How To Use The Subjunctive Mood in Spanish
Are you having trouble with the terrifying Subjunctive Mood? Well, I don’t blame you. I’m a native speaker, and even for me, the explanation is complicated. And that is one of the reasons why on SpeakSpanish.Tv we teach you to learn to Speak Spanish by watching Tv.
It sounds weird to some, but the truth is, you don’t need grammar rules to become fluent. All you need is Immersion.
But sometimes, we don’t have time for immersion, and we need to know what the Subjunctive mood is. In this article I’ll guide you through the most important elements of the subjunctive mood.
If you need a complete guide on the Subjunctive mood, with step by step on how to conjugate Regular, Irregular and Stem-changing verbs, visit: https://learn.speakspanish.tv/products/subjunctive-mood
Simple Definition
In Spanish, the subjunctive mood is employed to convey desires, doubts, wishes, suppositions, and possibilities. In contrast to the indicative mood, which is utilized for factual statements, the subjunctive is reserved for subjective actions or ideas that lack certainty or guarantee of occurrence.
When to use the Subjunctive?
1. Wishes and Desires
In formal language, the subjunctive mood is employed following expressions of aspirations, hopes, and desires. Such sentences generally come after verbs such as:
“Querer”: To Desire
“Desear”: To Long For
“Esperar”: To Anticipate
“Preferir”: To Favor
Examples
Quiero que ustedes vengan. (I want you all to come.)
Espero que él tenga éxito. (I hope he succeeds.)
2. Emotions
In the context of expressing emotions, the subjunctive mood is employed within the subordinate clause.
This encompasses feelings such as:
“Felicidad” (Happiness)
“Tristeza” (Sadness)
“Sorpresa” (Surprise)
“Miedo” (Fear)
and “Ira” (Anger).
Examples
Me alegra que ustedes estén aquí. (I’m glad you all are here.)
Temo que ellos no lleguen a tiempo. (I fear they won’t arrive on time.)
3. Impersonal Expressions
Impersonal expressions often require the subjunctive. These are phrases that start with “es” (it is) and convey opinions, emotions, or uncertainty.
Examples
Es importante que ustedes estudien. (It’s important that you all study.)
Es posible que llueva mañana. (It’s possible that it will rain tomorrow.)
4. Recommendations and Requests
Use the subjunctive when making recommendations, giving advice, or making requests. This includes verbs like:
“Recomendar”: To Recommend
“Sugerir”: To Suggest
“Pedir”: To Request
and “Aconsejar”: To Advise
Examples
Les recomiendo que vayan al médico. (I recommend that you all go to the doctor.)
Te pido que me ayudes. (I ask that you help me.)
5. Doubt and Denial
When there is doubt, disbelief, or denial, the subjunctive is used. This often involves verbs like
“Dudar”: To Doubt
“Negar”: To Deny
and phrases like:
“No creer”: I don’t Believe it
and “NO estar seguro”: I’m not sure
Examples
Dudo que él tenga razón. (I doubt that he is right.)
No creo que ellos vengan. (I don’t believe they are coming.)
Subjunctive vs. Indicative
5. Doubt and Denial
Understanding when to use the subjunctive versus the indicative mood in Spanish is crucial for mastering the language. Here is a comprehensive guide to help distinguish between these two moods.
The indicative mood is used to talk about actions, events, or states that are considered factual, certain, and objective. It is used for statements, facts, descriptions, and questions that are concrete and definite.
When to Use the Indicative:
- The indicative mood is used in the following contexts:
- Statements of Fact
- Beliefs and Certainty
- Descriptions
- Questions about Facts
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