When to use "que" between a conjugated verb form and an infinitive?

Question

I have a question about when to use (and when not to use) 'que' between a conjugated verb and an infinitive... What are the rules?

I have learned Tengo +que+ infinitive=I have to. At first I would say, Tengo + infintive. Then today thought I knew how to say I want to=Quiero+ infinitive , but the translator indicated Quiero +"que" for a sentence. Is that is correct?

See the good answer from PJballa - think of this "que" as a "that" in English exmp: I want "that" you call me. - ian-hill, Sep 28, 2012

Answer 1

You would use que in the case that you want someone else to do something. For instance "Quiero que vayas al mercado por comida." This would translate to "I want you to go the the market for food." We use the present subjunctive in a clause that is influencing or advising others. But in the case of what your talking about, quiero + infinitive, you would be discussing your personal preference on something. For instance you would say "Quiero ir al mercado." "I want to go to the market." You are stating what YOU want to do.

Yo quiero (independent clause) + que verb in the subjunctive (dependent clause).

This is the usual structure of a sentence that uses a dependent clause in the subjunctive. Note there are more verbs of influence like esperar. It's helpful to familiarize yourself with these.

Yo quiero venir temprano mañana. Preference.

Yo quiero que ustedes vengan temprano mañana . Advising others.

Hope that helps a little. If I left anything out guys feel free to critique.

Great explanation! - elcapitan511, Sep 28, 2012

Thanks - bfpsu, Sep 29, 2012

Answer 2

You can also use que with some infinitives without the appearance of a secondary clause. For example:

Something to do Algo que hacer Something to say Algo que decir

In sentences:

¿Tienes algo que decir? ¿Hay algo que hacer?

Don't get confused with the above uses tener and haber (hay) which often use que. The que here is not being used like tener que or hay que.

I think these constructions may have come from a slightly longer way to say these things that uses que as "that" and sets up a secondary clause.

Is there something that I want to do? ¿Hay algo que quiero hacer?

Can you think of anything that you want to say? ¿Puede usted pensar en algo que usted quiere decir?

I can't think of anything to do. No puedo pensar en nada que hacer.

I can't think of anything that I want to do. No puedo pensar en nada que quiero hacer.

I think the use of que hacer or que decir without the intervening querer is just a shorthand way of saying the sentence with querer, but it is understood/implied. After all if someone asks if you have anything to say you would only say it if you wanted to, right?