The subjunctive (el subjuntivo) is one of the three moods in Spanish, the other two being the indicative and the imperative. The subjunctive is used to express desires, doubts, wishes, conjectures, emotions, and possibilities. The subjunctive mood includes many of the same verb tenses as the indicative mood, including the perfect, the past, and the future, which is rarely used in modern Spanish, but good to know for literature.

Articles on the Different Subjunctive Tenses

Present

• Spanish Present Subjunctive
• Spanish Present Perfect Subjunctive

Past

• Spanish Imperfect Subjunctive
• Past Perfect Subjunctive Forms

Future

• Spanish Future Subjunctive
• Spanish Future Perfect Subjunctive

Elements of the Subjunctive

There are often three main parts to a subjunctive sentence:

1. Two Different Subjects

Subjunctive sentences often have one subject in the main/independent clause and one in the noun/dependent clause.

2. A Conjunction

Subjunctive sentences often have parts linked by a conjunction, such as que(that), aunque(although), a no ser que(unless) or a fin de que(so that).

3. Two Verbs: One WEIRDO and One Subjunctive

Subjunctive sentences often contain a WEIRDO verb (see uses below) that signals that the verb in the next clause will be in the subjunctive.

WEIRDO

The acronym WEIRDO stands for: Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal expressions, Recommendations, Doubt/Denial, and Ojalá.

Wishes and Desires with the Subjunctive

Wishing, wanting, demanding, desiring, expecting, ordering, and preferring all fall into the category of wishes. Learn more about wishes and desires here.

Expressing Emotions with the Subjunctive

Being annoyed, angry, happy, regretful, sad, scared, or surprised all fall into this category. Learn more about expressing emotions here.

Impersonal Expressions with the Subjunctive

Impersonal expressions work a lot like emotions in that they express someone’s opinion or value judgment. They focus on the subjectivity of the statement and not on the actual truth or reality of the situation. Learn more about impersonal expressions here.

Recommendations and Requests with the Subjunctive

When a person recommends, suggests, wants, or asks another person to do (or not do) something, the subjunctive is used. Learn more about recommendations and requests here.

Doubt and Denial with the Subjunctive

To doubt or deny something is to question its connection with reality or to express that it is hypothetical. Learn more about doubts and denial here.

Ojalá with the Subjunctive

Ojalá means I hope/pray to God, God willing, I hope, I wish, or if only. Learn more about ojalá here.