🇪🇸B1 Spanish GrammarSubjunctive Mood (Subjuntivo)
1Present Subjunctive Formation
Form the present subjunctive by taking the yo form, dropping -o, and adding opposite endings: -AR verbs take -e endings, -ER/-IR verbs take -a endings. Irregulars include sea (ser), haya (haber), vaya (ir), and dé (dar).
Present Subjunctive Endings
| Person | -AR (hablar) | -ER (comer) | -IR (vivir) |
|---|---|---|---|
| yo | hable | coma | viva |
| tú | hables | comas | vivas |
| él/ella | hable | coma | viva |
| nosotros | hablemos | comamos | vivamos |
Examples
Espero que hables español.
I hope that you speak Spanish.
esperar triggers subjunctive
Quiero que vengas a la fiesta.
I want you to come to the party.
querer + que + subjunctive
Es importante que estudies.
It's important that you study.
impersonal expression
Dudo que sea verdad.
I doubt that it's true.
doubt triggers subjunctive
2Subjunctive Triggers: Wishes and Desires
Use subjunctive after expressions of wanting, wishing, and desire when there are two different subjects. Key verbs: querer (want), desear (wish), esperar (hope), preferir (prefer). The main clause subject differs from the subordinate clause subject.
Wish and Desire Verbs
| Verb | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| querer | Quiero que llegues | I want you to arrive |
| desear | Deseo que tengas suerte | I wish you luck |
| esperar | Espero que mejores | I hope you get better |
| preferir | Prefiero que vayas | I prefer that you go |
Examples
Mis padres quieren que estudie medicina.
My parents want me to study medicine.
different subjects
Esperamos que el tiempo sea bueno.
We hope the weather is good.
hope + subjunctive
Desean que seamos felices.
They wish us to be happy.
wish + subjunctive
Prefiero que no digas nada.
I prefer that you don't say anything.
prefer + subjunctive
3Subjunctive with Emotions and Doubt
Emotions (happiness, sadness, fear, surprise) and doubt require subjunctive in the subordinate clause. Key expressions: me alegra que (I'm glad that), temo que (I fear that), no creo que (I don't think that), dudo que (I doubt that).
Emotion and Doubt Expressions
| Type | Expression | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Joy | me alegra que | me alegra que estés aquí |
| Sadness | es triste que | es triste que se vaya |
| Fear | temo que | temo que llueva |
| Doubt | dudo que | dudo que venga |
Examples
Me alegra que hayas venido.
I'm glad you have come.
emotion + subjunctive
Es una pena que no puedas venir.
It's a shame you can't come.
regret + subjunctive
No creo que sea difícil.
I don't think it's difficult.
negated belief
Tengo miedo de que me olvides.
I'm afraid you'll forget me.
fear + subjunctive
4Subjunctive in Impersonal Expressions
Impersonal expressions of necessity, importance, and judgment trigger subjunctive: es necesario que (it's necessary that), es importante que (it's important that), es posible que (it's possible that). Note: factual expressions use indicative.
Impersonal Expressions
| Expression | Meaning | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| es necesario que | it's necessary that | subjunctive |
| es importante que | it's important that | subjunctive |
| es posible que | it's possible that | subjunctive |
| es cierto que | it's certain that | indicative |
Examples
Es necesario que llegues a tiempo.
It's necessary that you arrive on time.
necessity + subjunctive
Es importante que practiques cada día.
It's important that you practice every day.
importance + subjunctive
Es posible que llueva mañana.
It's possible it will rain tomorrow.
possibility + subjunctive
Es mejor que no digas nada.
It's better that you don't say anything.
judgment + subjunctive
Practice
Get 4 of 5 right to learn this lesson
Complete: 'Quiero que tú ___ aquí.' (I want you to come here.)
What is the present subjunctive of 'hablar' (yo form)?
Complete: 'No creo que ___ verdad.' (I don't think it's true.)
Complete: 'Es importante que todos ___.' (It's important that everyone participate.)
Complete: 'Me alegra que ___ bien.' (I'm glad you're well.)
See Real Examples in Stories
Now that you've practiced, see this grammar in context
