Repaso de gramática: Using the Subjunctive to Convey Emotions

Now that we have reviewed the conjugation of the present subjunctive and the subjunctive with impersonal expressions, we can begin learning how to use the subjunctive to convey emotions. We can express opinions about things that we observe or consider facts.

For example, if we know that Juan sings well, we say "Juan canta bien." We can even say we believe that Juan sings well, "creemos que Juan canta bien."

But when we want to express how we FEEL about Juan's singing, we need to use the Subjunctive.

For example, to say we are pleased that Juan sings well, we say, "Nos gusta que Juan cante bien." "Cante" is the 3rd person subjunctive form of Cantar.

There is an easy way to learn the use of the subjunctive with feelings and emotions, and we call these verbs "WEIRDO" verbs. This acronym helps show the different ways we identify the need for a subjunctive verb.

W
E
I
R
D
O

Wishes/Wants

querer
esperar
desear
preferir
insistir
necesitar

Emotions

sentir
lamentar
disgustarle
desagradar
gustarle
sorprenderle
importarle
molestarle
preocuparse
temer
darle lástima
alegrarse de

Impersonal Expressions

es necesario
es importante
es bueno
es malo
es fantástico
es una lástima
es mejor que
es imposible
es posible
es una pena
es raro
es triste
es urgente

Requests/Suggestions/Recommendations

aconsejar
pedir
exigir
insistir
necesitar
rogar
sugerir
suplicar
prohibir
mandar
permitir
recomendar
advertir

Doubt/Denial

dudar
negar
no creer
es dudoso
no pensar
no estar
seguro
no parecer

Ojalá

ojalá (always subjunctive)
quizás (future or subjunctive)
tal vez (future or subjunctive)

It seems funny to have to use the Subjunctive with something that seems factual, but really what is being expressed is your personal reaction. The focus isn't on any statement of fact - rather on your value judgment of an event or situation. Since your emotional response is subjective, we need to use the Subjunctive.

¡Me alegro de que tú vayas a España! - I am happy that you are going to Spain!
Siento que él tenga que estudiar esta noche. - I'm sorry that he has to study tonight.
Tiene miedo que ella quiera romper con él. - He is afraid that she wants to break up with him.
Esperamos que la profesora no dé muchos exámenes. - We hope the professor won't give many exams.

Please watch the following video that helps explore this topic some more.

Video source: Sr. Jordan (via YouTube; used with permission, all rights reserved)

Videos de la práctica

Below are two practice videos to review this new concept with practice sentences.

Video source (both videos): Sr. Jordan (via YouTube; used with permission, all rights reserved)

Subjunctive Practice: Emotions and feelings, practice 1

Subjunctive Practice: Emotions and feelings, practice 2

Here are some trigger words that will help us identify with the use of the subjunctive is necessary. As you read through them you can begin to understand them as a group. These phrases are showing you an opinion or an emotional response to something. Make sure to write these down and memorize them!

alegrarse: to make happy
quejarse de: to complain about
esperar: to hope
sentir: to be sorry, to regret
molestar: to bother
sorprender: to surprise
ojalá: hopefully
temer: to fear, be afraid
dudar: to doubt
negar: to deny

Practice Activities: Subjunctive Mood

Please complete the following review activities.

Activity 1: Multiple Choice

Activity Two: Complete the Sentences

Now, we will work on both verbs in the sentence. The first verb or saying is the one that will trigger the use of the subjunctive. The second verb you will use is in parenthesis after the blank. Make sure to use your new subjunctive trigger notes as a reference!

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