Explanation
The subjunctive is the Spanish mood used for wishes, doubt, emotion, recommendations and situations that are not presented as fact. Unlike the indicative, which states reality, it typically appears in a subordinate clause after que.
The subjunctive is what separates intermediate learners from advanced ones, and it dominates DELE B1 and above.
How to form it
Take the yo form of the present indicative, drop the -o, and switch the vowel: -ar verbs take -e endings, -er and -ir verbs take -a endings. Hablar gives hable; comer gives coma.
The triggers to memorise
The classic mnemonic is WEIRDO: Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal expressions, Recommendations, Doubt, Ojalá. If the main clause contains one of these, the clause after que takes the subjunctive.
Fact versus attitude
Creo que es difícil uses the indicative because it asserts something. No creo que sea difícil uses the subjunctive because it withdraws that assertion.
Key points
- Form it from the yo present-indicative stem, dropping -o and switching the vowel.
- Memorise the triggers with the WEIRDO mnemonic.
- It normally lives in a subordinate clause introduced by que.
- Ojalá is always followed by the subjunctive.
- Negating an opinion (no creo que) forces the subjunctive.
Examples
Espero que tengas un buen día.
I hope you have a good day. (wish)
Ojalá llueva mañana.
I hope it rains tomorrow.
No creo que sea difícil.
I don't think it's difficult. (doubt)
Es importante que estudies cada día.
It's important that you study every day.
Common mistakes
- Using the indicative after espero que or quiero que.
- Forgetting that creo que takes the indicative while no creo que takes the subjunctive.
- Using the subjunctive when both clauses share a subject — Quiero estudiar, not Quiero que estudie.