2.3: Subjunctive in Adjective Clauses
- Page ID
- 164403
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Subjuntivo: clásulas subordinadas adjetivas
The subjunctive in adjective clauses is used to describe a person, place, thing, or idea which existence is uncertain.
Fórmulas
Main clause in indicative + que + adjective clause in subjunctive
Main clause in indicative + donde* + adjective clause in subjunctive
The main clause is used to explain what is desired or needed and indicates that its existence is uncertain. The subordinate clause uses at least one verb in subjunctive to describe the desired characteristics of the item, place, or person of interest.
The subjunctive in adjective clauses is also used in questions where the existence of a subject with certain characteristics is questioned.
*Use "donde" instead of "que" to divide the main clause from the subordinate clause if the object of search is a place "where" a specific characteristic or service is available.
| Español | Inglés |
|---|---|
| buscar | to look for |
| desear | to desire; to wish |
| necesitar | to need |
| querer | to want |
Ejemplos
- Mis padres quieren un auto que sea grande y que tenga asientos para ocho personas. (My parents want a car that is big and has seats for eight people.)
- Busco a una persona que hable español para practicar el subjuntivo. (I'm looking for a person who speaks Spanish to practice the subjunctive.)
- ¿Conoces a alguien que tenga una casa frente al mar?*
- Quiero comer en un restaurante donde vendan tacos de carne asada.
Indefinite articles, "un, una", are commonly used in the first clause because they do not refer to anything specific. They indicate that "any" is fine, as long as it meets the requirements listed after the word "que" or "donde".
If what is sought is a person, use the personal "a" before referring to the person: Busco "a" una persona que..., ¿conoces "a" alguien que...?
*In questions, where asked if something or someone exist or is known, use the subjunctive because the existence of the object of search is unknown.
Más ejemplos
- ¿Conoces a alguien que sea arquitecto?
- Sí, conozo a alguien que es arquitecto.
- No, no conozco a nadie que sea arquitecto.
- ¿Hay un restaurante que venda comida internacional en tu ciudad?
- Sí, hay un restaurante que vende comida internacional.
- No, no hay ningún restaurante que venda comida internacional.
As shown above, the adjective clause, giving the characteristics of the object of search, is in present subjunctive in the questions. If the answer is negative and states that the object in search does not exist or is unknown, the verb in the adjective clause must also be in present subjunctive. However, if the answer confirms the existence of the object of search, the verb must be in present indicative.
Práctica 1
Indicativo: cláusulas adjetivas
The indicative must be used in the adjective clause if the object of search is known. Since the verb is not in subjunctive, the clause could be used independently and it is not considered a subordinate clause anymore.
Ejemplos
- Mis padres quieren el auto que es grande y que tiene asientos para ocho personas. (My parents want the car that is large and has seats for eight people.)
- Busco a la persona que habla español para practicar el subjuntivo. (I am looking for the person who speaks Spanish to practice the subjunctive.)
These examples are similar to those given in the previous section, but they refer to a known car and person. The indefinite articles were changed to definite articles, "el, la", to indicate that any car or person is not acceptable, they want the specific car and person mentioned. In this case, the verbs after the word "que" must be in indicative mode.