Help with the subjunctive.

Question

I have been teaching myself Spanish for a few months now. I am happy with my progress, but I am still having trouble with reflexive verbs and the subjunctive mood. I am trying to say "I hope that I will see my friend soon". Would that be translated as Espero que viere mi amigo pronto.? I am also trying to figure out how to say things like "I want to buy and new car" and "I want to speak with her", but I can't seem to figure out how. Plus the translator doesn't seem to understand how to turn English phrases into sentences with subjunctive words (I hope, She wants, etc.). I would really appreciate any help you could provide, as well as any tips about tackling the subjunctive. Thanks.

Answer 1

The reason that none of them are subjunctive is that they can all be said using the present tense alone. Also, the way my teacher explained it was that you can only have the subjunctive when there is a subject change from the two verbs surrounding the "que". Since you are hoping that YOU can go see your friend, not that, for example, she could some see you, it stays in the present. I'll show it more clearly below.

Present: I hope that I can go see my friend.

Subjunctive: I hope that she can come see me.

Does this make sense? Also, I am only intermediate myself, so please someone correct me if I am wrong. Hope this helps!!

That definitely helps! I am still confused, but that clears some things up, and every little bit helps. Thank you for the explanation Megan. - Jsanthara, JUL 11, 2010

Answer 2

Check out the reference section on spanishdict.com. Here is a link for information on when to use the subjunctive:

Active link

Answer 3

"Espero ver a mi amigo pronto". "Quiero comprar un auto nuevo". "Quiero hablar con ella".

I'm confused. None of those sentences contain subjunctive conjugations. - Jsanthara, JUL 11, 2010

Answer 4

You don't need subjunctive there, like they said. But the form you used is the future subjunctive, which is hardly ever used anymore. Just the past subjunctive and present subjunctive are used regularly nowadays.

(and the present perfect and past perfect) - 0074b507, JUL 11, 2010

Answer 5

These phrases can be said just as kmeza has suggested - in present tense. Subjunctive is not necessary here

¡Saludos!

Answer 6

kmeza was giving you an option to using the subjunctive. When there is no change of subject, you may often see this infinitive use.

It is the same in English.

I hope that I can see my friend soon.

I hope to see my friend soon.