Let’s be honest, most Spanish learners have a complicated relationship with the subjunctive. Some people struggle with it, some are just intimidated by it. A lot of the time, students are just thrown off by unexpected subjunctive usage.
Have you ever experienced that? Have you ever been surprised to see the subjunctive used positively?
For example, the expression “Espero que te vaya bien.” This is a good thing, right? But it uses the subjunctive. Can those two facts coexist?
The answer is right here. This is your chance to understand how affirmative phrases with doubt work with the subjunctive. Don’t worry, we’ll use logic and practical examples. You’ll see it’s easier than you think.
Why the subjunctive can be positive
It’s normal to expect the subjunctive to be a negative thing. Not just because it’s an infamous grammar subject that most students fear before even getting there. In a way, this makes perfect sense.
The subjunctive is a mood that can express doubt or uncertainty. These are two things that are commonly connected to negativity. Even if it isn’t the case. If the subjunctive is used to show your doubts, so it’s normal to expect that the sentences are pessimistic.
However, if you think like this, you’ve probably been shocked to see the subjunctive used in optimistic phrases. There are well wishes, blessings, and even affectionate expressions that use the subjunctive.
For example:
- Espero que tengas un buen día. (I hope you have a good day)
- Ojalá que todo salga bien. (I hope everything goes well)
- Que disfrutes tus vacaciones. (Enjoy your vacation)
These are certainly nice and supportive phrases, aren’t they? And yet, they use the subjunctive. Does that mean that there is some doubt there? As if you really don’t think everything will go well?
Not necessarily! And here’s why.
Understanding unexpected subjunctive usage
The most important thing here is understanding that the subjunctive is not a matter of positive vs. negative meanings. If you stumble upon an unexpected subjunctive usage, you don’t have to assume it’s a negative sentence.
When we use the subjunctive, it just means the end result is uncertain or not under our control. You can use the subjunctive to wish for something, even something nice, you just can’t guarantee it will happen.
And that’s it! You already have a basic understanding of why the subjunctive is used in hopeful phrases.
To explain this further, let’s review the difference with the indicative mood, and also some useful examples!
The difference with the indicative mood
This is your opportunity to remember just how different these two things are and why a mood shift can be so significant. It can change the complete meaning of a sentence. It can send two very different types of messages.
For example, look at this difference:
- “Tú vas a tener un buen día”
In this case, we are using the indicative mood. This is a certainty. “You are going to have a good day”. That’s a fact.
- “Espero que tengas un buen día”
Now, we are using the subjunctive mood. That means this sentence is a wish. And you will notice it is a good wish. Even if the outcome is uncertain.
So you see, there is a clear contrast. But just because there is a difference, it doesn’t mean one is positive and the other one is negative. Even though there is a mood shift, the sentence remains an optimistic one. You got it!
Common expressions that use the positive subjunctive
To master the use of the subjunctive, and understand how you can use affirmative phrases with doubt, you can start here. Look closely at this example and then you’ll be able to start using them yourself!
Verbs to express wishes
All of these verbs go very well with this type of sentence. They are among subtle subjunctive triggers so you should familiarize yourself with them.
“Esperar” (Hope)
- Espero que hoy te vaya bien (I hope today goes well for you)
- Espero que el proyecto sea un éxito (I hope the project is a success)
“Querer” (Want)
- Quiero que disfrutes tu regalo (I want you to enjoy your gift)
- Quiero que vayamos juntos al parque (I want us to go together to the park)
“Desear” (Wish)
- Deseo que llegues pronto (I wish you arrive soon)
- Deseo que alcancemos la meta (I wish we reach the goal)
Indirect expressions
There are impersonal or indirect expressions that use the subjunctive too. It can be an unexpected use of the subjunctive, so keep an eye out for them.
Fortunately, there’s an easy formula you can follow to spot these indirect expressions and phrases: es + adjective (subtle subjunctive triggers) + que
And yes, many of them are meant to be encouraging affirmations with a bit of a hidden subjunctive. Like these:
- Es bueno que estés de regreso (It’s good that you are back)
- Es fantástico que vayan a la playa (It’s fantastic that they’re going to the beach)
- Es maravilloso que juegues fútbol (It’s marvelous that you play soccer)
- Es increíble que hables español tan bien (It’s incredible that you speak Spanish so well)
- Es muy bueno que lleguen temprano (It’s so good that you arrive early)
More subtle subjunctive triggers
If you still struggle a little with affirmative phrases with doubt, this can be very helpful. Just keep an eye on these subtle subjunctive triggers, the context, and the intonation. You’ll see how even if it’s uncertain, these are still good wishes!
“Que + subjunctive”
This formula is fantastic to spot the tricky hidden subjunctive. And if the tone of voice of the person is upbeat, you can be sure this is another case of well-wishing with the subjunctive! For example:
- ¡Que descanses! (Rest well!)
- ¡Que mejores pronto! (Feel better soon!)
- ¡Que tengas un buen día! (Have a nice day!)
“Ojalá”
Finally, we have this little word that also works as a subtle subjunctive trigger. This is super useful to express your hopes and wishes!
- Ojalá deje de llover (Hopefully it’ll stop raining)
- Ojalá ganemos el partido (Hopefully we’ll win the game)
- Ojalá podamos viajar juntos (Hopefully we can travel together)
If you keep in mind those expressions, you’re ready to get started!
No more unexpected subjunctive usage! From now on, you’ll be in control and well-aware of the use of this type of sentence.
Just keep in mind that the subjunctive is not a synonym for negativity. It expresses uncertainty, but also wishful thinking and hope. Isn’t that nice?
When you start using the subjunctive for encouraging sentences, you sound more natural and authentic in Spanish! This will bring you closer to the way that native speakers talk in their everyday lives.
You got this! Now it’s just a matter of practicing and keeping that optimism going.
