Using Subjunctive to Express Disapproval

This structure usually requires two different people in the sentence. You are the one feeling the disapproval. The other person is the one doing the action you dislike. We connect these two parts with the magic word que. The first part of the sentence contains a "trigger" phrase. These are phrases like No me gusta que (I don't like that) or Es malo que (It is bad that). These triggers act like a grammar traffic light. They tell the next verb to switch from the regular "Indicative" to the "Subjunctive." Without the trigger, you are just stating a fact. With the trigger, you are voicing a complaint. It is like adding a dash of spice to a dish. It changes the whole flavor of the sentence. Remember, if you are talking about yourself, you usually use the infinitive. But when you judge someone else, the Subjunctive must come out to play.

1. 1To use this correctly, you need to know how to change the verb. Follow these three simple steps for regular verbs:
2. 2Start with the yo form of the verb in the present tense. For example, hablo (I speak).
3. 3Drop the final o. Now you have the stem: habl-.
4. 4Add the "opposite" ending. For -ar verbs, use -e. For -er and -ir verbs, use -a.
5. 5Here is a quick look at the endings for the Subjunctive:
6. 6For -ar verbs: -e, -es, -e, -emos, -éis, -en.
7. 7For -er and -ir verbs: -a, -as, -a, -amos, -áis, -an.
8. 8Think of it as a vowel swap. If the verb usually likes "A," give it "E." If it usually likes "E," give it "A." It is a little bit like wearing your shoes on the wrong feet at first. It feels strange, but you will get used to the rhythm quickly. Just remember the yo form is your best friend for finding the stem.

You use this pattern whenever you are judging an action or situation. Imagine you are in a job interview. You might say, Es una pena que la empresa no tenga esta visión (It's a shame the company doesn't have this vision). Or imagine you are at a restaurant. You might tell your partner, No me gusta que el camarero sea tan lento (I don't like that the waiter is so slow). Here are the main scenarios:

• When you find something unfair or bad: Es injusto que....
• When you express a personal dislike: No me gusta que....
• When you judge a general situation: Es horrible que....
• When you feel a sense of pity or regret: Es una lástima que....

This isn't just for being negative, though! You can use it for any subjective judgment. However, for disapproval, these negative triggers are your primary tools. They help you navigate social situations with more nuance and clarity.

Do not use the Subjunctive when you are stating a plain fact without judgment. If you say, "He is late," that is just a fact: Él llega tarde. There is no "trigger" phrase here. Also, do not use it if there is only one person involved. If you say, "I don't like to arrive late," you use the infinitive: No me gusta llegar tarde. You only need the Subjunctive when you are pointing the finger at someone else's behavior. If you are just reporting the news, stay with the Indicative. The Subjunctive is for the "drama," not the "news report." If your sentence starts with Creo que (I think that), you usually use the Indicative. But if you say No creo que (I don't think that), the Subjunctive returns. It is all about the level of certainty and the type of emotion involved.

The most common mistake is forgetting the word que. Without que, the sentence falls apart like a bad taco. Another big mistake is using the regular present tense (Indicative) after a trigger of disapproval. For example, saying No me gusta que tú hablas is wrong. It must be No me gusta que tú hables. It sounds like a small difference, but it is very noticeable to native ears. Also, watch out for irregular verbs! Verbs like ser (to be) become sea. Verbs like ir (to go) become vaya. Don't try to force the regular rules onto these rebels. Finally, don't use the Subjunctive if you are certain about a fact and not judging it. Use it only when that "Opinion Filter" is active. It is better to be simple and correct than complex and confusing.

Let's compare the Indicative and the Subjunctive. The Indicative is for the "World of Facts." The Subjunctive is for the "World of Feelings."

• Indicative: Tú comes mucha pizza (You eat a lot of pizza). This is a simple observation.
• Subjunctive: Es malo que comas mucha pizza (It is bad that you eat a lot of pizza). This is a judgment.

Notice how the verb comes changes to comas. The first sentence is neutral. The second sentence has an attitude. It’s like the difference between a security camera (Indicative) and a movie critic (Subjunctive). One just records what happens, while the other tells you if it’s good or bad. Understanding this contrast is the key to mastering the mood. You are moving from being a reporter to being a commentator.