Expressing Hope Using the Spanish Sub

To express hope in Spanish, you usually need three ingredients. First, you need a "trigger" verb like esperar (to hope). Second, you need the word que (that). Third, you need a change in the person you're talking about. If I hope *I* win, I use a simple verb. But if I hope *you* win, that’s when the magic happens. The second verb—the one after que—must change its form into the Subjunctive. It’s like a grammar traffic light. The que is the yellow light telling you to get ready to switch. Without that change of person, you stay in the safe world of infinitives. But once you want someone else to do something, you've entered the Subjunctive zone. It’s a way of signaling to the listener: "Hey, I'm wishing for this, it hasn't happened yet!"

1. 1Creating the Subjunctive is actually a bit of a "grammar swap." It’s like the verbs are playing dress-up in each other's clothes. Follow these steps to build a regular present subjunctive verb:
2. 2Start with the yo form of the verb in the present tense (e.g., hablo, como, vivo).
3. 3Drop the -o at the end (e.g., habl-, com-, viv-).
4. 4Add the "opposite" endings.
5. 5For -AR verbs: add -e, -es, -e, -emos, -éis, -en.
6. 6For -ER and -IR verbs: add -a, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an.
7. 7Basically, -AR verbs start acting like they're -ER verbs, and vice versa. It’s a bit of a identity crisis, but once you get the rhythm, it’s quite catchy.

You use this pattern whenever you are using the verb esperar to wish something for someone else. You’ll also use it with the magical word ojalá. This word comes from an old Arabic phrase meaning "If God wills it," but today it just means "I hope" or "I wish."

• Use it when ordering food for a friend: Espero que te guste la pizza. (I hope you like the pizza.)
• Use it in job interviews: Espero que tengan un buen día. (I hope you have a good day.)
• Use it with ojalá for extra emphasis: ¡Ojalá llueva! (I hope it rains!)

Think of it as the "Hope Sandwich." Your hope is the first piece of bread, que is the cheese, and the Subjunctive verb is the second piece of bread. Delicious, right?

This is the part that trips people up. If you are hoping for something for *yourself*, you do NOT use the Subjunctive. You just use the infinitive (the original -ar, -er, or -ir form).

• Correct: Espero viajar a España. (I hope to travel to Spain.)
• Incorrect: Espero que yo viaje a España. (This sounds super clunky and weird.)

You only need the Subjunctive when there are two different people involved. If it's just you and your dreams, keep it simple with the infinitive. It’s like a solo dance vs. a partner dance. The Subjunctive needs a partner to make sense.

The most common mistake is forgetting to swap the endings. Beginners often say Espero que tú hablas instead of Espero que tú hables. Remember: the Subjunctive is a mood, and it’s a bit moody—it wants those opposite endings!

Another classic is forgetting the que. In English, we often drop the word "that" (e.g., "I hope you win"). In Spanish, you MUST include it. Think of que as the glue holding your hope together. Without it, the sentence falls apart.

Lastly, don't use it for things you *know* are happening. If you see your friend eating, don't say Espero que comas (I hope you eat). They’re already doing it! Use the Indicative for things happening right now in front of your eyes.

You might be thinking, "Wait, isn't this just the same as saying what I want?" Close, but not quite! When you use querer (to want), you’re being more direct. Espero que is a bit softer. It’s a wish rather than a demand.

• Quiero que vengas: I want you to come. (A bit bossy!)
• Espero que vengas: I hope you come. (Much nicer for a party invite.)

Also, compare it to creer (to believe). If you believe something is true, you use the regular Indicative. Creo que vienes (I believe you’re coming). Use the Subjunctive for the "maybe" world and the Indicative for the "I think so" world.