Expressing wishes in Spanish: How and when to use the subjunctive

One of the most fascinating—and sometimes challenging—aspects of Spanish is the use of the subjunctive. For learners of the language, this verb mood is often tricky because it doesn’t exist in the same way in many other languages. However, understanding it is essential to sound natural and convey nuance.

Today at MaestroMío, your Spanish school in Málaga and Madrid, we want to help you discover how to express wishes in Spanish using the subjunctive.

Why do we use the subjunctive to express wishes?

The subjunctive is used when talking about something that is not a real fact, but a possibility, a hypothesis, or a wish. When we express what we want to happen, it hasn’t happened yet; that’s why we need this verb mood.

Examples:

• Quiero que vengas a mi fiesta.
  (I want you to come to my party.)
• Ojalá haga buen tiempo mañana.
  (Hopefully the weather will be good tomorrow.)

In both cases, we talk about something that isn’t guaranteed but that we hope will happen.

Common expressions of wishes with the subjunctive

In Spanish, there are several common formulas to express wishes. Let’s look at them with practical examples:

1. Querer que + subjunctive
   Used to express a personal wish directed at someone else.
   • Quiero que tú me ayudes con este ejercicio.
     (I want you to help me with this exercise.)
   • Mis padres quieren que estudiemos en España.
     (My parents want us to study in Spain.)
2. Ojalá + subjunctive
   One of the most characteristic expressions in Spanish. It comes from Arabic inshalla (“if God wills”).
   • Ojalá apruebes el examen.
     (I hope you pass the exam.)
   • Ojalá no llueva en Málaga este fin de semana.
     (I hope it doesn’t rain in Málaga this weekend.)
3. Esperar que + subjunctive
   Used to express expectations or hopeful wishes.
   • Espero que tengas un buen día.
     (I hope you have a good day.)
   • Esperamos que disfrutes de tu estancia en Madrid.
     (We hope you enjoy your stay in Madrid.)
4. Desear que + subjunctive
   Similar to esperar que, but usually sounds more formal.
   • Deseo que seáis muy felices.
     (I wish you all the best / I hope you are very happy.)
   • Te deseo que encuentres pronto trabajo.
     (I hope you find a job soon.)
5. Que + subjunctive (short expressions)
   In informal contexts, the main verb is often omitted, and only the subjunctive is used.
   • ¡Que tengas suerte!
     (Good luck!)
   • ¡Que lo pases bien!
     (Have a good time!)

Important notes

• If the subject of the sentence is the same, use the infinitive instead of the subjunctive:
  • Quiero viajar a Sevilla. (I want to travel to Seville – same subject)
  • But: Quiero que tú viajes a Sevilla. (I want you to travel to Seville – different subject)
• The subjunctive changes according to the verb tense:
  • For wishes in the present or future → present subjunctive (Espero que vengas).
  • For wishes in the past → imperfect or pluperfect subjunctive (Ojalá hubieras venido).

Tips for learners

• Listen to real Spanish: songs, movies, series. Pay attention to how native speakers express wishes.
• Start with the most common expressions (ojalá, quiero que, espero que). Don’t try to learn everything at once.
• Practice with real situations: what do you wish for yourself or your friends? Write it in a diary or share it in class.

Let’s practice

At MaestroMío, we believe the best way to master the subjunctive is to use it in real-life situations. In our schools in Málaga and Madrid, we work with everyday examples, role-playing, and communicative activities so that the subjunctive stops being “the nightmare of Spanish” and becomes a natural tool for expressing yourself.

Exercise 1: Complete the sentences with the verb in the subjunctive

1. Quiero que tú __________ (venir) a mi cumpleaños.
2. Ojalá mañana no __________ (llover).
3. Mis amigos esperan que nosotros __________ (aprobar) el examen.
4. Deseamos que vosotros __________ (ser) muy felices.
5. ¡Que lo __________ (pasar) bien en tu viaje!

Answers:

1. vengas
2. llueva
3. aprobemos
4. seáis
5. pases

Exercise 2: Transform the sentences using expressions of wish + subjunctive

Example: Tú viajas a Madrid → Quiero que tú viajes a Madrid.

1. Ellos encuentran trabajo. → Espero que ellos encuentren trabajo.
2. Tú tienes un buen día. → ¡Que tengas un buen día!
3. Vosotros hacéis nuevos amigos en Málaga. → Deseamos que vosotros hagáis nuevos amigos en Málaga.
4. María aprueba el examen. → Ojalá María apruebe el examen.
5. Vosotros disfrutáis de la fiesta. → Espero que vosotros disfrutéis de la fiesta.