¡Hola! You've diligently learned how to form the Present Subjunctive for regular and many irregular verbs. Now it's time to put those forms to use! In this chapter, we'll begin exploring the "WEIRDO" acronym, focusing on the first two categories: Wishes/Wants and Emotions. These are common situations where the subjunctive is required in a dependent clause.
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
Remember the basic structure: Main Clause (trigger verb/expression) + que + Subordinate Clause (verb in subjunctive). The key is that the main clause expresses a subjective attitude (a wish, an emotion) about the action or state in the subordinate clause, and often there's a change of subject between the two clauses.
(Optional Review): Conjugate "hablar" in the present subjunctive. (hable, hables, hable, hablemos, habléis, hablen). Conjugate "ser" in the present subjunctive. (sea, seas, sea, seamos, seáis, sean). We'll be using these forms!
When the verb in the main clause expresses a wish, want, desire, hope, preference, or an indirect command about what another subject should do, the verb in the subordinate clause (after "que") is in the subjunctive. There must be a change of subject between the main clause and the subordinate clause.
Examples:
Important: If there is NO change of subject, an infinitive is used instead of "que + subjunctive."
When the verb or expression in the main clause expresses an emotion (joy, sorrow, fear, surprise, anger, etc.) about the action or state in the subordinate clause, the verb in the subordinate clause is in the subjunctive. Again, a change of subject is usually required.
Examples:
Important: If there is NO change of subject with emotion verbs, an infinitive is often used after the preposition "de" (if the verb takes it) or directly.
Master subjunctive with wishes and emotions.
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Instructions: Read each sentence. Does the main clause express a WISH/WANT or an EMOTION that would trigger the subjunctive in the "que" clause (assuming a change of subject)?
Answer Key:
Instructions: Complete the sentences with the correct present subjunctive form of the verb in parentheses.
Answer Key:
Instructions: Complete the sentences with the correct present subjunctive form of the verb in parentheses.
Answer Key:
Instructions: In pairs, take turns expressing wishes or hopes for each other, for your families, or for the world, using phrases like "Espero que..." or "Quiero que...". The verb in the "que" clause must be in the subjunctive.
Example: Student A: Espero que tengas un buen fin de semana.
Instructions: One person makes a statement (e.g., "Voy a viajar a Italia." "Mi equipo ganó el partido."). The other person reacts using an expression of emotion followed by "que" and the subjunctive.
Example:
Student A: Voy a tener un examen muy difícil mañana.
Student B: ¡Qué lástima! Siento que tengas un examen difícil. / Espero que te vaya bien. The use of the subjunctive to express wishes, hopes, and emotions is deeply ingrained in the relational aspect of Spanish-speaking cultures. When someone says "Espero que te mejores pronto" (I hope you get better soon) or "Me alegro de que estés feliz" (I'm happy that you are happy), these are not just grammatical constructions but genuine expressions of care, empathy, and well-wishing towards another person.
In many Hispanic cultures, there's a strong emphasis on maintaining positive social relationships (buenas relaciones) and showing consideration for others' feelings. The subjunctive provides a powerful linguistic tool to convey these sentiments. Expressing a desire for someone else's well-being ("Quiero que te vaya bien" - I want things to go well for you) or sharing in their joy or sorrow is a common way to build and reinforce social bonds. Mastering these subjunctive uses allows you to participate more fully in these culturally significant exchanges of goodwill and emotional connection.
For most WEIRDO triggers, the subjunctive is used in the subordinate clause when the subject of the main clause verb is different from the subject of the subordinate clause verb.
Subjunctive (Different Subjects): Yo quiero que tú estudies. (I want you to study.)
If the subject is the same, you typically use the infinitive after the first verb (without "que").
Infinitive (Same Subject): Yo quiero estudiar. (I want to study.)
This is a very important general rule for these types of subjunctive triggers.
Sometimes, if you are stating a known fact that causes an emotion, native speakers *might* occasionally use the indicative after an emotion verb, especially if the focus is more on the factual event than the subjective reaction. However, using the subjunctive is generally safer and more common when expressing an emotion *about* another clause.
Safer/More Common (Subjunctive): Me alegro de que hayas venido. (I'm happy that you have come.) - Expressing happiness about the (possibly now factual) event of your coming.
Possible (Indicative, if fact is strongly emphasized): Me alegro de que has venido. - Less common, implies "I'm happy about the fact that you have come."
For learning purposes, stick to using the subjunctive after expressions of emotion when there's a "que" clause.
Wishes/Wants: querer que, esperar que, desear que, preferir que, necesitar que, pedir que.
Emotions: alegrarse de que, sentir que, temer que, es una lástima que, es triste que.
Use Present Subjunctive in the subordinate clause (after "que") when the main clause expresses a wish/want or emotion AND there is a change of subject.
¡Muy bien! You've started to apply the Present Subjunctive in common contexts of wishes and emotions. In the next chapter, we'll continue with the WEIRDO acronym, focusing on Impersonal Expressions and Recommendations/Requests that also trigger the subjunctive. ¡Poco a poco se llega lejos! (Little by little, one goes far!)