In previous posts, we learned that the subjunctive is used when expressing desire, doubt, or uncertainty or after certain conjunctions like cuando meaning when. But, we can also use the subjunctive when the subordinate clause describes a noun in the main clause: Busco una película que sea divertida meaning I’m looking for a movie that is fun. The choice between using the indicative or subjunctive will depend on the noun being described; if the speaker refers to a person or thing that is unknown or non-existent, we need to use the subjunctive. Don’t worry if this sounds complicated right now, let’s dive in!
Subordinate clauses that describe nouns in the main clause
Sometimes, the subordinate clause can behave like an adjective to add information, describe, or modify the noun (place, person, or object) in the main clause. This noun is called the antecedent. Take a look at the following example:
In the example above, the main clause, quiero un trabajo meaning I want a job, is being modified by the subordinate clause. The noun trabajo in the main clause is our antecedent. In this case, the adjective clause me haga feliz meaning makes me happy is describing the type of job I want — meaning the one that will make me happy, as opposed to one that will give me money or anything else. When we have a subordinate clause acting as an adjective, the verb in the subordinate clause can be in the subjunctive or in the indicative. Bearing this in mind, let’s see when we can use one or the other.
Using the subjunctive in adjective clauses
When we have an adjective clause describing an antecedent (the noun in the main clause) that is unknown or uncertain for the speaker, we use the subjunctive in the subordinate clause. Let’s see some examples:
In these examples, we are looking for the stated qualities in the book or teacher. In the first example, I need a book that explains the subjunctive but I don’t have a specific book in mind. The same applies to the second example: I am looking for a teacher that knows German and I don’t know anyone.
Also, we can use the subjunctive when we talk about a non-existent antecedent in a negative sentence:
Here, we are talking about a non-existent antecedent, because a person that speaks German is not known to the speaker.
Using the indicative in adjective clauses
When the antecedent is known by the speaker, we use the indicative. Take a look at the following examples:
In the examples above, the antecedents (the dog and the teacher) are known by the speaker, the speaker knows about their existence, so we use the indicative.
Indicative or subjunctive?
Now that we know the difference between the subjunctive and the indicative, let’s contrast some examples to see the difference in meaning:
| Indicative | Subjunctive |
|---|---|
Necesito el libro que está en español. Translation: I need the book in Spanish. | Necesito un libro que esté en español. Translation: I need a book in Spanish. |
Take a look at the examples. They look almost identical, with the exception that one uses the indicative and the other the subjunctive. Because of this, they mean different things. Imagine you go to the library and the librarian asks you which book you want. If your answer is the example on the left, you know the book. Maybe you can’t recall the title, but you know the book you are talking about and you know it’s in Spanish. Also notice that we use the definite article el, because the antecedent is specific, this also gives us a clue to use the indicative. However, if your answer is the example with the subjunctive (on the right), then you don’t have a specific book in mind, you just want a book and the only condition is that it must be written in Spanish.
| Indicative | Subjunctive |
|---|---|
Busco al profesor que sabe alemán. Translation: I am looking for the teacher that knows German. | Busco un profesor que sepa alemán. Translation: I am looking for a teacher that knows German. |
The same distinction applies to the examples above. When we use the indicative (on the left), we know the teacher we are talking about and in addition, we know that this person knows German. In the other example, we don’t have a specific person in mind, we just want any teacher that knows German.
Below you will find some words and expressions that are usually associated with the use of the subjunctive or the indicative. This trick helps my students! But of course, you need to take the context into account.
| Indicative | Subjunctive |
|---|---|
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To sum up
In this post, we went over the use of the subjunctive when the subordinate clause acts as an adjective. We learned that we use the subjunctive when we describe a noun in the main clause that is unknown, uncertain, or non-existent to the speaker. On the other hand, the indicative is used when the noun in the main clause is certain and known by the speaker.
We created some exercises to practice the use of the Spanish subjunctive in the constructions! Enjoy!
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