If the subjunctive confuses you, this practical guide will be your best ally. When learning Spanish, phrases like “so that,” “before that,” “after that,” “even if,” and “until” can cause confusion. Sometimes they require the subjunctive, and other times the indicative. To help you, here’s a guide with subjunctive rules explained simply.
At WorldsAcross, we know Spanish can seem complicated, but with these tips, you’ll understand when and how to use the subjunctive in subordinate clauses with ease.
What Are Subordinate Clauses?
Let’s start with key concepts. Subordinate clauses are like supporting actors in a movie: they can’t tell the story alone, but without them, the movie would feel incomplete. They’re connected to a main clause to add key details about the time, cause, purpose, or condition of an action.
Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions are words that connect a main clause to a subordinate clause, establishing a relationship of dependence between them.
Now that we’ve got that clear, let’s take a look at some of them and how they’re used.
“So That” → “Para que” or “De modo que”
When “so that” is used in English to express purpose or consequence, it translates as para que or de modo que in Spanish.
Subjunctive rules:
✔ If there are two different subjects, use the subjunctive in the subordinate clause.
✔ If there’s only one subject, use the infinitive.
- Two subjects = subjunctive
Ella explica el tema con claridad para que sus alumnos lo entiendan.
(She explains the topic clearly so that her students understand it.) - One subject = infinitive
Estudio mucho para aprobar el examen.
(I study hard to pass the exam.) - Manner or consequence = indicative
El profesor explicó el tema de modo que todos lo entendieron.
(The teacher explained the topic so that everyone understood it.)
“Before That” → “Antes de que”
The expression “before that” is translated as antes de que and always requires the subjunctive in subordinate clauses.
Example:
Debemos irnos antes de que oscurezca.
(We should leave before it gets dark.)
Why subjunctive? Because the verb following antes de que refers to something that hasn’t happened yet.
Easy rule: After antes de que, always use the subjunctive.
“After That” → “Después de que”
When talking about something that happens after another action, we use “after that” in English and después de que in Spanish.
Subjunctive or indicative?
✔ Future or uncertain → Subjunctive
✔ Action already happened → Indicative
- Example with subjunctive:
Comeremos después de que ellos lleguen.
(We will eat after they arrive.) - Example with indicative:
Me llamó después de que terminó el trabajo.
(She called me after she finished work.)
Rule: If the action is in the future, use the subjunctive. If it already happened, use the indicative.
“Even Though” vs. “Even If” → “Aunque”
The word aunque can mean “even though” or “even if,” depending on the context.
✔ If it’s a real fact → Indicative
✔ If it’s a possibility → Subjunctive
- Example with a real fact:
Aunque llueve, saldremos.
(Even though it’s raining, we’ll go out.) - Example with a possibility:
Aunque llueva, saldremos.
(Even if it rains, we’ll go out.)
Tip: If the action is not confirmed, use the subjunctive in subordinate clauses.
“Until” → “Hasta que”
The word hasta que (until) can take either the indicative or subjunctive.
Subjunctive rules:
✔ Future or uncertain → Subjunctive
✔ Action already happened → Indicative
- Example with subjunctive:
No me iré hasta que termines.
(I won’t leave until you finish.) - Example with indicative:
Me quedé hasta que ella llegó.
(I stayed until she arrived.)
Easy rule: If the action is in the future, use the subjunctive.
Final Tips
- Para que and antes de que always use the subjunctive in subordinate clauses.
- Después de que and hasta que use subjunctive or indicative depending on the context.
- Aunque: Indicative if it’s a fact, subjunctive if it’s a possibility.
If you follow these subjunctive rules and practice with examples, your Spanish will improve quickly.
In conclusion, learning when to use the subjunctive in subordinate clauses may seem difficult, but with practice, it becomes more natural. The key is to observe the context: Are we talking about a fact or a possibility? Has the action already happened or not yet?
Think of Spanish like a dance: the subjunctive and indicative are the steps, and you just need to find the right rhythm.
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Keep practicing and experimenting with new phrases. Because learning Spanish isn’t just about memorizing subjunctive rules—it’s about diving into a whole new way of communicating.
Here at WorldsAcross, we’ll be with you every step of the way, making sure your journey is as easy and exciting as it should be.
