Spanish grammar: subjuntivo presente

What this grammar point covers

The present subjunctive (subjuntivo presente) in Spanish is a verb form used to express wishes, doubts, emotions, recommendations, or things that are not certain.

When to use it

Use the present subjunctive in Spanish when talking about wishes, giving advice, expressing doubt or uncertainty, showing emotions, or after certain expressions like 'quiero que', 'espero que', 'dudo que', 'ojalá'.

Key forms

• For -ar verbs: e, es, e, emos, éis, en (e.g. hablar: hable, hables, hable...)
• For -er/-ir verbs: a, as, a, amos, áis, an (e.g. comer: coma, comas, coma...)

Examples

Tips

• Remember, the subjunctive is often used after 'que' when expressing wishes, emotions, or doubts.
• Do not use the subjunctive for facts or things that are certain.
• Some verbs are irregular in the subjunctive form—learn the most common ones.

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some verbs like 'ser', 'ir', 'tener', and 'estar' have irregular subjunctive forms.
• The subjunctive is not used after expressions of certainty (e.g. 'sé que', 'es verdad que').