Spanish word

subjuntivo

Pronunciation

IPA/suβxunˈtiβo/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsubjunctive

Example

¿Conoces el subjuntivo?

Do you know the subjunctive?

Illustration for subjuntivo (subjunctive)

More examples

Es importante practicar el subjuntivo en situaciones hipotéticas.

It is important to practice the subjunctive in hypothetical situations.

Core concept

The mood used to express wishes, hypothetical situations, or impersonal judgments in subordinate clauses.

Common phrases

  • modo subjuntivo

    subjunctive mood

  • uso del subjuntivo

    use of the subjunctive

  • subjuntivo presente

    present subjunctive

Similar words

indicativo: Reports facts, realities, and situations presented as true or certain.
imperativo: Gives commands, instructions, or prohibitions intended to be carried out immediately.
condicional: Indicates possible results that follow when a specific condition is satisfied.

Definition in Spanish

Modo verbal que marca irrealidad, duda, deseo o finalidad y que se emplea en subordinadas, peticiones y expresiones impersonales.

Word origin

Derived from Latin subjunctivus (sub- 'under' + iungere 'to join'), originally describing a form 'joined under' the main clause to mark nonactual or intended meaning.

Usage tips

  • Impersonal expressions with es + adjective + que take the subjunctive (for example, es importante que estudies), and ojalá commonly introduces subjunctive wishes.

Opposites

Word lists with this word