The first thing one has to understand about the subjunctive is that it is used when the sentence has a nuance of desire, hope, wishes, suggestions, etcetera. Thus, whenever we have a sentence where the main idea expresses one of these aspects, it's very likely that the subjunctive will be used in the sentence.
Uses of the Subjunctive
- To express wishes or hopes
- To express requests, suggestions, advice, or intentions
Use the subjunctive to express wishes or hopes to other people.
Ojalá consigas el papel de protagonista en la obra.
I wish you get the main role in the show.
Espero que lleguéis a tiempo a comer con nosotros.
I hope you can arrive on time to have lunch with us.
Quiero que dejes de fumar. ¡Es muy malo para tu salud!
I want you to quit smoking. It's very bad for your health!
Key words: Ojalá (que), Esperar que, Querer que, Desear que.
Notice that, in most cases, the subjunctive goes in the subordinate clause, not in the main clause.
| MAIN VERB | SUBORDINATE CLAUSE |
| Esperamos | que vengas al concierto del viernes. |
| (expresses a hope) | (contains the verb in subjunctive) |
We also use the subjunctive to express wishes without mentioning the verb of wish.
¡Que tengas un buen día! = (Espero) que tengas un buen día.
Have a nice day!
¡Que pases una Feliz Navidad! = (Espero) que pases una Feliz Navidad.
I wish you a Merry Christmas!
Use the subjunctive in the following situations
a.- when you want to request something to someone
El profesor siempre nos pide que leamos la lección antes de ir a clase.
The professor always ask us to read the lesson before going to class.
b.- when you want to suggest something to someone
El profesor nos ha sugerido que practiquemos español fuera de clase.
The professor has suggested us to practice Spanish outside the class.
c.- when giving advice to someone
Te aconsejo que te cambies de ropa porque hace mucho calor.
I recommend you to change your clothes because it is too hot.
d.- when you want to state future intentions
Mi hermana insiste en que vayamos al cine esta noche.
My sister insists that we go to the movies tonight.
Key words: Pedir que, Decir que, Sugerir que, Aconsejar que, Mandar que, Insistir en que.
We can also express an indirect request or suggestion when the sentence is introduced by an imperative.
Dile (imperative) a tu hermano que pare (subjunctive) de jugar a la pelota porque acabará rompiendo una ventana.
Tell your brother to stop playing with the ball because he will end up breaking a window.