The present subjunctive (Edexcel GCSE Spanish): Revision Notes
The present subjunctive
What is the present subjunctive?
The present subjunctive is a special verb form that Higher tier GCSE students need to learn. It appears in very specific situations and you only need to know how to form it for five important verbs.
Think of the subjunctive as a way to express actions that are uncertain, desired, or haven't happened yet. Unlike the indicative mood (which states facts), the subjunctive deals with possibilities, emotions, and hypothetical situations.
Formation of the present subjunctive
You need to memorise these five key verbs and their subjunctive forms. These are the only verbs you need to know for GCSE Higher tier.
| Person | hacer (to do/make) | ir (to go) | ser (to be) | venir (to come) | tener (to have) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| yo | haga | vaya | sea | venga | tenga |
| tú | hagas | vayas | seas | vengas | tengas |
| él/ella | haga | vaya | sea | venga | tenga |
Notice how the yo and él/ella forms are identical for each verb. This pattern makes them easier to remember once you've learned the basic forms.
When to use the present subjunctive
After "cuando" for future actions
When cuando refers to something that hasn't happened yet (future actions), use the subjunctive. This is different from when cuando describes habitual or past actions.
Example: Future actions with "cuando"
-
Te mostraré el libro cuando vengas a mi casa.
(I will show you the book when you come to my house.) -
Cuando vayas a la universidad, tendrás que cuidar tu dinero.
(When you go to university, you will have to look after your money.)
Note: The main clause often contains a future tense verb, signalling that the cuando clause needs the subjunctive.
After verbs of wishing or commanding + "que"
When someone wants or tells someone else to do something, the subjunctive follows que. The key is that one person is expressing a desire about another person's actions.
Example: Wishes and commands
-
Mi madre quiere que haga la cama.
(My mother wants me to make the bed.) -
Le pediré que venga a las nueve.
(I will ask him/her to come at nine.)
Common trigger verbs: querer (to want), pedir (to ask), esperar (to hope), preferir (to prefer)
After "para que" (so that)
Use the subjunctive after para que when expressing purpose. This construction shows the intention behind an action.
Example: Purpose with "para que"
-
Te doy esto para que tengas toda la información importante.
(I'm giving you this so that you have all the important information.) -
Deberías ver este programa para que seas consciente de la situación.
(You should watch this programme so that you are aware of the situation.)
After verbs of emotion + "que"
When expressing feelings about someone else's actions, use the subjunctive. The emotion is about another person's behaviour or situation.
Example: Emotional reactions
-
Me sorprende que Lola sea tu hermana.
(I am surprised that Lola is your sister.) -
Me molesta que hagas tanto ruido cuando estoy trabajando.
(It annoys me that you make so much noise when I am working.)
Common emotion verbs: sorprender (to surprise), molestar (to annoy), alegrar (to make happy), enfadar (to anger)
Translation practice
Practice: Spanish to English
Translate these sentences into English:
- Cuando vaya a la universidad, estudiaré ciencias.
- Quiero que tengas estas entradas para el concierto del sábado.
- Diego, quiero que seas más responsable en el futuro.
- Le pediré a Sofía que no espere en el café.
Answers:
- When I go to university, I will study sciences.
- I want you to have these tickets for Saturday's concert.
- Diego, I want you to be more responsible in the future.
- I will ask Sofía not to wait in the café.
Practice: English to Spanish
Translate these sentences into Spanish:
- It annoys me that my daughter does her homework at this time of night.
- I'm going to help you so that you have time to go out with your friend.
Answers:
- Me molesta que mi hija haga los deberes a esta hora de la noche.
- Voy a ayudarte para que tengas tiempo para salir con tu amiga.
Key Points to Remember:
- The present subjunctive is only required for Higher tier students
- Learn the five key verbs: hacer, ir, ser, venir, tener
- Look for trigger words: cuando (future), que (after wishes/emotions), para que (so that)
- The yo and él/ella forms are always the same for each verb
- The subjunctive expresses uncertainty, wishes, emotions, and future actions