Learn how to express feelings and sensations using the present subjunctive in Spanish with phrases like "Me encanta que" (I love that) and "Me molesta que" (It bothers me that), focusing on emotional reactions and typical verb forms.
  1. We use the present subjunctive to express sensations and feelings.
  2. The most common expressions are: "me gusta/encanta que, me alegra que, me molesta/fastidia que, odio que".
ExpresiónEjemplo
Me encanta queMe encanta que la carta escrita a mano incluya un sello original. (I love that the handwritten letter includes an original stamp.)
Me alegra queMe alegra que escribas un saludo breve y formal en el email. (I am glad that you write a brief and formal greeting in the email.)
Me molesta queMe molesta que el destinatario no lea el asunto del email antes de responder. (It annoys me that the recipient does not read the subject of the email before replying.)
Odio queOdio que él redacte mal la carta. (I hate that he writes the letter badly.)

Exceptions!

  1. If the expression of feeling has the same subject in both parts of the sentence, the infinitive is used instead of the subjunctive. Example: "Me gusta escribir cartas a mano."
  2. If the action is habitual, we use the indicative instead of the subjunctive. Example: "Me gusta que siempre envías el email con un asunto claro."

Exercise 1: Presente de subjuntivo: sensaciones y sentimientos

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

redactes, escribas, esté, incluya, responda, escriba, incluyas, exprese

1. Escribir (tú):
Me gusta que ... la carta con un saludo breve y formal.
(I like that you write the letter with a brief and formal greeting.)
2. Responder (él/ella/usted):
Me encanta que el destinatario ... rápidamente al email.
(I love that the recipient responds quickly to the email.)
3. Estar (él/ella/usted):
Me molesta que el asunto del email no ... claro.
(It annoys me that the subject of the email is not clear.)
4. Redactar (tú):
Me fastidia que no ... bien.
(It annoys me that you don't write properly.)
5. Incluir (tú):
Me alegra que ... un sello tan original.
(I'm glad you include such an original stamp.)
6. Escribir (él/ella/usted):
Me encanta que ... las cartas a mano.
(I love that he writes the letters by hand.)
7. Expresar (él/ella/usted):
Odio que el jefe no ... el asunto de forma clara.
(I hate that the boss doesn't express the matter clearly.)
8. Incluir (él/ella/usted):
Me molesta que el email no ... una despedida formal.
(It bothers me that the email does not include a formal farewell.)

Present Subjunctive: Expressing Feelings and Sensations

This lesson covers the use of the present subjunctive in Spanish to express feelings and sensations. At a B1 level, students learn how to use specific expressions that introduce subjective reactions to actions or situations, such as joy, annoyance, or dislike.

Key Expressions with Examples

  • Me encanta queMe encanta que la carta escrita a mano incluya un sello original.
  • Me alegra queMe alegra que escribas un saludo breve y formal en el email.
  • Me molesta queMe molesta que el destinatario no lea el asunto del email antes de responder.
  • Odio queOdio que él redacte mal la carta.

When to Use the Present Subjunctive

The present subjunctive is used after these expressions to reflect feelings or emotional reactions about someone else's actions or events out of the speaker’s control. It emphasizes subjectivity and uncertainty.

Important Usage Notes

  • If the subject of both parts of the sentence is the same, use the infinitive instead of the subjunctive. For example: Me gusta escribir cartas a mano.
  • For habitual actions that truly occur regularly, use the indicative instead of the subjunctive to express factual or routine behavior. For example: Me gusta que siempre envías el email con un asunto claro.

Comparing English and Spanish Expressions of Feeling

Unlike English, where expressions of feelings often use that + indicative or infinitives, Spanish commonly uses the subjunctive mood to express emotional reactions involving someone else's actions. For example, English speakers say "I love that you send handwritten letters," using the indicative, while Spanish uses the subjunctive: "Me encanta que la carta... incluya."

Useful phrases include:

  • Me encanta que... – I love that...
  • Me alegra que... – It makes me happy that...
  • Me molesta que... – It bothers me that...
  • Odio que... – I hate that...

Mastering these expressions helps learners communicate nuanced emotions effectively in Spanish.

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