Spanish Subjunctive Basics
The subjunctive is not a tense, it is a mood. It appears when you talk about wishes, doubts, emotions, and things that may not be real. It looks hard at first, but a few triggers and a simple formula cover most everyday uses.
Quick answer
- Form it from the yo form, with opposite endings: hablar → hable, comer → coma
- It follows a trigger and que: Quiero que vengas.
- Two subjects are needed: Quiero que tú vengas. vs. Quiero venir.
How to form the present subjunctive
Take the yo form of the present, drop the -o, and add the opposite vowel: -e endings for -ar verbs, -a endings for -er/-ir verbs.
| Person | hablar | comer | vivir |
|---|---|---|---|
| yo | hable | coma | viva |
| tú | hables | comas | vivas |
| él, ella, usted | hable | coma | viva |
| nosotros | hablemos | comamos | vivamos |
| ellos, ustedes | hablen | coman | vivan |
Examples
- Quiero que hables conmigo.I want you to talk with me.Hablar.
- Espero que comas bien.I hope you eat well.Comer.
- Es importante que vivas feliz.It is important that you live happily.Vivir.
Irregular verbs
Six verbs have irregular subjunctive forms that you should memorize: ser, ir, estar, dar, saber, haber.
| Verb | Yo form |
|---|---|
| ser | sea |
| ir | vaya |
| estar | esté |
| dar | dé |
| saber | sepa |
| haber | haya |
Examples
- Quiero que vayas conmigo.I want you to go with me.Ir.
- Es importante que seas puntual.It is important that you be on time.Ser.
- Ojalá que estés bien.I hope that you are well.Estar.
When to use it
Use the subjunctive after expressions of: wishes (quiero que), emotions (me alegra que), doubt (dudo que), opinions and requests (es importante que, te pido que), and negation (no creo que). The subjects of the two verbs must be different.
Examples
- Quiero que mi hijo estudie más.I want my son to study more.Wish.
- Me alegra que vengas a la fiesta.I am glad you are coming to the party.Emotion.
- Dudo que llueva mañana.I doubt it will rain tomorrow.Doubt.
- No creo que sea verdad.I do not think it is true.Negation.
When not to use it
If there is only one subject, use the infinitive: Quiero comer, not Quiero que coma. After expressions of certainty, use the indicative: Creo que viene, Estoy seguro de que llega hoy.
Examples
- Quiero viajar a México.I want to travel to Mexico.One subject: infinitive.
- Creo que tienes razón.I think you are right.Certainty: indicative.
- Sé que vive aquí.I know he lives here.Indicative.
Spanish around the world
- The subjunctive is used in all Spanish-speaking countries. In informal speech, some speakers drop it in certain cases, but it is always correct to use it after expressions of wishes, doubt, and emotion.
Common mistakes
Incorrect: Quiero que vienes.
Correct: Quiero que vengas.
After querer que, use the subjunctive.
Incorrect: Espero que tienes un buen día.
Correct: Espero que tengas un buen día.
Esperar que needs the subjunctive.
Incorrect: Quiero que yo coma.
Correct: Quiero comer.
With one subject, use the infinitive.
Incorrect: Creo que sea verdad.
Correct: Creo que es verdad.
Creer que, affirmative, uses the indicative.
Remember the idea
- Formula: trigger + que + subjunctive, with two subjects.
- Form: yo form, drop -o, add the opposite vowel.
- Six irregulars: sea, vaya, esté, dé, sepa, haya.
Mini practice
5 quick questions. You get feedback right after each answer.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Spanish need a subjunctive?
It separates facts from wishes, doubts, and feelings. English does this less often, so it feels new.
What does ‘ojalá’ mean?
Ojalá means “I hope” or “hopefully.” It is followed by the subjunctive: Ojalá que llueva.
When do I use the subjunctive with ‘cuando’?
Use it for future events: Cuando llegues, llámame.
Do I need the subjunctive in every sentence with que?
No. Only when the first part expresses a wish, doubt, emotion, or opinion.
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Keep learning
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A1Spanish Present Tense: AR, ER and IR Verbs
Conjugate any regular verb in the present, then learn the stem changes and irregular yo forms you will meet next.