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Learn how to use the presente de subjuntivo to express desires and requests with key expressions like "Espero que", "Ojalá que", "Te pido que", and "Te ruego que" followed by subjunctive verbs.
  1. We use the "presente de subjuntivo" to express wishes and will.
  2. We use specific expressions followed by
ExpresiónUsoEjemplo
Espero/Deseo/Quiero queDeseo/ExigenciaEspero que el programa de televisión sea informativo y actual. (I hope the television programme is informative and current.)
Ojalá queOjalá que la nueva serie sea tan impactante como dicen. (I hope that the new series is as impressive as they say.)
Te pido quePeticiónTe pido que veas el telediario para estar informado. (I ask you to watch the news to stay informed.)
Te ruego queTe ruego que transmitas información verídica en el programa. (I beg you to broadcast truthful information on the programme.)

Exercise 1: Presente de subjuntivo: expresar deseos y voluntades

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

sea, transmitan, estrenéis, transmita, estrenen, veas

1. Estrenar:
Espero que ... la nueva serie hoy.
(I hope they premiere the new series today.)
2. Transmitir:
Queremos que los telediarios ... informaciones más verídicas.
(We want the news broadcasts to transmit more truthful information.)
3. Ver:
Te pido que ... la serie que acaban de estrenar.
(I ask you to watch the series that has just been released.)
4. Ser:
Ojalá que el programa que estamos viendo ... actual y relevante.
(I hope that the programme we are watching is up to date and relevant.)
5. Estrenar:
Quiero que ... más películas interesantes.
(I want them to release more interesting films.)
6. Ser:
Te ruego que la información ... siempre verídica.
(I ask that the information always be truthful.)
7. Transmitir:
Ojalá que el programa ... informaciones actuales.
(I hope the programme broadcasts up-to-date information.)
8. Estrenar:
Pedro desea que ... vuestro nuevo programa de televisión.
(Pedro wants you to premiere your new television programme.)

Present Subjunctive: Expressing Wishes and Will

This lesson focuses on the use of the present subjunctive mood in Spanish, specifically to express desires, wishes, and requests. It is designed for intermediate learners at the B1 level, helping you understand how to construct sentences that convey personal wishes or ask someone to do something.

Key Usage

The present subjunctive is commonly used after certain expressions that indicate a wish, a hope, or a request. These expressions are followed by que and a verb in the subjunctive mood.

Common Expressions and Their Use

  • Espero que (I hope that), Deseo que (I desire that), Quiero que (I want that) – used to express hopes or demands.
  • Ojalá que (Hopefully) – used to express strong wishes or hopes.
  • Te pido que (I ask you to), Te ruego que (I beg you to) – used to make polite requests.

Example Sentences

  • Espero que el programa de televisión sea informativo y actual.
  • Ojalá que la nueva serie sea tan impactante como dicen.
  • Te pido que veas el telediario para estar informado.
  • Te ruego que transmitas información verídica en el programa.

Important Notes on Usage

The subjunctive mood is essential in Spanish for expressing attitudes such as doubt, desire, emotion, or necessity. In English, we often use modal verbs or phrases (like "I hope," "I want," "I ask") followed by that + indicative verb, but Spanish uses the subjunctive verb form instead.

Key phrases to remember include:

  • Espero que... (I hope that...)
  • Te pido que... (I ask you to...)
  • Ojalá que... (I wish that/Hopefully...)

Differences and Useful Phrases

Unlike English, which mainly uses the indicative after stating a wish (e.g., "I hope the program is interesting"), Spanish requires the subjunctive ("Espero que el programa sea interesante"). This mood reflects the speaker’s attitude toward uncertainty or desire.

Useful phrases:

  • Desear – to wish
  • Querer – to want
  • Rogar – to beg/plead
  • Esperar – to hope
  • Ojalá – hopefully/wish that (originates from Arabic, unique in Spanish)

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