Quizás, lastimar, ojala

Question

Pimsleur says that subjunctive activates after any of these words, not just "ojala" aka WIERDO. They say stuff like "Quizas tenga un café" Is this plausable or are they wrong? Gracias.

Answer 1

In this case, the issue is not the specific word used but that it introduces an element of doubt (makes the subordinate clause theoretical/hypothetical [as opposed to stating a fact]).

The subjunctive is not triggered by "words" but by the speaker's attitude towards the situation. Of course, some words/phrases strongly suggest the attitude (so strongly that, in fact, almost nobody would those words without that intention).

In point of fact, "quizás" always introduces the element of doubt and "ójala" always introduces the the idea of "wishing" and both of these situations require the subjunctive. However the particular phrases can be replaced e.g. "tal vez" for "quizás" and "espero que" for "ójala" and the subjunctive is still used/called for (because the meaning/intention has not changed).

Answer 2

Hi Jeezzle.

I like Samdie and Mar's explanations, but I just wanted to mention that ojalá (notice the accent mark) is always followed by the subjunctive.

You have to pay particular attention to phrases like "Que tengas un buen dia" because the ojalá is assumed, just like when you say "Have a great day" the phrase "I hope you have" is assumed but not spoken.

Good and practical remark ;) - bomberapolaca, Apr 4, 2010

Answer 3

I've been using "Practice Makes Perfect Spanish Verb Tenses" to help with Carlos' subjunctive exercise today. Here's what it has to say:

"Phrases that are set up by the words "perhaps" or "maybe" are usually cloaked in uncertainty, and therefore require the use of the subjunctive." It doesn't mention lastimar, but does talk about acaso, tal vez and quizá (or quizás). It says they are used interchangeably for the most part, although acaso is generally used for writing.

Some examples...

Quizá él no te conteste. Perhaps/Maybe he won't answer you.

Tal vez ella esté enferma. Maybe/perhaps she's sick.

Answer 4

Quizás tenga un café

This would not be understood in Spain. I guess you meant to say:

Quizás tome un café.

Answer 5

I just wanted to mention that ojalá (notice the accent mark) is always followed by the subjunctive.

Quite true but that's simply explained by the fact that "ojalá" always expresses a wish/hope. The situations that call for the subjunctive are far fewer than the number of ways of expressing those situations. Is it not easier to remember that an "expression of hope" requires the subjunctive than to try to remember all of the ways (verbs/phrases) that can be used to express hope?