Can someone explain the grammar behind this?

Question

I have a hard time wrapping my mind around the difference between these two constructions:

I want you to be happy. So to translate this I have to think about it in this way: I want that you be happy: Quiero que estés feliz.

You make me feel happy. I feel like I should think about it like the sentence above: You make that I feel happy: Haces que yo sienta feliz. However, I often see it as: Me haces sentir feliz.

How can I differentiate between these two types of sentences? Is there something that I am missing grammar-wise?

The first has two clauses, a dependent (Quiero-) and an independent (-que estés feliz) clause, whereas the second just has one clause despite the fact that it seems like there are two subjects (yo y tú).

Any insight is highly appreciated!

Answer 1

First of all, feeling with emotions is reflexive. Me siento muy contenta. I feel very happy. But sometimes, as in your second sentence the reflexive gets omitted. I have no idea as to why. As a Spanish speaker I do it instinctively.

Both sentences have the same general meaning, but I would use the reflexive in the first one. Haces que me sienta feliz. I don't see anything wrong with it grammatically, but I would never think of saying it that way conversationally. Maybe in a poem or something.

It's along the same lines as: Mis padres no me permiten conducir. and Mis padres no permiten que conduzca.

Some verbs just work that way.

Have you ever thought about the verb "comprar" and how it can be used two different ways?

Voy a comprarle un suéter nuevo a mi hijo. and Voy a comprar un suéter nuevo para mi hijo. Both are grammatically correct. Spanish is fun!

When I speak I use the latter as well but I really want to understand the grammar behind it - Zein-, Oct 28, 2016

For instance we would never say " te quiero estar feliz", it simply does not make sense - Zein-, Oct 28, 2016

I guess I'll just have to accept it as one of those things with no explanation hahaha - Zein-, Oct 28, 2016

This is where I would say, "Quiero que estés feliz." We have a grammarian from S.A. on the site that may well have a logical grammatical explanation. - Daniela2041, Oct 28, 2016

I love grammar hahah I can't wait :D Thanks for your input, Daniela! - Zein-, Oct 28, 2016

Answer 2

quiero que seas feliz

Im sorry but I didn't really read what your question. I think that's what you wanted translated to sopanish

hahaha not at all but I like your effort - Zein-, Nov 5, 2016