Expressing desires?

Question

I have a separate textbook which has the following heading and content: Funcion: Expresar deseos

1.Que + Subjuntivo

Me voy. Tengo un examen a las tres. !Que te salga bien!

Could you explain the meaning of the sentence and concept?

Answer 1

The short answer is:

I have a test at 3:00. I'm sure you understand that. However, regarding the test, you have no idea how it is going to turn out, it's out of your control, it's an unknown. It HAS to be subjunctive. does that help? I hope that it turns out well!

Sorry, I don't do grammar rules, so I can't explain it like a teacher.

It is a good answer. - annierats, Feb 16, 2015

Answer 2

Hello Guitarmaster,

Welcome to the SpanishDict forum

You said/asked:

guitarmasterI have a separate textbook which has the following heading and content: Funcion: Expresar deseos. 1.Que + Subjuntivo Me voy. Tengo un examen a las tres. !Que te salga bien! Could you explain the meaning of the sentence and concept?

Well, It is saying: function: to express desires /expressing desires:

1 After the word (relative pronoun) 'que' you must use the subjunctive mood:

They then give you an example to illustrate this principle:

Person 1 Tengo un examen a las tres. = I have an exam (test) at 3 o'clock

Person 2: !Que te salga bien! = I hope that it goes well for you / turns out well for you!

Salga is the present subjunctive of the verb: salir which is used to form the expression: salir bien/salir mal = to turn out well/badly

I have no idea / I cannot work out why the words me voy (= I am leaving) are there / In this context they make no sense to me perhaps another person could explain their presence in this context! The verb salir usually means to go out / leave a particular place Salió de la casa a las 7 de la tarde = He left the house at seven o'clock in the evening. However, salir is used more idiomatically here.

I hope this helps

Answer 3

Guitarmaster, I can only recommend that you read the text-book that you have.

Te recomiendo que leas el libro sobre el subjuntivo.

This is a large mine-field and entire chapters in grammar-books are dedicated to explaining it.

I love your last statement :) - Jack-OBrien, Feb 16, 2015

and I mean that as an agreement :) It is *definitely* a minefield! - Jack-OBrien, Feb 16, 2015