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5 Uses of Subjunctive in Spanish

Unlocking the Power of Subjunctive: How to Use It Like a Native Spanish Speaker.



Paula Ruiz pointing at her eye to encourage you to look.
Check out these 5 uses of Subjunctive

¡Hola amigos!

Today, we're diving into the captivating world of Spanish grammar, and our spotlight is on the uses of subjunctive in Spanish. Now, I know what you might be thinking - "subjunctive? Isn't that the tricky part of Spanish?" Well, fear not! We're here to unravel the very useful uses of the present subjunctive that make Spanish the vibrant and expressive language that it is.


But, before we get started with when to use subjunctive in Spanish, here's the conjugation for the Present Subjunctive.


A chart with the conjugations for regular and irregular verbs in the Present Subjunctive in Spanish
Subjunctive conjugation in Spanish

Right, let's check some of the Subjunctive uses:

1. Wishes and Desires:

Ever caught yourself wishing for something? That's where the Spanish subjunctive comes in. Whether it's hoping for world peace or dreaming of a beach vacation, the present subjunctive helps us express our desires for other individuals in a beautiful way. Just bear in mind when the wish is for yourself, we can only use Subjunctive with the magic word "Ojalá" or "Ojalá que". Ejemplo: ¡Ojalá que tengas un día maravilloso! (I hope you have a wonderful day!) Ejemplo: Espero que todo vaya bien ( I hope everything goes well)


A group of people at the table, toasting with glasses.
People toasting

2. Emotions and Feelings:

When expressing joy, surprise, or sadness, the present subjunctive adds a touch of sincerity to our sentiments and feelings towards other people or situations. Remember we don't use it to talk about oneself. The trigger "que" would be detrimental in the use of subjunctive, and in English it could be translated for "when" (cuando). Ejemplo: Me alegra que tú estés aquí. (I'm happy that you are here.)

Ejemplo: Me molesta que la gente coma palomitas en el cine ( It annoys me when people eat popcorn at the cinema).





3. Doubt and Uncertainty:

When we express our opinions starting with the word "No" meaning "I don't...", Ejemplo: No creo que ella tenga razón. (I don't think she is right.)

Ejemplo:


4. Wants, needs and Suggestions: Need to give a command or make a suggestion? The present subjunctive steps in, adding a polite and considerate touch to your instructions. Ejemplo: Quiero que estudies para el examen. (I want you to study for the exam.)

Ejemplo: Te sugiero que vayas a Valencia. ( I suggest you to go to Valencia)


5. Impersonal Expressions: Sometimes, we want to make general statements or express opinions without pinpointing a specific subject. The present subjunctive makes this possible with impersonal expressions. Ejemplo: Es importante que todos lleguen a tiempo. (It's important that everyone arrives on time.)




So, there you have it - a glimpse into the versatile and dynamic world of the present subjunctive in Spanish. Embrace this linguistic treasure, and watch as your Spanish conversations become richer, more nuanced, and full of authentic expression.


Now it's time to practise with us! Check out our Spanish courses, Conversational classes and Book Clubs in Spanish. The Goya Method will help you understand and speak the language confidently.


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Text: Paula Ruiz

Editing: Paula Ruiz

Pictures: Wix, Paula Ruiz



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