Preparing the next screen.
The main triggers (WEIRDO) that require subjunctive, and the most common phrases to practise with. Use this page to study the core Spanish words, English meanings, part-of-speech labels, and example sentences for this topic.
Review each word with examples and usage notes where available.
Ojalá que haga buen tiempo mañana.
I hope the weather is good tomorrow.
"Ojalá" comes from Arabic "law šāʾa llāh" (if God wills). Always triggers subjunctive.
Espero que estés bien.
I hope you are well.
esperar que + subjunctive. The subject must change: "Espero ir" (same subject) vs "Espero que vayas" (different subject).
Quiero que vengas a la fiesta.
I want you to come to the party.
querer que + subjunctive. "Quiero ir" = I want to go (same subject). "Quiero que vayas" = I want you to go (different subject).
Es importante que estudiemos cada día.
It's important that we study every day.
Impersonal expressions trigger subjunctive: es importante, es necesario, es bueno, es mejor, es una lástima.
Dudo que llegue a tiempo.
I doubt he'll arrive on time.
Doubt and denial trigger subjunctive: dudar que, negar que, no creer que, no pensar que.
No creo que sea posible terminar hoy.
I don't think it's possible to finish today.
Negated belief triggers subjunctive. But "creo que + indicative": "Creo que es posible."
Me alegro de que hayas llegado bien.
I'm glad you arrived safely.
Emotions about someone else's action trigger subjunctive: alegrarse de que, sentir que, tener miedo de que.
Te lo explico para que lo entiendas.
I'm explaining it so that you understand it.
Purpose conjunctions always take subjunctive: para que, a fin de que, con el objetivo de que.
Cuando llegues a España, visita el Prado.
When you get to Spain, visit the Prado.
"Cuando" + subjunctive = future/hypothetical. "Cuando" + indicative = habitual past or fact.
Busco un apartamento que sea barato.
I'm looking for a flat that is cheap (don't know if it exists).
Relative clauses with an unknown/unspecified antecedent trigger subjunctive. Compare: "Tengo un apartamento que es barato" (known = indicative).
Aunque llueva, saldré a correr.
Even if it rains, I will go running.
"Aunque" + subjunctive = even if (hypothetical). "Aunque" + indicative = even though (fact): "Aunque llueve, salgo."
Pide que le ayuden con el proyecto.
She asks that they help her with the project.
Verbs of requesting/wishing trigger subjunctive: pedir, rogar, desear, insistir en que, recomendar.