Which is correct? Or are they both correct?

Question

Just wondering which is correct: I want to say "If I earn 100,000 euros per year.

Si gano 100.000 euros por año OR Si gane 100.000 euros por año

Answer 1

There is no need for the subjunctive here. This hypothesis becomes factual when the if clause is resolved (negatively or positively).

Si gano 100.000 euros por año, puedo/podré comprar una casa. If I earn 100,000 euros per year I can/will be able to/buy a home.

When the hypothesis is uncertain, then you need the subjunctive.

Si ganara or Si ganase 100,000 euros por año, podría comprar una casa. If I earnED 100,000 per year, I would be able to buy a home.

Answer 2

Si gané ...is like saying if i won.

In this case it would be "Si ganara". - gavinmckee, Apr 18, 2012

Answer 3

I'm not great at subjunctive, but this is my understanding. It depends on how sure you are of earning the 100.000 euros.

If you do now earn the money and you're saying, "If I earn 100,000 euros per year, then why am I defaulting on my loan?" then it's gano. OR, if it's really likely that you'll earn it, it's also gano, as in "If I earn 100,000 euros per year (like I'm expecting to) for the next five years, I'll be able to move to Barcelona."

If you're hoping but not really sure it'll happen, "If I earnED 100,000 euros per year, I'd buy an expensive new car!" then I think it's more likely to be ganara than gane, that is past (imperfect) rather than present subjunctive.

Hi Mechtilde, thanks for your reply. This subjunctive is a bit of a nightmare. To put it in context, I want to say "If I earn X per year, I have to pay X. It's hypothetical but I don't know if I'm to use the present or past subjunctive or at all! - Comerford4, Apr 17, 2012

You don't use any type of subjunctive in that situation, it would simply be: "Si yo gano X por año, tengo que pagar X" :) - gavinmckee, Apr 18, 2012

Answer 4

the first one

Answer 5

I believe it should be Si Gano, since it is you earning it. Gano would be accurate as the first person singular form.

Si Gana would be if you earn....hope this helps..