Chapter 20: Expressions with Subjunctive

Argentinian Spanish Level B1

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🎯 CHAPTER OBJECTIVES

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

• ✅ Master the use of "Espero que..." (I hope that...)
• ✅ Express importance with "Es importante que..." (It's important that...)
• ✅ Express doubt and disbelief with "No creo que..." (I don't think that...)
• ✅ Make requests and express wishes with "Quiero que..." (I want that...)
• ✅ Use the subjunctive naturally in daily life
• ✅ Understand subjunctive expressions in Porteño speech

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🌟 20.1. Espero que... (I hope that...)

One of the most common subjunctive expressions and its use in Buenos Aires.

💫 Basic Structure

FORMULA:

• Espero que + subjunctive (I hope that)
• Ojalá que + subjunctive (I wish that - more emotional)
• Confío en que + subjunctive (I trust that)

ARGENTINIAN CHARACTERISTIC:

• Porteños use "espero que" very frequently
• You'll encounter this expression in almost every daily situation
• "Che, espero que estés bien" is the most common greeting

🎭 Daily Usage Examples

GREETINGS AND FAREWELLS:

• "Espero que estés bien" (I hope you're well)
• "Espero que hayas tenido un buen día" (I hope you've had a good day)
• "Espero que tengas un lindo finde" (I hope you have a nice weekend)
• "Espero que descanses" (I hope you rest)

GOOD WISHES:

• "Espero que tengas suerte" (I hope you have luck)
• "Espero que todo salga bien" (I hope everything goes well)
• "Espero que consigas ese trabajo" (I hope you get that job)
• "Espero que te mejores pronto" (I hope you get better soon)

FUTURE PLANS:

• "Espero que podamos vernos pronto" (I hope we can see each other soon)
• "Espero que llegues a tiempo" (I hope you arrive on time)
• "Espero que no llueva mañana" (I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow)
• "Espero que encuentres lo que buscás" (I hope you find what you're looking for)

🧉 Porteño Variations

COMBINATION WITH OJALÁ:

• "Ojalá que tengas razón" (I hope you're right)
• "Ojalá que venga Juan" (I hope Juan comes)
• "Ojalá que no sea nada grave" (I hope it's nothing serious)
• "Ojalá que podamos ir" (I hope we can go)

LOCAL EXPRESSIONS:

• "Espero que la pegues" (I hope you succeed - slang)
• "Espero que no la cagues" (I hope you don't mess it up - slang)
• "Espero que esté copado" (I hope it's cool)
• "Espero que no sea una garrón" (I hope it's not boring)

📱 Modern Usage

WHATSAPP MESSAGES:

• "Che, espero que estés bien ❤️"
• "Espero que tengas un día genial 🌟"
• "Espero que hayas llegado bien a casa"
• "Espero que disfrutes las vacaciones 🏖️"

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• "Espero que sea un año increíble" #2024
• "Espero que cumplan todos sus sueños" #motivation
• "Espero que tengamos más encuentros así" #friends

🎪 Emotional Emphasis

ABBREVIATED USAGE:

• "Espero" (just like this, when context is clear)
• "Que tengas un buen día" (dropping "espero")
• "Ojalá" (alone, as a strong wish)

INTENSE WISHES:

• "Espero de corazón que te vaya bien" (I sincerely hope things go well for you)
• "Realmente espero que puedas venir" (I really hope you can come)
• "Espero con toda el alma que se cure" (I hope with all my soul that he/she recovers)

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⚖️ 20.2. Es importante que... (It's important that...)

Expressions of necessity, importance and obligation with subjunctive.

📏 Degrees of Importance

OBLIGATION EXPRESSIONS:

• Es necesario que + subjunctive (it's necessary that)
• Es importante que + subjunctive (it's important that)
• Es fundamental que + subjunctive (it's fundamental that)
• Es imprescindible que + subjunctive (it's essential that)
• Es esencial que + subjunctive (it's essential that)

DAILY LIFE EXAMPLES:

• "Es importante que vengas temprano" (It's important that you come early)
• "Es necesario que estudies más" (It's necessary that you study more)
• "Es fundamental que entiendas esto" (It's fundamental that you understand this)
• "Es imprescindible que llegues a tiempo" (It's essential that you arrive on time)

🏠 In Family and Work Life

FAMILY CONTEXT:

• "Es importante que respetes a tus padres" (It's important that you respect your parents)
• "Es necesario que ayudes en casa" (It's necessary that you help at home)
• "Es fundamental que estudies para el futuro" (It's fundamental that you study for the future)
• "Hijo, es importante que seas honesto" (Son, it's important that you be honest)

AT WORK:

• "Es necesario que llegues puntual" (It's necessary that you arrive punctually)
• "Es importante que termines el proyecto" (It's important that you finish the project)
• "Es fundamental que trabajes en equipo" (It's fundamental that you work as a team)
• "Es imprescindible que cumplas los plazos" (It's essential that you meet deadlines)

🎓 Education and Learning

TEACHER TALKS:

• "Es importante que practiques todos los días" (It's important that you practice every day)
• "Es necesario que entiendas la gramática" (It's necessary that you understand grammar)
• "Es fundamental que leas mucho" (It's fundamental that you read a lot)
• "Es esencial que participes en clase" (It's essential that you participate in class)

STUDENT PERSPECTIVE:

• "Es importante que me expliques de nuevo" (It's important that you explain to me again)
• "Es necesario que tengamos más tiempo" (It's necessary that we have more time)
• "Es fundamental que entendamos bien" (It's fundamental that we understand well)

💪 Advice and Guidance

HEALTH TOPICS:

• "Es importante que descanses" (It's important that you rest)
• "Es necesario que vayas al médico" (It's necessary that you go to the doctor)
• "Es fundamental que cuides tu salud" (It's fundamental that you take care of your health)
• "Es esencial que tomes las pastillas" (It's essential that you take the pills)

LIFE ADVICE:

• "Es importante que seas feliz" (It's important that you be happy)
• "Es necesario que tengas paciencia" (It's necessary that you have patience)
• "Es fundamental que confíes en vos mismo" (It's fundamental that you trust yourself)

🇦🇷 Special Argentinian Uses

PORTEÑO STYLE:

• "Che, es importante que sepas que te banco" (Hey, it's important that you know I support you)
• "Es necesario que entiendas nuestra cultura" (It's necessary that you understand our culture)
• "Es fundamental que pruebes el asado" (It's fundamental that you try the asado)
• "Es imprescindible que aprendas a tomar mate" (It's essential that you learn to drink mate)

FOOTBALL CULTURE:

• "Es importante que supports al equipo" (It's important that you support the team)
• "Es necesario que vengás a la cancha" (It's necessary that you come to the stadium)
• "Es fundamental que cantés las canciones" (It's fundamental that you sing the songs)

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❓ 20.3. No creo que... (I don't think that...)

Expressions of doubt, disbelief and uncertainty with subjunctive.

🤔 Doubt Expressions

BASIC DOUBT PATTERNS:

• No creo que + subjunctive (I don't think that)
• Dudo que + subjunctive (I doubt that)
• No pienso que + subjunctive (I don't think that)
• No me parece que + subjunctive (It doesn't seem to me that)

EVERYDAY EXAMPLES:

• "No creo que venga hoy" (I don't think he/she's coming today)
• "Dudo que sepas la respuesta" (I doubt you know the answer)
• "No pienso que sea verdad" (I don't think it's true)
• "No me parece que entienda" (It doesn't seem to me that he/she understands)

🌧️ Uncertainty and Possibility

POSSIBILITY EXPRESSIONS:

• Es posible que + subjunctive (it's possible that)
• Puede ser que + subjunctive (it might be that)
• Es probable que + subjunctive (it's probable that)
• Quizás + subjunctive (maybe)
• Tal vez + subjunctive (perhaps)

WEATHER EXAMPLES:

• "Es posible que llueva mañana" (It's possible that it rains tomorrow)
• "Puede ser que nieve en invierno" (It might snow in winter)
• "Quizás haga frío" (Maybe it'll be cold)
• "Tal vez tengamos buen tiempo" (Perhaps we'll have good weather)

👥 Doubts About People

ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS:

• "No creo que le gustes" (I don't think he/she likes you)
• "Dudo que venga a la cita" (I doubt he/she'll come to the date)
• "No me parece que sea sincero" (It doesn't seem to me that he's sincere)
• "Es posible que esté interesada" (It's possible that she's interested)

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS:

• "No creo que Juan sepa conducir" (I don't think Juan knows how to drive)
• "Dudo que María termine la universidad" (I doubt María will finish university)
• "No pienso que tengan dinero" (I don't think they have money)

💼 Work and School Life

EXAMS AND GRADES:

• "No creo que apruebes si no estudiás" (I don't think you'll pass if you don't study)
• "Dudo que el profesor ponga examen" (I doubt the teacher will give an exam)
• "No me parece que entienda matemática" (It doesn't seem to me that he/she understands mathematics)

JOB APPLICATIONS:

• "No creo que me contraten" (I don't think they'll hire me)
• "Dudo que paguen bien" (I doubt they pay well)
• "Es posible que llamen esta semana" (It's possible they'll call this week)

🏈 Porteño Doubt Culture

FOOTBALL COMMENTS:

• "No creo que Boca gane este año" (I don't think Boca will win this year)
• "Dudo que River juegue bien" (I doubt River will play well)
• "No me parece que sea penal" (It doesn't seem to me that it's a penalty)

POLITICS AND SOCIETY:

• "No creo que los políticos cumplan las promesas" (I don't think politicians keep their promises)
• "Dudo que mejore la economía" (I doubt the economy will improve)
• "No me parece que entienda la situación" (It doesn't seem to me that he/she understands the situation)

🎭 Subtle Nuances

POLITE DOUBT:

• "No estoy seguro de que sea correcto" (I'm not sure it's correct)
• "Tengo dudas de que funcione" (I have doubts that it works)
• "Me cuesta creer que haya dicho eso" (I find it hard to believe he/she said that)

STRONG DOUBT:

• "De ninguna manera creo que venga" (There's no way I think he/she's coming)
• "Jamás pensé que fuera tan difícil" (I never thought it would be so difficult)

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💝 20.4. Quiero que... (I want that...)

Expressions of desire, request and will with subjunctive.

💫 Expressing Desires

BASIC DESIRE PATTERNS:

• Quiero que + subjunctive (I want that)
• Deseo que + subjunctive (I wish that)
• Me gustaría que + subjunctive (I would like that)
• Necesito que + subjunctive (I need that)
• Prefiero que + subjunctive (I prefer that)

DAILY DESIRES:

• "Quiero que vengas conmigo" (I want you to come with me)
• "Necesito que me ayudes" (I need you to help me)
• "Me gustaría que estés aquí" (I would like you to be here)
• "Prefiero que no vayas" (I prefer that you don't go)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Desires

PARENT TO CHILD:

• "Quiero que estudies más" (I want you to study more)
• "Necesito que me ayudes en casa" (I need you to help me at home)
• "Deseo que seas feliz" (I wish you to be happy)
• "Prefiero que no salgas muy tarde" (I prefer that you don't go out very late)

CHILD TO PARENT:

• "Quiero que me compres un regalo" (I want you to buy me a gift)
• "Necesito que me lleves al colegio" (I need you to take me to school)
• "Me gustaría que vengás al acto" (I would like you to come to the school event)

BETWEEN SPOUSES:

• "Quiero que estemos juntos siempre" (I want us to be together always)
• "Necesito que me entiendas" (I need you to understand me)
• "Me gustaría que viajemos" (I would like us to travel)

💼 Desires at Work

BOSS TO EMPLOYEE:

• "Quiero que termines el proyecto" (I want you to finish the project)
• "Necesito que llegues temprano" (I need you to arrive early)
• "Prefiero que trabajes en equipo" (I prefer that you work as a team)

EMPLOYEE TO BOSS:

• "Quisiera que considerara mi propuesta" (I would like you to consider my proposal)
• "Me gustaría que me dé un aumento" (I would like you to give me a raise)
• "Necesito que me permita tomarme el día" (I need you to allow me to take the day off)

💕 In Romantic Relationships

BETWEEN PARTNERS:

• "Quiero que seas solo mía/mío" (I want you to be only mine)
• "Deseo que estemos siempre juntos" (I wish us to be together always)
• "Me gustaría que me digas que me amás" (I would like you to tell me you love me)
• "Necesito que confíes en mí" (I need you to trust me)

FIRST DATE:

• "Quisiera que conozcas a mis padres" (I would like you to meet my parents)
• "Me gustaría que vayamos al cine" (I would like us to go to the movies)
• "Quiero que sepas que me gustás" (I want you to know that I like you)

🧉 Porteño Desire Styles

ARGENTINIAN STYLE DESIRES:

• "Che, quiero que vengas a lo de mi vieja" (Hey, I want you to come to my mom's place)
• "Necesito que me banques en esto" (I need you to support me in this)
• "Me gustaría que probés el asado" (I would like you to try the asado)
• "Quiero que entiendas nuestra cultura" (I want you to understand our culture)

LUNFARDO MIX:

• "Quiero que la pegues en el laburo" (I want you to succeed at work)
• "Necesito que no la cagues" (I need you not to mess it up)
• "Me gustaría que estés copado" (I would like you to be cool)

FOOTBALL CULTURE:

• "Quiero que aprendas a hinchar" (I want you to learn to cheer)
• "Necesito que vengás a la cancha" (I need you to come to the stadium)
• "Me gustaría que supports al mismo equipo" (I would like you to support the same team)

🎪 Subtle Nuances

POLITE REQUESTS:

• "Te pido que vengas" (I ask you to come)
• "Te ruego que me perdones" (I beg you to forgive me)
• "Te suplico que entiendas" (I implore you to understand)

STRONG DESIRES:

• "Exijo que me digas la verdad" (I demand that you tell me the truth)
• "Insisto en que vengas" (I insist that you come)
• "Demando que respetes las reglas" (I demand that you respect the rules)

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🌆 20.5. Subjunctive in Daily Life

Subjunctive uses you'll hear on the streets of Buenos Aires and the Porteño lifestyle.

🏪 Shopping and Stores

CUSTOMER TO SALESPERSON:

• "Necesito que me ayudes a elegir" (I need you to help me choose)
• "Quiero que me muestres otros modelos" (I want you to show me other models)
• "Me gustaría que me hagas descuento" (I would like you to give me a discount)
• "Espero que tengan mi talle" (I hope you have my size)

SALESPERSON TO CUSTOMER:

• "Es importante que se pruebe la ropa" (It's important that you try on the clothes)
• "Le recomiendo que vea esta oferta" (I recommend that you see this offer)
• "Espero que le guste el producto" (I hope you like the product)

🚇 Transportation and on the Street

BUS CULTURE:

• "Espero que venga pronto el bondi" (I hope the bus comes soon)
• "Necesito que me digas dónde bajar" (I need you to tell me where to get off)
• "Quiero que me avises cuando lleguemos" (I want you to let me know when we arrive)

TAXI AND UBER:

• "Prefiero que vayamos por esta ruta" (I prefer that we go this route)
• "Necesito que llegues rápido" (I need you to arrive quickly)
• "Espero que no haya mucho tráfico" (I hope there isn't much traffic)

🍽️ Restaurants and Cafés

ORDERING AT THE RESTAURANT:

• "Quiero que me recomiende algo" (I want you to recommend something)
• "Necesito que me explique el menú" (I need you to explain the menu)
• "Me gustaría que traiga la cuenta" (I would like you to bring the bill)
• "Espero que esté sabroso" (I hope it's tasty)

WAITER TO CUSTOMER:

• "Les recomiendo que prueben nuestro asado" (I recommend that you try our asado)
• "Es importante que sepan que usamos carne premium" (It's important that you know we use premium meat)
• "Espero que disfruten la comida" (I hope you enjoy the food)

🏥 Health and Doctors

PATIENT TO DOCTOR:

• "Necesito que me explique qué tengo" (I need you to explain what I have)
• "Quiero que me dé algo para el dolor" (I want you to give me something for the pain)
• "Espero que no sea nada grave" (I hope it's nothing serious)

DOCTOR TO PATIENT:

• "Es importante que tome la medicación" (It's important that you take the medication)
• "Necesito que descanse más" (I need you to rest more)
• "Recomiendo que vuelva en una semana" (I recommend that you come back in a week)

📚 University and School

STUDENT TO TEACHER:

• "Necesito que me explique de nuevo" (I need you to explain again)
• "Quiero que postergue el examen" (I want you to postpone the exam)
• "Espero que entienda mi situación" (I hope you understand my situation)

TEACHER TO STUDENT:

• "Es fundamental que estudien para el examen" (It's fundamental that you study for the exam)
• "Necesito que entreguen los trabajos" (I need you to hand in the assignments)
• "Espero que mejoren sus notas" (I hope you improve your grades)

💻 At the Workplace

BETWEEN COLLEAGUES:

• "Necesito que me ayudes con este proyecto" (I need you to help me with this project)
• "Quiero que revisemos juntos" (I want us to review together)
• "Espero que tengamos tiempo" (I hope we have time)

PHONE CALLS:

• "Necesito que me confirmes la reunión" (I need you to confirm the meeting)
• "Quiero que me mandes el archivo" (I want you to send me the file)
• "Espero que podamos hablar mañana" (I hope we can talk tomorrow)

🎉 Social Events

PARTIES AND ASADOS:

• "Quiero que vengas al asado del sábado" (I want you to come to Saturday's asado)
• "Necesito que traigas algo para tomar" (I need you to bring something to drink)
• "Espero que la pasemos genial" (I hope we have a great time)

WEDDINGS AND BIRTHDAYS:

• "Es importante que estés en mi casamiento" (It's important that you be at my wedding)
• "Quiero que seas mi padrino" (I want you to be my best man)
• "Espero que puedas venir" (I hope you can come)

📱 Technology and Modern Life

WHATSAPP GROUPS:

• "Necesito que me agreguen al grupo" (I need you to add me to the group)
• "Quiero que me avisen si cambian el plan" (I want you to let me know if you change the plan)
• "Espero que funcione el wifi" (I hope the wifi works)

SOCIAL MEDIA:

• "Necesito que me sigas en Instagram" (I need you to follow me on Instagram)
• "Quiero que veas mis fotos" (I want you to see my photos)
• "Espero que te guste mi post" (I hope you like my post)

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🎯 COMPREHENSIVE DIALOGUES

Dialogue 1: Friends Making Plans

Sofia: "Che, quiero que vengas al cumple de Martín" Diego: "Me gustaría, pero no creo que pueda" Sofia: "Es importante que estés ahí, sos su mejor amigo" Diego: "Espero que entiendas, tengo que trabajar" Sofia: "Necesito que hagas un esfuerzo, va a estar mal si no vas" Diego: "Está bien, prefiero que me avises el horario exacto"

Dialogue 2: At the Restaurant

Waiter: "What would you like?" Customer: "Quiero que me recomiende algo típico argentino" Waiter: "Les sugiero que prueben el bife de chorizo" Customer: "Perfecto. Necesito que me traiga vino también" Waiter: "Would you like me to choose the wine?" Customer: "Sí, espero que combine bien con la carne" Waiter: "Estoy seguro de que les va a gustar"

Dialogue 3: Family Conversation

Mother: "Hijo, quiero que vengas más seguido" Son: "Mami, sabés que trabajo mucho" Mother: "Es importante que mantengas el contacto con la familia" Son: "Tenés razón. Espero que entiendas mi situación" Mother: "Te entiendo, pero necesito que hagas un esfuerzo" Son: "Prometido. Quiero que sepas que los amo"

Dialogue 4: At Work

Boss: "Necesito que termines el informe hoy" Employee: "Me gustaría, pero no creo que sea posible" Boss: "Es fundamental que cumplas con los plazos" Employee: "Entiendo. Quiero que sepas que estoy haciendo mi mejor esfuerzo" Boss: "Perfecto. Espero que podamos contar con vos" Employee: "Por supuesto. Confío en que salga todo bien"