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Verbs: Subjunctive Mood

Alexander StebnerCreator of Lingora · Updated 20 October 20263 min readComments

The subjunctive mood is used to talk about situations that are subjective or not considered facts. This includes wishes, doubts, emotions, recommendations, and possibilities. It contrasts with the indicative mood, which is used for objective statements and facts.

Compare the indicative and the subjunctive:

  • Sé que vens a la festa.

    I know that you are coming to the party. (Indicative: a fact)

  • Espero que vinguis a la festa.

    I hope that you come to the party. (Subjunctive: a hope)

The subjunctive appears almost always in a subordinate clause, introduced by the word (that).

01

When to Use the Subjunctive

The subjunctive is triggered by the verb or expression in the main clause.

Wishes, Orders, and Suggestions

Used with verbs like (to want), (to ask for), (to recommend), and (to prefer).

  • Vull que parlis amb mi.

    I want you to speak with me.

  • La meva mare prefereix que tornem aviat.

    My mother prefers that we return soon.

Emotions and Feelings

Used with verbs and expressions of emotion, such as (to like), (to surprise), (to be afraid that), or (to be happy that).

  • M'agrada que siguis sincer.

    I like that you are sincere.

  • Tinc por que no arribem a temps.

    I'm afraid that we won't arrive on time.

Doubt, Denial, and Possibility

Used with verbs expressing uncertainty, like (to doubt), (not to believe), or expressions like (it's possible that).

  • Dubto que plogui demà.

    I doubt that it will rain tomorrow.

  • No crec que sigui una bona idea.

    I don't think it's a good idea.

Impersonal Expressions

Used after expressions that convey an opinion or necessity, such as (it's important that), (it's necessary that), or (it's a shame that).

  • És necessari que estudiem més.

    It's necessary that we study more.

  • És una llàstima que no puguis venir.

    It's a shame that you can't come.

02

Forming the Present Subjunctive

The present subjunctive is generally formed by taking the first-person singular () form of the present indicative, dropping the final (if present), and adding the subjunctive endings.

-ar Verbs

Endings:

Example: (to speak)

-er/-re Verbs

Endings:

Example: (to drink)

-ir Verbs

Endings:

Example: (to sleep)

Many verbs add an infix in the present tense. This is maintained in the subjunctive for all forms except and .

Example: (to serve)

Common Irregular Verbs

  • (to be):
  • (to be):
  • (to go):
  • (to know):
  • (to have):

03

Forming the Imperfect Subjunctive

The imperfect subjunctive is used when the verb in the main clause is in a past tense (like the preterite or imperfect).

  • Volia que em truquessis.

    I wanted you to call me.

  • Era important que ho sabessin.

    It was important that they knew it.

-ar Verbs

Endings:

Example: (to sing) ->

-er/-re Verbs

Endings:

Example: (to run) ->

-ir Verbs

Endings:

Example: (to feel) ->

In the course

Sentences from Lingora’s Catalan course

33 of the course's 500 sentences use this, the first in lesson 8. A few of them, with the words “Verbs: Subjunctive Mood” is about in bold:

  • He d'anar amb bici fins que em compri un cotxe nou.

    I have to ride my bike until I get a new car.

    Lesson 301

  • Tant de bo fossis més estalviador.

    I wish you were more frugal.

    Lesson 328

  • No mengis això! És porc!

    Don't eat that! That's pork!

    Lesson 366

All 28 Catalan grammar topics

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