The Spanish Present Subjunctive is your key to expressing a wide range of emotions and ideas, from wishes and hopes to doubts and uncertainties. For regular verbs, forming this tense is simple and follows a clear pattern. Let’s unlock the secrets of this versatile verb mood!
How to Form the Present Subjunctive
Creating the Present Subjunctive for regular verbs is a breeze:
- Start with the “Yo” Form: Take the first-person singular (yo) form of the verb in the present indicative tense.
- Drop the “-o”: Remove the “-o” ending from the “yo” form.
- Add the Right Ending: Attach the appropriate subjunctive ending depending on the subject and the verb’s ending (-ar, -er, or -ir).
Endings for -ar Verbs
| Person | Ending |
|---|---|
| Yo | -e |
| Tú | -es |
| Él/Ella/Ud. | -e |
| Nosotros | -emos |
| Vosotros | -éis |
| Ellos/Uds. | -en |
Endings for -er and -ir Verbs
| Person | Ending |
|---|---|
| Yo | -a |
| Tú | -as |
| Él/Ella/Ud. | -a |
| Nosotros | -amos |
| Vosotros | -áis |
| Ellos/Uds. | -an |
Examples: Hablar (to speak), Comer (to eat), Vivir (to live)
- Hablar: “Espero que hables con ella.” (I hope you talk to her.)
- Comer: “Es importante que comamos verduras.” (It’s important that we eat vegetables.)
- Vivir: “Quiero que vivas la vida al máximo.” (I want you to live life to the fullest.)
When to Use the Present Subjunctive
The Present Subjunctive is your go-to for:
- Expressing Wishes and Hopes: “Deseo que tengas un buen día.” (I wish you have a good day.)
- Expressing Doubt or Uncertainty: “No estoy seguro de que venga a la fiesta.” (I’m not sure if he/she will come to the party.)
- After Certain Conjunctions: “Te llamo para que sepas la verdad.” (I’m calling you so you know the truth.)
- With Impersonal Expressions: “Es necesario que estudiemos más.” (It’s necessary that we study more.)
- In Certain Subordinate Clauses: “Me alegra que estés aquí.” (I’m happy that you’re here.)
Irregular Verbs: Pay Attention!
While this guide focuses on regular verbs, some common verbs have irregular forms in the subjunctive. Make sure to learn these exceptions!
Embrace the Nuances of Spanish
By mastering the Present Subjunctive, you’ll unlock a whole new dimension of expression in Spanish. You’ll be able to convey your emotions, doubts, wishes, and possibilities with precision and nuance.
Synonyms:
- English: Regular Verbs in Present Subjunctive Mood, Subjunctive Present
- Spanish: Verbos Regulares en Presente De Subjuntivo, Subjuntivo Presente, Modo Subjuntivo Presente