Spanish grammar · Intermediate (B1)
The present subjunctive: que sea, que tenga
How to form the Spanish present subjunctive and when to use it: after no creo que, feelings, wishes, advice, para que and cuando.
What is the subjunctive?
The “subjunctive” is a second set of verb forms. It doesn't show a different time. It shows that the sentence is about doubt, wishes, feelings or advice rather than plain facts. It almost always comes after or another linking word such as , and very often the second verb has a different subject: (I want you to come).
Compare (fact or opinion: indicative) and (doubt: subjunctive).
Regular forms
Take the form of the present, drop the -o and swap the vowel: -ar verbs take -e, -er and -ir verbs take -a. These are the same forms as the imperative. Irregular forms and stem changes carry over: → , → , → (but ).
| Person | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| / / | ||||
| / | ||||
| / | ||||
| / / |
Irregular verbs and spelling changes
Six common verbs don't follow the rule. Some verbs change their spelling to keep the same sound: → , → , → , → .
| Infinitive | / / | |
|---|---|---|
When to use it
After feelings, wishes, advice and purpose, use the subjunctive when the second verb has a different subject. With the same subject, use the infinitive: (I want to go), but (I want you to go). After and , the subjunctive is used even with the same subject: (I don't think I can go). takes the subjunctive only when the action is in the future.
| After… | Example |
|---|---|
| doubt: | |
| feelings: | |
| wishes: | |
| advice: | |
| purpose: | |
| future time: |
Negative commands
Negative commands always use the subjunctive, for , , and : , , , . Pronouns go before the verb.
- No te enfades.Don't get angry.
- No tome tanta sal.Don't have so much salt.
- No lo hagas.Don't do it.
The present perfect subjunctive: haya hecho
For something that has happened, use , , , , , + past participle after the same triggers: (I'm glad you've come), (I don't think she's read it).
- Espero que te haya gustado.I hope you liked it.
- No me extraña que les haya gustado tanto.I'm not surprised they liked it so much.