Avoiding the subjunctive?

Question

I saw on a website that "Escucho hablar el poeta" means "I hear the poet speak". Now I'm wondering if this same infinitive shortcut can be used when the subjunctive is involved:

"You asked me to call you"

"Me pediste llamarte (yo)". Is this a grammatically correct translation or do I have to use the subjunctive: "Me pediste que (yo) te llamara".

Answer 1

I want him to drive. Quiero manejar él. Would this translation be correct or should I say "Quiero que él maneje"? - Ramonaspiker

Ramona ,your second attempt is correct. "Quiero manejar él" makes no sense.

After ojalá you can use que or not use it. It´s regional preference.

I think the use of como in your example is regional as well. For me it´s more natural to say: Ojalá que supiera concinar / Ojalá que supiera cómo se cocina.

Thank you so much Julian! :) Do you know a rule for when it is acceptable to use the infinitive shortcut when the subjunctive is involved? For example, why is "me pediste llamarte" correct even though pedir prompts subjunctive? - Ramonaspiker, Aug 3, 2016

Sorry, I don´t know of any such rule. Your example sounds strange to my Mexico City ear. There anyone would say "Me pediste que te llamara", so if your example is correct it must be regional - 005faa61, Aug 3, 2016

Okay thanks so much Julian! That's the answer I was looking for and what I thought as well. - Ramonaspiker, Aug 3, 2016

Answer 2

Depending on the verb, the structure verb + object + infinitive triggers the subjunctive mood.

To my ears, I'd prefer me pediste que te llamara, but it's acceptable saying me pediste llamarte.

Thanks a bunch Oshnaj! Can you give me another example where it would be better to use subjunctive than infinitive? How about " I wish he knew how to cook", "Deseo saber como cocinar él"? - Ramonaspiker, Aug 3, 2016

That would be "Ojalá supiera cómo cocinar." - Oshnaj, Aug 3, 2016

I was taught to use que right after ojala, so shouldn't it be "Ojalá que supiera cómo cocinar"? - Ramonaspiker, Aug 3, 2016

And do you mind answering my questions on this thread: http://www.spanishdict.com/answers/285315/debera-si-tardar - Ramonaspiker, Aug 3, 2016

I want him to drive. Quiero manejar él. Would this translation be correct or should I say "Quiero que él maneje"? - Ramonaspiker, Aug 3, 2016