Spainish. Present Subjunctive after que
The present subjunctive in Spanish has many subleties and nuances but there are also some simple rules as to its use in certain situations.These rules and examples relate to the present subjunctive in clauses introduced with que.
Phrases making judgements
Phrases making judgements such as it is doubful that/it is good that/it is untrue that etc are all followed by the present subjunctive, as are phrases expressing need.| Es dudoso que ... | It is doubtful that ... |
| Es mentira que ... | It is untrue that ... |
| Es preciso que ... | It is essential that ... |
| Es conveniente que ... | It is useful that ... |
| Es natual que ... | It is natural that ... |
| Es importante que ... | It is important that ... |
| Es importante que veas | It is important (that) you see |
| Es necessario que ... | It is necessary that ... |
| Es obvio que ... | It is obvious ... |
| Es obvio que no sigues las instrucciones. | It is obvious that you don't follow instructions. |
Es necessario que lo hagas. It is necessary that you do it.
Emotional reactions
Emotional reactions followed by que require the subjunctive.| Me sorprende que... | It surprises me that... |
| Me asombra que... | It amazes me that... |
| Siento mucho que... | I'm sorry that... |
| Me preocupa que... | It worries me that... |
| Me irrita que... | It irritates me that... |
Me irrita que lo hagas. It irritates me that you do it.
Doubt, while not strictly an emotional reaction, also requires the subjunctive.
| Dudo que... | I doubt that... |
Dudo que vayas. I doubt (that) you (will) go.
Wanting, desiring or preferring someone to do something
Phrases where one person wants another to do something use the subjunctive.| Quiero que... | I want ... |
| Quiero que me contestes | I want you to answer me. |
| Quiero que vayas | I want you to go |
| Deseo que... | I want/desire ... |
| Deseo que no digas tantas cosas | I don't want you to say such things |
| Necesito que... | I need ... |
| Prefiero que... | I prefer ... |
| Prefiere que su amiga no lo llame | He prefers that ... |
And in a negative sense
| No me gusta que... | I don't like (that) ... |
Denial
Denying the truth of a statement, fact or opinion.| No creo que ... | I don't believe that ... |
| No creo que sea possible | I don't believe (that) it is possible |
| No creo que te den muchos | I don't believe (that) they will give you much |
| No parece que ... | It doesn't seem that ... |
| No es que ... | It isn't that ... |
| No es verdad que ... | It isn't true that ... |
If you are stating a fact, e.g. that someone doesn't believe something, then this isn't a denial and doesn't need the subjunctive. E.g. No crees que hay autobus.
Telling, suggesting
Anytime you tell someone what to do or recommend a course of action (after que), use the subjunctive.| Sugiero que ... | I recommend that ... |
| Prohibo que ... | I don't allow ... |
| Sugieres que lo hagamos? | Do you recommend/suggest that we do it? |
Possibility
It is possible/probable that and so on.| Es posible que ... | It is possible that ... |
| Es probable que ... | It is probable that ... |
Spanish Phrases
A few first words. 1
A few first words. 2
A few first words. 3
Bathroom. Items found in the bathroom
Bedroom. Items found in the bedroom
Buying things. General phrases
Buying things. Useful words
Countries and where I am from
Communication problems
Conversation. Introductions
Conversation. Small talk. 1
Conversation. Small talk. 2
Conversation. Small talk. Filler words and e-mail
Conversation. Small talk. Sport
Conversation. Small talk. The weather
Describing things. Colours
Describing things. Adjectives
Directions. 1
Directions. 2
Days. General
Days of the week and seasons
Eating. Phrases. 1
Eating. Phrases. 2
Eating. Items
Emergencies
Family
Food and Drink. At the Bar or Café. 1
Food and Drink. At the Bar or Café. 2
Food and Drink. At the Bar or Café. 3
Getting around. General words
Getting around. General phrases
Getting around. Train and bus
Getting around by taxi
Getting around by car
Health and at the chemist
Household items
Money
Months of the year
Numbers. 1 to 10
Numbers. 11 to 20
Numbers. 30 to 1000
Parts of the body
Places and buildings. 1
Places and buildings. 2
Useful words
Question and size words
Special occasions
Sightseeing
Somewhere to stay. 1
Somewhere to stay. 2
The house
Useful words to recognize
Words to do with food. General
Words to do with food. Fruit
Words to do with food. Vegetables
Words to do with food. Meat
Time