómo iba a creerle si ella todavía no había vivido lo que él sabía?".

How could she believe him when she hadn’t yet lived through what he knew?

— Durante la tormenta (2018)

¿Cómo iba a estar seguro de que este tipo iba a hacerlo?

How could I be sure this guy was going to do it?

— Estallido mortal (1981)

¿Cómo iba a saber que no puedes ir andando a cualquier parte?

How was I supposed to know you can't walk everywhere?

— Брат 2 (2000)