subjuntivo
/subxunˈtibo/
The English word 'subjunctive' is translated into Spanish as subjuntivo.
As an adjective, subjuntivo describes something that is possible, contingent or hypothetical. Not a fact. You may encounter certain conjunctions used in contexts that trigger this mood, such as para que meaning 'so that' or a menos que meaning 'unless'.
Meaning: possible, contingent, or hypothetical, not a fact (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word subjuntivo functions as both a masculine noun and an adjective. When using regular verbs in the subjunctive, the endings depend on the verb group: regular -ar verbs use -e, -es, -e, -emos, -éis, -en, while regular -er and -ir verbs use -a, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an.
How do you pronounce it?
/subxunˈtibo/
Did you know?
- Spanish has a 'future subjunctive' that is almost never used in spoken conversation today, appearing primarily in legal documents and old literature.
- Even if a sentence describes something that is true, the speaker might use subjuntivo if they are expressing a doubt about that truth.
- The English word 'subjunctive' and the Spanish subjuntivo share the same Latin root, subiunctīvus, which means 'serving to join' or 'to add'.
Examples in context
- El subjuntivo del español no es difícil, pero el subjuntivo del inglés puede serlo.Subjunctive Spanish isn't hard, but subjunctive English can be.This sentence compares the difficulty of the Spanish and English subjunctive using subjuntivo.Tatoeba #10051347 by manufrutos, translation #10050228 by espamatics
- A Marcel Proust se le conoce por sus largas frases y su uso excesivo del subjuntivo.Marcel Proust is known for his long sentences and his excessive use of the subjunctive.This sentence mentions Marcel Proust's use of the subjuntivo.Tatoeba #11943426 by Eremon, translation #11642318 by sundown
- Hoy vamos a desenredar el misterio del subjuntivo en inglés.Today, we are going to unravel the mystery of the English subjunctive.This sentence refers to unraveling the mystery of the subjuntivo in English.Tatoeba #861570 by alicia, translation #478515 by FeuDRenais
- Espero que hagas bien el examen.I hope you do well on the exam.
- Es importante que estudiemos más.It's important that we study more.
- Ojalá que llueva esta tarde.I hope it will rain this afternoon.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their linguistics homework in a café.
- María¿Entiendes bien el uso del subjuntivo?Do you understand the use of the subjunctive well?
- JavierNo, me cuesta mucho usar el subjuntivo.No, I find it very hard to use the subjunctive.
- MaríaA mí también me pasa lo mismo.The same thing happens to me too.
- JavierEs un tema muy complicado para nosotros.It is a very complicated topic for us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “subjunctive” translations and entries subjuntivo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries subjuntivo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
