The subjunctive mood (el subjuntivo) is one of the most challenging aspects of Spanish grammar, but mastering it is essential for sounding like a native speaker. Unlike the indicative mood, which states facts, the subjunctive expresses doubt, emotion, desires, and hypothetical situations.
In this guide, we’ll cover all the main uses of the subjunctive with clear examples and English translations. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this breakdown will help you understand when and how to use the subjunctive correctly. You can test your subjunctive knowledge or just practice with our interactive Spanish Subjunctive quiz and get instant explanations for every answer!
Struggling with subjunctive conjugations? Use our free Spanish Verb Conjugation Tool to practice forms like ‘hable’, ‘comas’, or ‘viva’ in seconds!
1. Expressing Wishes and Desires
The subjunctive is used after verbs like querer (to want), desear (to wish), esperar (to hope), and preferir (to prefer) when the subject of the main clause is different from the subordinate clause.
Examples:
- Quiero que tú estudies más. (I want you to study more.)
- Espero que ellos vengan a la fiesta. (I hope they come to the party.)
- Prefiero que hables con ella. (I prefer that you talk to her.)
2. Giving Advice or Suggestions
Verbs like aconsejar (to advise), sugerir (to suggest), and recomendar (to recommend) trigger the subjunctive.
Examples:
- Te aconsejo que practiques español todos los días. (I advise you to practice Spanish every day.)
- Sugiero que leas este libro. (I suggest you read this book.)
3. Expressing Doubt or Uncertainty
When the main clause expresses doubt, disbelief, or denial, the subjunctive is required. Common verbs include dudar (to doubt), no creer (to not believe), and no pensar (to not think).
Examples:
- Dudo que él tenga razón. (I doubt he is right.)
- No creo que llueva hoy. (I don’t think it will rain today.)
Note: If the statement is certain, use the indicative:
- Creo que él tiene razón. (I think he is right.)
4. Emotions and Feelings
The subjunctive follows expressions of emotion like alegrarse (to be happy), temer (to fear), sentir (to regret), and sorprender (to surprise).
Examples:
- Me alegra que estés aquí. (I’m happy that you are here.)
- Siento que no puedas venir. (I’m sorry you can’t come.)
5. Impersonal Expressions
Phrases like es importante (it’s important), es necesario (it’s necessary), and es mejor (it’s better) require the subjunctive when expressing opinions or recommendations.
Examples:
- Es importante que aprendas el subjuntivo. (It’s important that you learn the subjunctive.)
- Es mejor que llegues temprano. (It’s better that you arrive early.)
6. Hypothetical Situations (If Clauses – “Si” Clauses)
In hypothetical “if” statements (si + imperfect subjunctive + conditional), the subjunctive is used for unreal or unlikely situations.
Examples:
- Si tuviera dinero, viajaría por el mundo. (If I had money, I would travel the world.)
- Si fueras más alto, jugarías baloncesto. (If you were taller, you would play basketball.)
7. Conjunctions That Require the Subjunctive
Certain conjunctions always trigger the subjunctive because they introduce uncertainty or conditions:
- para que (so that)
- a menos que (unless)
- en caso de que (in case)
- sin que (without)
Examples:
- Estudio mucho para que apruebe el examen. (I study a lot so that I pass the exam.)
- No saldré a menos que deje de llover. (I won’t go out unless it stops raining.)
8. Ojalá (I Hope / Hopefully)
Ojalá always triggers the subjunctive because it expresses hope for something uncertain.
Examples:
- ¡Ojalá gane el partido! (Hopefully, I win the game!)
- Ojalá que tengas un buen día. (I hope you have a good day.)
9. After “Cuando” for Future Events
When cuando (when) refers to a future action, the subjunctive is used because the event hasn’t happened yet.
Examples:
- Te llamaré cuando llegue a casa. (I’ll call you when I get home.)
- Cuando termines, avísame. (When you finish, let me know.)
Subjunctive Examples with English Translations
1. Wishes & Desires
- Espero que ella gane el concurso.
(I hope she wins the competition.) - Quiero que hables conmigo.
(I want you to talk to me.)
2. Doubt & Uncertainty
- Dudo que él tenga razón.
(I doubt he is right.) - No creo que llueva hoy.
(I don’t think it will rain today.)
3. Emotions
- Me alegra que estés feliz.
(I’m happy you are happy.) - Siento que no puedas venir.
(I’m sorry you can’t come.)
4. Impersonal Expressions
- Es necesario que estudies más.
(It’s necessary that you study more.) - Es bueno que sepamos la verdad.
(It’s good that we know the truth.)
5. Hypothetical “If” Clauses
- Si tuviera dinero, viajaría.
(If I had money, I’d travel.) - Si fueras tú, ¿qué harías?
(If it were you, what would you do?)
6. Conjunctions (para que, a menos que)
- Lo haré para que tú puedas descansar.
(I’ll do it so that you can rest.) - No iré a menos que él venga.
(I won’t go unless he comes.)
