Spanish Grammar Review

Bruises, Cuts, Ruptures, Breaks, Tears, and Sprains

Doc Molly — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 13:07:01 +0000

Doc Molly is back with Rory Foster for an interactive lesson on discussing injuries in Spanish. This lesson builds on one of Rory's lessons at Common Ground International. We practice talking about bruises, cuts, ruptures, breaks, tears, and sprains — first presenting a verb, a noun, and an adjective that share the same root, then using that vocabulary in phrases.

Member?: Access full show notes, download the PDF, and take the quiz within the Spanish for Emergencies Course.

Not a member yet? ¡Hazte miembro!

LEVEL – INTERMEDIATE

00:00 - Intro
03:54 - Bruises
06:21 - Burns
08:45 - Cuts
10:25 - Tears
13:22 - Breaks
14:55 - Sprains
16:20 - Closing

A big shout-out to La Comunidad's teachers, Nelly from Colombia, Gloria from Mexico, and Daniela from Mexico, for reviewing the phrases in this lesson.

Gracias por escuchar.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:03:54) - Bruises
(00:06:21) - Burns
(00:08:45) - Cuts
(00:10:25) - Tears
(00:13:22) - Breaks
(00:14:55) - Sprains
(00:16:20) - Closing

Interview with Rory Foster – Medical Spanish Immersion Trips!

Doc Molly — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 15:38:24 +0000

In today's episode, I interview Rory Foster of Common Ground International about their Medical Spanish Courses and Medical Spanish Immersion Trips to Latin America.

Common Ground International is an excellent resource for learning medical Spanish. They offer courses from beginner to advanced and Medical Spanish Immersion Trips to Ecuador and Costa Rica. Their Spanish Immersion Programs are for all levels and include:

Spanish immersion classes
Volunteer programs in the community
Homestays with local families
Weekend excursions

They just returned from their winter program in Costa Rica in February. On June 16, they travel to Ecuador to begin a 2-week program. On July 1st, they head to Costa Rica, where they offer a 6-week program. You can adjust the duration of your trip to your schedule. Learn more in the interview.

Gracias por escucharnos y volveremos pronto con una lección interactiva que hemos creado juntos.

The post Interview with Rory Foster – Medical Spanish Immersion Trips! appeared first on Doc Molly.

Pronominal vs Non–Pronominal Verbs

Doc Molly — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 22:41:27 +0000

In this episode, we explore verbs with the body and learn when to use the pronominal (reflexive) vs. the non-pronominal form of the verb. While working on the orthopedic injuries series, Doc Molly noticed that "I injured my knee" uses the pronominal form ("Me lesioné la rodilla"), while "I bent my knee" doesn't ("Doblé la rodilla"). We dig into why, with lots of examples to make a tricky topic clear.

Member? Access full show notes, download the PDF, and take the quiz within the Spanish for Emergencies Course.

00:00 - Intro
01:34 - Unintentional actions
03:09 - Reflexive actions with a part of the body
05:19 - Deliberate actions with part of the body
07:29 - Mover(se)
09:21 - Hacerse y ponerse
10:52 - Ponerse

Le doy las gracias a Gloria Becerril por ayudarme con el español de esta lección.

Gracias por estudiar español médico con nosotros.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:34) - Unintentional actions
(00:03:09) - Reflexive actions with a part of the body
(00:05:19) - Deliberate actions with part of the body
(00:07:29) - Mover(se)
(00:09:21) - Hacerse y ponerse
(00:10:52) - Ponerse

If-Then Statements in Spanish

Doc Molly — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 21:59:13 +0000

Today's episode is an excerpt from Doc Molly's Medical Spanish Podcast on the Covid vaccines, where we practice making a hypothetical if-then statement using the imperfect subjunctive and the conditional. We also add a few examples to practice if-then statements that aren't hypothetical, but reflect a real possibility.

00:00 - Intro
01:24 - Vocabulary
01:54 - Hypothetical if-then statement
03:29 - Hypothetical vs. possible, and aunque
04:05 - Practice
05:29 - Review

Special thanks to Elizabeth Cortéz, Doc Molly's Spanish teacher at the San Pedro Spanish School in Guatemala, who provided most of the Spanish for this lesson.

Gracias por estudiar español médico con nosotros.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:24) - Vocabulary
(00:01:54) - Hypothetical if-then statement
(00:03:29) - Hypothetical vs. possible, and aunque
(00:04:05) - Practice
(00:05:29) - Review

DAR to Express Symptoms

Doc Molly — Sun, 27 Sep 2020 20:47:08 +0000

In this episode, we practice using DAR as a reverse-construction verb to express getting a symptom in Spanish — like saying you got dizzy or got chills — where the English subject becomes the object of the verb in Spanish.

Member? Access this lesson, including a Quizlet set and PDF, in our courses.

LEVEL – INTERMEDIATE

00:00 - Intro
00:44 - Explaining the grammar
03:23 - Interactive examples
04:43 - Want to practice more?

Special thanks to Elizabeth Cortez, Doc Molly's Spanish teacher from Español Sin Límite in Guatemala.

Gracias por estudiar español médico con nosotros.

Read the full lesson and get more Medical Spanish practice: DAR to Express Symptoms

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:00:44) - Explaining the grammar
(00:03:23) - Interactive examples
(00:04:43) - Want to practice more?

Adjectives Before Nouns in Spanish

Doc Molly — Fri, 04 Oct 2019 22:30:08 +0000

Doc Molly is back podcasting about Spanish grammar! In this episode, we learn why adjectives sometimes go before the noun in Spanish, covering inherent characteristics, subjective opinions, the exclamation "qué," and expressions of quantity, all through interactive examples.

00:00 - Intro
02:25 - Why does the adjective sometimes go before the noun?
03:03 - Inherent characteristic
05:20 - Subjective, opinion
07:20 - Following the exclamation qué
08:36 - Quantity

Gracias por escuchar y hasta la próxima.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:02:25) - Why does the adjective sometimes go before the noun?
(00:03:03) - Inherent characteristic
(00:05:20) - Subjective, opinion
(00:07:20) - Following the exclamation qué
(00:08:36) - Quantity

Spanish Verbs with Prepositions

Doc Molly — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 19:53:07 +0000

Welcome to another lesson covering Spanish verbs. In this Spanish grammar audio lesson, we practice common Spanish verbs with prepositions, followed by the infinitive of another verb.

Member? In the premium lesson, Spanish Verbs with Prepositions, we practice all the verbs covered here. The full transcript is included in the show notes, along with a Quizlet set to reinforce what you learn.

00:00 - Intro
01:24 - Verbo + A
03:40 - Verbo + CON
04:59 - Verbo + DE
06:35 - Verbo + EN

¡Gracias por escuchar!

For the full lesson notes and vocabulary breakdown, visit Spanish Verbs with Prepositions on docmolly.com.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:24) - Verbo + A
(00:03:40) - Verbo + CON
(00:04:59) - Verbo + DE
(00:06:35) - Verbo + EN

How People Are Named in Guatemala (from Medical Spanish Podcast)

Doc Molly — Sat, 01 Jun 2019 18:22:00 +0000

This episode is a rerun from the Medical Spanish Podcast. If you have already heard it there, I do have more to come for the Spanish Grammar Podcast — I will be back within the week to cover common verbs followed by prepositions.

Ever wonder why people from Spanish-speaking countries have long names? Today's episode is an off-the-cuff interview with my teacher at the San Pedro Spanish School, Jesús Elizabeth Cortez Cox. She tells us how people are named in Guatemala.

00:00 - Intro
01:45 - Introduction to the interview
02:18 - Your full name
02:27 - Where does each name come from?
03:15 - The second name
05:16 - The two last names
06:56 - Machismo behind the names
08:03 - Origin of each name
08:30 - Conclusion
08:58 - More lessons from Guatemala

Gracias a Jesús Elizabeth Cortez Cox, de la San Pedro Spanish School, por compartir esta entrevista con nosotros.

¡Gracias por escuchar y hasta la próxima!

For the full lesson notes, visit Names from the Spanish-Speaking World on docmolly.com.

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:01:45) - Introduction to the interview
(00:02:18) - Your full name
(00:02:27) - Where does each name come from?
(00:03:15) - The second name
(00:05:16) - The two last names
(00:06:56) - Machismo behind the names
(00:08:03) - Origin of each name
(00:08:30) - Conclusion
(00:08:58) - More lessons from Guatemala

The Spanish Verbs Traer and Llevar

Doc Molly — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 15:48:11 +0000

In this episode, we practice using the Spanish verbs TRAER and LLEVAR. TRAER means "to bring," and LLEVAR means "to bring" or "to take" — but unlike their English counterparts, these verbs imply a specific direction of movement, which can trip up non-native speakers. After a lesson packed with examples, you'll know exactly when to use each one. We'll also cover the reflexive verb LLEVARSE and practice conjugating the irregular verb TRAER in the present and preterite tenses.

Member? Access our Spanish Grammar module covering Verbs.

00:00 - Intro
00:55 - Sample dialogue
02:27 - Direction implied with llevar and traer
03:48 - Situation 1: Bring your books to class
04:28 - Situation 2: I brought the dog to the vet
05:10 - Situation 3: bring me the report
06:40 - The reflexive verb llevarse
08:16 - Conjugate the irregular verb traer
10:02 - Want to learn more?

Gracias por escuchar y hasta la próxima.

Read full lesson notes on docmolly.com: The Spanish Verbs Traer and Llevar

Chapters

(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:00:55) - Sample dialogue
(00:02:27) - Direction implied with llevar and traer
(00:03:48) - Situation 1: Bring your books to class
(00:04:28) - Situation 2: I brought the dog to the vet
(00:05:10) - Situation 3: bring me the report
(00:06:40) - The reflexive verb llevarse
(00:08:16) - Conjugate the irregular verb traer
(00:10:02) - Want to learn more?

Practice Using the Subjunctive in Spanish

Doc Molly — Tue, 28 Aug 2018 15:52:29 +0000

The best way to learn the subjunctive is to practice using the subjunctive out loud. I’ve received a lot of positive feedback about my series of 20 interactive audio lessons covering the subjunctive, so I decided I would feature a premium lesson from the subjunctive series in my blog. This will give you a taste of the premium lessons in my Spanish Grammar Subscription. Today I will feature a premium lesson: “Subj05 – Influence, Emotion, & Judgment.”

Influence, Emotion, and Judgment Triggers the Subjunctive

This lesson covers the use of the subjunctive following a main clause that expresses one of the following attitudes:

influence
emotion
judgment

Subordinate Noun Clause

0:26

In this premium lesson, you will hear me refer to the subordinate noun clause. You don’t need to understand the term subordinate noun clause to understand this lesson, but if you’re curious, check out this quiz on the subjunctive in subordinate noun clauses.

When the main clause exerts influence over the subordinate clause, the subjunctive is triggered. Compare the use of the indicative vs the subjunctive in the following examples:

Es cierto que voy mañana. (It’s true that I go tomorrow.)
- I am simply reporting reality, and thus the indicative is used.
Es urgente que vaya mañana. (It’s urgent that I go tomorrow.)
- Here, I am trying to influence the outcome of the action in the subordinate noun clause, and thus the subjunctive is used.

What is an Impersonal Expression?

1:33

“Es urgente” is an example of an impersonal expression. It is called an impersonal expression because no personal subject is expressed.

Verbs and impersonal expressions exert influence over the outcome of the action/event that follows when they express desire, need, hope, urgency, advice, or a request/command.

Additionally, when the main clause expresses an emotional reaction or value judgment, the subjunctive is triggered.

Don’t worry if you are a little overwhelmed. The best learning comes from doing. After we go through the examples below, you’ll have it down.

Now, SPEAK SOME SPANISH!

Impersonal Expressions of Influence

2:18

Es urgente que termines rápido.
(It’s urgent that you finish quickly.)

OJO: If NO SUBJECT IS SPECIFIED, the impersonal expression is followed by the INFINITIVE.

Es urgente terminar rápido.
(It’s urgent to finish quickly.)

Es importante que sigamos las reglas.
(It’s important that we follow the rules.)

Es importante seguir las reglas.
(It’s important to follow the rules.)

Era obligatorio asistir a clase.
(It was mandatory to attend class.)

Era obligatorio que nosotros asistiéramos / asistiésemos a clase.
(It was mandatory that we attended class.)

Fue preciso hablar con ellos.
(It was necessary to speak to them.)

Fue preciso que Monica hablara / hablase con ellos.
(It was necessary that Monica spoke with them.)

No hace falta que lo digan.
(They do not need to say it.)

No hace falta decirlo.
(There’s no need to say it.)

Urge que pongamos manos a la obra.
(It’s urgent that we get to work.)

Urge poner manos a la obra.
(It’s urgent to get to work.)

Expressing Emotion or Judgment

6:06

When the main clause expresses an emotional reaction or value judgment, with regard to the verb in the subordinate noun clause, the subjunctive is used. When there is no change in the subject, an infinitive follows.

Me alegro de estar aquí.
(I’m glad to be here.)

Me alegro de que hayas venido.
(I’m glad you have come.)

OJO: This could also be translated as, “I’m glad you came.” We use the present perfect subjunctive to describe past events that are relevant to the present moment.

Siento que tengas que irte.
(I’m sorry you have to go.)

Siento tener que irme.
(I’m sorry I have to go.

Siento que no me escuchas.
(I feel like you aren’t listening to me.)

OJO: When we use SENTIR to express our perceived reality, we follow it with the indicative.

Lamento no haber respondido antes.
(I’m sorry for not responding sooner.)

Lamento que no hayamos respondido antes.
(I’m sorry we have not responded sooner.)

OJO: Just like above, this could also be translated as, “I’m sorry we did not respond sooner. We use the PRESENT PERFECT SUBJUNCTIVE to describe past events relevant to the present moment.

Le sorprendió que ya hubiera / hubiese pasado un año.
(It surprised her that a year had already gone by.)

Nos enfadó que no hubiera / hubiese cumplido el contracto.
(It angered us that he had not fulfilled the contract.)

Nos gustó que bailaras / bailases en la boda.
(We liked that you sang at the wedding.)

Me gustó bailar en la boda.
(I liked dancing at the wedding.)

No aguanto mentir.
(I can’t stand lying.)

No aguanto que nos mienta.
(I can’t stand that he lies to us.)

Tienen miedo de hacerlo.
(They’re afraid to do it.)

Tienen miedo de que lo hagas.
(They’re afraid that you will do it.)

Tememos que se entere de la verdad.
(We fear that he will find out the truth.)

OJO: Temerse, to acknowledge a regrettable fact, is followed by the indicative.

Me temo que no podemos ir.
(I’m afraid we can’t go.)

Impersonal Expressions of Emotion or Judgement

12:10

Es una lástima desecharlo.
(It’s a shame to throw it out.)

Es una lástima que lo deseches.
(It’s a shame that you are throwing it out.)

Fue bueno dormir un rato.
(It was good to get some sleep.)

Fue bueno que durmieras / durmiesen en casa.)
(It was good that you got some sleep.)

No está bien estar aquí solo.
(It’s not okay to be here alone.)

No está bien que hayas estado aquí sola.
(It’s not okay that you have been here alone.)

Es malo no obedecerla.
(It’s bad not to obey her.)

Es malo que no la obedezcan.
(It’s bad they don’t obey her.)

Estuvo mal reaccionar así.
(It was bad to react that way.)

Estuvo mal que reaccionara / reaccionase así.
(It was bad that she reacted like that.)

OJO: We use the adjectives MALO y BUENO after SER and the adverbs MAL and BIEN after the verb ESTAR.

Más vale llegar a tiempo.
(It’s better to arrive on time.)

Más vale que llegues a tiempo.
(You better arrive on time.)

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The post Practice Using the Subjunctive in Spanish appeared first on Doc Molly.

Giving Directions in Spanish Within a Hospital

Doc Molly — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 20:39:15 +0000

This free Spanish audio lesson introduces the "Giving Directions in Spanish" module at docmolly.com. As requested by Bien, a listener, we will practice giving directions in Spanish within a hospital.

First, we will review the vocabulary. Then, we will use this vocabulary to give directions in Spanish. Normally we are speaking with strangers when we ask for and give directions. Therefore, we will use the Usted conjugation for all the verbs.

Vocabulary

Perdone
Excuse me.

La cafeteria
Cafeteria

El sótano
Basement

Baje al sótano.
Go down to the basement.

El pasillo, el corredor
Hall(way)

Siga el pasillo.
Follow the hall.

A la derecha / izquierda
To the right / left

El ascensor
Elevator

Al salir del ascensor
As you leave the elevator

Doble/gire a la derecha/izquierda
Turn right/left

A mano derecha/izquierda
On the right-hand/left-hand side

Asking for and Giving Directions

Perdone, ¿Dónde está la cafetería?
Excuse me. Where is the cafeteria?

Está en el sótano.
It’s in the basement.

¿Cómo se va / se llega allí?
How do you get there?

Siga (por) este pasillo y usted verá el ascensor a la derecha.
Follow this hallway and you’ll see the elevator to your right.

Baje al sótano.
Go down basement.

Al salir del ascensor, doble/gire a la izquierda.
As you exit the elevator, turn left.

Verá la cafeteria a mano derecha.
You will see the cafeteria on the right-hand side.

Want to learn more?

Become a premium member and access all the Spanish Grammar and Medical Spanish lessons at docmolly.com.

Member? Access the Directions in Spanish module.

The post Giving Directions in Spanish Within a Hospital appeared first on Doc Molly.

Spanish Prepositions – Por vs Para

Doc Molly — Wed, 26 Jul 2017 02:33:52 +0000

Do you know when to use POR vs PARA?

Spanish Grammar Audio Quiz

Today’s podcast is a quiz on the Spanish prepositions POR y PARA. It kicks off a series of audio lessons that will cover these two prepositions at docmolly.com.

Audio Quiz

1. Me voy ______ Madrid en Julio. (para) I’m leaving for Madrid in July.2. Este libro es ______ mi hijo. Hoy es su cumpleaños. (para) This book is for my son. It’s his birthday today.3. Quiero viajar ______ avión, en lugar de barco. (por) I want to travel by plane, rather than boat.4. Tengo mucho cariño ______ mis hijos. (por) I am very fond of my children.5. Estudio mucho ______ sacar buenas notas. (para) I study a lot to get good grades.6. No lo hice _______ falta de respeto. (por) I didn’t do it out of lack of respect.7. Gracias _______ el regalo. (por) Thank you for the gift.8. Ella faltó a clase _____ tener demasiado trabajo. (por) She skipped class because she had too much work.9. Cuando vaya a mi trabajo, voy a pasar ______ la casa de María. (por) When I go to work, I am going to stop by María’s house.10. Voy a trabajar ______ Mario, porque hoy está enfermo. (por) I am going to work for Mario, because he is sick today.11. Este podcast es ______ practicar español. (para) This podcast is for practicing Spanish.12. El maestro nos dijo que tenemos que terminar nuestros proyectos _______ el viernes. (para) The teacher told us that we have to complete our projects by Friday.13. Él habla español muy bien ______ ser de los estados unidos. (para) He speaks Spanish very well for being from the United States.14. Él me llama dos o tres veces ____ día. (por) He calls me 2 or 3 times per/a day.

Want to learn more?

Subscribe to the premium audio lessons at docmolly.com. This quiz introduces a series of audio lessons covering the Spanish prepositions, POR y PARA. The first premium audio lesson will cover PARA. Then we’ll cover POR. Finally we’ll wrap things up with an audio lesson comparing the two prepositions. Therefore, depending on when you listen to this quiz, it will either serve as a preview or a review for the POR vs PARA series at docmolly.com.

Listen to more free audio lessons covering advanced Spanish grammar.

Member? Access the premium series: Prepositions

Grammar from Folk Medicine Interview

Doc Molly — Sat, 08 Jul 2017 00:07:14 +0000

This podcast reviews some of the grammar points covered during an interview I did for the Medical Spanish Podcast. I interviewed folk healer Francisco Chavajay while studying at the San Pedro Spanish School in Guatemala. The clinical dialogues and interviews presented in the Medical Spanish Podcast provide an effective method of learning key grammatical concepts used in everyday Spanish conversation. In this free grammar podcast, we go over a sampling of the grammar points covered in my interview with don Francisco.

Don Francisco and I

Grammar Points from the Interview

“Fíjese que para ser curandero uno no aprende, no le enseñan.”

Fijarse

Fíjate que son muy caros.
Look, they are very expensive.

Fíjese que para ser curandero uno no aprende.
You see, to be a curandero one doesn’t learn.

The Third Person Plural to Express a Passive Action in Spanish

“No le enseñan.”
One is not taught.

Me ingresaron en el hospital.
I was admitted to the hospital.

Le enseñaron a respetar a los mayores.
She was taught to respect her elders.

Sino Que

“No le enseñan, sino que lo trae desde el vientre de la madre.”
One isn’t taught, rather one gets it from the womb of the mother.

No me riñeron, sino que me animaron.
They did not scold me, instead, they encouraged me.

Want to learn more?

Subscribe to the premium Spanish Grammar podcast at docmolly.com.

Listen to the Part 1 of the interview with a folk healer, Francisco Chavajay.

Member? Access the…

I highly recommend San Pedro Spanish School in Guatemala. My niece and I had an amazing experience living with a host family and studying at the school. Listen to this podcast to hear more about our experience.

The post Spanish Grammar from Folk Medicine Interview appeared first on Doc Molly.

Spanish Practice: Quedar vs. Quedarse Quiz

Doc Molly — Mon, 10 Apr 2017 18:53:57 +0000

Practice the confusing difference between quedar and quedarse with this interactive quiz. Whether you are using it to say “to stay,” “to meet up,” or “to run out of,” mastering these two forms is essential for natural Spanish.

Below are several common examples to test your knowledge. For a deep dive into the grammar, check out our essential guide to Quedarse here.

Audio Quiz

Skip the introduction 04:05

Staying and meeting up

Me quedé en casa de un amigo.

(I stayed at a friend’s house.)

Se quedó pensativa un largo rato.

(She stayed lost in thought for a long time.)

Quedamos a las siete en la plaza.

(We’re meeting at seven at the plaza.)

La escuela queda a tres millas de aquí.

(The school is 3 miles from here.)

Agreements & Impressions

(Ellos) Quedaron en ir hoy.

(They decided/agreed to go today.)

Él siempre queda bien con las chicas.

(He always makes a good impression with the girls.)

Esa corbata queda bien con tus ojos.

(That tie goes well with your eyes.)

Remaining & Running Out

Nos quedan tres invitaciones por escribir.

(We have three invitations left to write.)

Quedan cinco días para Navidad.

(There are five days left until Christmas.)

Aún queda comida.

(There’s still food left.)

¿Te quedaste sin dinero?

(Did you run out of money?)

No nos queda más remedio que operar.

(We have no choice.)

¡Siempre se me quedan los guantes en casa!

(I always leave my gloves at home.)

Ready to dive deeper? If you want to master the grammar behind these examples, check out our comprehensive guide: Mastering the Spanish Verb Quedarse.

Unlock the Audio Lessons: Members get access to two full interactive audio lessons covering every nuance of Quedar and Quedarse. Become a member here to start practicing with our audio flashcards today!

Subjunctive in Conditional Statements and More | Quiz #5

Doc Molly — Sun, 26 Feb 2017 20:41:57 +0000

Are you ready to take on some advanced Spanish grammar? This audio quiz reviews the material covered in the following premium audio lessons.

Subjunctive 15 – Conditional (If… then… ) Statements About the Present
Subjunctive 16 – Conditional Statements About the Past
Subjunctive 17 – The Subjunctive Following “Como Si”
Subjunctive 18 – The Subjunctive Following “Ojalá”
Subjunctive 19 – “No Matter How Much” in Spanish
Subjunctive 20 – La Forma Reduplicativa

The post Quiz #5 – The Subjunctive in Conditional Statements and More appeared first on Doc Molly.

Subjunctive in Adverbial Phrases Quiz and Review | Quiz #4

Doc Molly — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 17:10:56 +0000

Mastering the subjunctive in adverbial phrases (and adverbial clauses) is one of the biggest milestones in achieving Spanish fluency. Adverbial clauses modify the main verb by telling us how, why, when, or under what conditions an action happens.

In this quick review and quiz, we break down the essential rules of when to use the subjunctive mood versus the indicative mood in adverbial expressions.

Conjunctions That ALWAYS Require the Subjunctive

Some adverbial phrases introduce a condition, purpose, or hypothetical situation that hasn’t happened yet. These conjunctions always require the subjunctive mood when followed by a new subject and a conjugated verb.

En caso de que (In case)

Example: Llevaré mi paraguas en caso de que llueva.
(I will bring my umbrella in case it rains.)

Con tal (de) que (As long as / Provided that)

Example: Te ayudaré con tal de que me acompañes al teatro esta noche.
(I will help you as long as you come with me to the theater tonight.)

Para que / A fin de que (So that / In order that)

Example: Voy a enseñárselo a Miguel para que me crea.
(I am going to show it to Miguel so that he believes me.)

Example: Ellos crearon este grupo a fin de que tuviéramos un lugar seguro para hablar.
(They created this group so that we would have a safe place to talk.)

Sin que (Without)

Example: No puedo hacerlo sin que me tiemblen las manos.
(I cannot do it without my hands trembling.)

The Infinitive Exception (No Subject Change)

Grammar Tip: When the subject of the sentence does not change, drop the “que” and use the infinitive instead of the subjunctive.

Correct: Estoy a dieta para bajar de peso. (I am on a diet to lose weight.)

Correct: Todos tendremos que hacer sacrificios a fin de llegar a un acuerdo. (We will all have to make sacrifices in order to reach an agreement.)

The “A Menos Que” Exception

Unlike the others, a menos que (unless) almost always requires the subjunctive mood, even if the subject remains the same.

Example: No puedes participar a menos que sigas las reglas. (You cannot participate unless you follow the rules.)

Adverbial Clauses of Time (Subjunctive vs. Indicative)

Temporal conjunctions (like cuando, en cuanto, and siempre que) are flexible. You must choose between the subjunctive or indicative based on the timeline of the action:

Use the subjunctive for future, pending, or uncertain actions.
Use the indicative for habitual actions, facts, or past events.

Examples in Action:

Antes de que (Always requires subjunctive):
Preparé la comida antes de que llegaran.
(I prepared the meal before they arrived.)

Cuando (Future/Pending → Subjunctive):
Llámame cuando estés lista.
(Call me when you’re ready.)

Cuando (Habitual → Indicative):
El niño siempre llora cuando el perro ladra.
(The baby always cries when the dog barks.)

En cuanto (Future command → Subjunctive):
Ustedes levántense en cuanto suene la alarma.
(Get up as soon as the alarm clock goes off.)

Siempre que (Habitual → Indicative):
La visito siempre que tengo la oportunidad.
(I visit her whenever I have the chance.)

Siempre que (Future condition → Subjunctive):
Ponte bloqueador siempre que salgas al sol.
(Put on sunscreen every time you go out in the sun.)

Adverbial Clauses of Manner and Place (How & Where)

Just like time clauses, phrases introducing how (conjunctions like aunque) or where (donde) change meaning depending on reality versus hypothetical situations.

Aunque + Indicative (Even though it’s a known fact):
Aunque tiene el dinero, no va a comprar la casa.
(Although she has the money, she’s not going to buy the house.)

Aunque + Subjunctive (Even if it’s hypothetical/contrary to fact):
Aunque tuviera el dinero, no podría comprar la casa.
(Even if she had the money, she couldn’t buy the house.)

Donde + Indicative (A specific, known place):
Vamos donde tú quieres.
(Let’s go to the specific place where you want to go.)

Donde + Subjunctive (Anywhere / Unknown place):
Vamos donde tú quieras.
(Let’s go wherever you want to go.)

Ready to Test Your Knowledge?

Put your skills to the test with our comprehensive Spanish grammar quizzes!

Subjunctive in Adjective Clauses Explained Clearly | Quiz # 3

Doc Molly — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 16:16:19 +0000

This lesson is a quiz that reviews the use of the subjunctive in adjective clauses covered in the last two lessons.

A subordinate adjective clause describes a noun or pronoun in the main clause of a sentence. When it describes something KNOWN AND SPECIFIC, we use the INDICATIVE. When the subordinate adjective clause describes something NOT YET IDENTIFIED, which may or may not exist, we use the SUBJUNCTIVE.

Identify the Adjective Clause

Conozco a un chico que vive en Santiago.
(I know a boy who lives in Santiago.)
– que vive en Santiago

No conozco a nadie que viva en Santiago.
(I don’t know anyone who lives in Santiago.)
– que viva en Santiago

¿Subjuntivo o Indicativo?

¿Sabes de alguien que DÉ clases de español por Skype? SUBJUNTIVO
(Do you know of anyone who gives Spanish lessons by Skype?)

Sí. Conozco a alguien que DA clases de español por Skype. INDICATIVO
(Yes. I know someone who gives Spanish lessons by Skype.)

Necesitamos a alguien que TENGA mucha paciente. SUBJUNTIVO
(We need someone who has a lot of patience.)

No hay nada en la carta que me APETEZCA. SUBJUNTIVO
(There’s nothing on the menu that looks good to me.)

Vivo en un lugar que HACE mucho frío. INDICATIVO
(I live in a place that is very cold.)

Deseaba estudiantes que HICIERAN/HICIESEN su tarea. SUBJUNTIVO
(I wanted students that did their homework.)

Nunca nos ofrecen nada que nos GUSTE. SUBJUNTIVO
They never offer us anything that we like.

¿Recuerdas esa casa que te ENSEÑÉ? INDICATIVO
(Do you remember that house that I showed you?)

Buscamos una casa que ESTÉ cerca del centro. SUBJUNTIVO
(We are looking for a house that is close to downtown.)

Gracias por escuchar.

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Check out more free podcasts in the Subjunctive series here.
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Subjunctive in Noun Clauses Explained Clearly | Quiz #2

Doc Molly — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 23:27:00 +0000

Do you know when to use the subjunctive in noun clauses?

Do you know when to use the subjunctive in noun clauses? If you find yourself guessing between the subjunctive and the indicative mood, you’ve come to the right place.

Mastering this grammar rule is essential for achieving true fluency in Spanish. Below, we’ll break down exactly how to identify a noun clause and the three simple rules to determine when it requires the subjunctive mood.

What is a Noun Clause?

A subordinate noun clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a conjugated verb, typically introduced by the conjunction que (that). Just like a standard noun, a noun clause answers the question “What?” and can act as either the subject or the direct object of the main sentence.

Let’s look at three examples to identify the noun clause:

Deseo que me acompañes al baile.
(What do I want? → que me acompañes al baile)
Es cierto que te voy a acompañar.
(What is certain? → que te voy a acompañar)
Me sorprende que Francisco vaya a clase todos los días.
(What surprises me? → que Francisco vaya a clase todos los días)

When to Use the Subjunctive in Noun Clauses

We use the subjunctive in noun clauses when the main clause triggers a shift away from objective reality. If the main clause doesn’t fit one of these categories, we use the indicative mood to state facts.

There are 3 primary triggers for the subjunctive in a subordinate noun clause:

1. Influence or Will

When the main clause expresses a desire, hope, order, or need to influence someone else’s actions, the noun clause triggers the subjunctive.

Example: Necesito que asistas a clase. (I need you to attend class.)

2. Emotion or Value Judgments

When the main clause describes an emotional response, feeling, or a subjective opinion about the action in the noun clause, you must use the subjunctive.

Example: Me enfada que ellos fumen en casa. (It angers me that they smoke in the house.)

3. Denial, Doubt, or Uncertainty

When the main clause implies that the speaker doubts, denies, or is unsure about the reality of the statement, the subjunctive mood is required.

Example: No estoy segura que puedan ir. (I’m not sure they can go.)

Interactive Quiz: Test Your Subjunctive Skills

Put your knowledge to the test! Practice choosing the right verb forms based on the triggers we discussed above. Review the main clause trigger, the English meaning, and the correct Spanish structure below:

1. Es probable (Uncertainty)
English: It will likely rain this afternoon.
Spanish: Es probable que llueva esta tarde.

2. Necesito (Influence)
English: I need you to come with me.
Spanish: Necesito que me acompañes.

3. Deseo (Influence)
English: I want you to visit me in Italy.
Spanish: Deseo que me visites en Italia.

4. *Deseo (Same Subject)
English: I want to live in Italy.
Spanish: Deseo vivir en Italia. (Infinitive)

5. Es cierto (Certainty)
English: It’s true that I work here.
Spanish: Es cierto que trabajo aquí. (Indicative)

6. Es importante (Value Judgment)
English: It’s important that you keep still.
Spanish: Es importante que te quedes quieto/a.

7. No era posible (Uncertainty/Past)
English: It wasn’t possible for her to continue working.
Spanish: No era posible que siguiera / siguiese trabajando.

8. Me molestó (Emotion/Past)
English: It bothered me that they hadn’t studied for the test.
Spanish: Me molestó que no hubieran / hubiesen estudiado para el examen.

9. Te ruego (Influence)
English: I beg you to stop.
Spanish: Te ruego que pares.

10. Tengo miedo (Emotion)
English: I’m afraid that they can hear us.
Spanish: Tengo miedo que nos puedan oír.

11. Me temo (Fact/Belief)
English: I’m afraid there are no rooms available.
Spanish: Me temo que no hay habitaciones disponibles. (Indicative)

12. Más vale (Value Judgment)
English: You better tell the truth.
Spanish: Más vale que digas la verdad.

13. Dudaba (Doubt/Past)
English: I doubted that we could do it.
Spanish: Dudaba que pudiéramos hacerlo.

*Grammar Tip: Notice that verbs of emotion and doubt can sometimes trigger the subjunctive even if the subject remains the same (e.g., Dudaba que pudiera hacerlo OR Dudaba poder hacerlo), unlike expressions of influence which collapse into an infinitive verb when the subject doesn’t change.

Master the Subjunctive in Spanish

Take another audio quiz on the subjunctive!

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Conjugate the Spanish Subjunctive | Quiz #1

Doc Molly — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 20:58:32 +0000

Mastering how to conjugate the Spanish subjunctive can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down by tense and practicing with audio is one of the fastest ways to build your confidence.

In this interactive audio quiz, we review the fundamental conjugation patterns for the Spanish subjunctive across its four primary tenses.

What This Quiz Covers

This lesson corresponds to Module 1 of our comprehensive Subjunctive Course. Listen to the audio track below to test your ability to recognize and form the correct subjunctive tense for each clinical or everyday scenario:

Present Subjunctive
Present Perfect Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Pluperfect Subjunctive

Listen and Practice

Play the audio below. In each example, listen to the sentence structure, pause, and choose the correct tense of the subjunctive before the answer is revealed.

Quiz Review & Notes

Review the sentences from today’s audio lesson to practice how to conjugate the subjunctive in Spanish:

SACAR
It was important that we got good grades.
Era importante que __________ buenas notas.
Answer: (sacáramos / sacásemos)

DECIR
We insist that you tell him the truth.
Insistimos en que le __________ la verdad.
Answer: (digas)

RESOLVER
They don’t think we have solved the problem.
No creen que __________ el problema.
Answer: (hayamos resuelto)

IR
I was hoping he had gone to bed.
Esperaba que __________ a la cama.
Answer: (se hubiera / hubiese ido)

SER
I doubt it was us.
Dudo que __________ nosotros.
Answer: (fuéramos / fuésemos)

TERMINAR
I doubt he’ll have finished it by tomorrow.
Dudo que lo __________ para mañana.
Answer: (haya terminado)

CALLARSE
I told you to be quiet.
Te dije que __________.
Answer: (te callaras / te callases)

PAGAR
They are asking us to pay.
Nos piden que __________.
Answer: (paguemos)

LLEGAR
We would have gone out if they had arrived earlier.
Habríamos salido si ________ antes.
Answer: (hubieran / hubiesen llegado)

ELEGIR
We are glad that you have chosen us.
Nos alegramos de que ustedes nos __________ .
Answer: (hayan elegido)

DARSE PRISA
Tell them to hurry up.
Diles que __________ prisa.
Answer: (se den prisa)

Take Your Learning Further: Want to truly master how to conjugate the subjunctive in Spanish? Premium members get access to full show notes, complete transcriptions, interactive Quizlet sets, and downloadable study PDFs within our Subjunctive Course.

Try another audio quiz on the subjunctive!

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The Spanish Verb – ACABAR

Doc Molly — Wed, 07 Nov 2012 18:01:11 +0000

Learn the different uses of the Spanish verb ACABAR. In this audio lesson, we practice using ACABAR in different grammatical constructs to mean different things — from "to have just done something" to "to run out of" to "to end up doing something."

Already a member? Access the Spanish Verb module in our Spanish Grammar course!

Become a premium member and access all our interactive courses, each with audio exercises, downloadable PDF notes, and a test to reinforce what you've learned.

Gracias por escuchar. Thanks for listening.

For the full lesson notes, visit The Spanish Verb – ACABAR on docmolly.com.

Body Language in Spanish

Doc Molly — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 05:10:33 +0000

In this audio lesson, we practice phrases describing body language in Spanish — common gestures like shrugging your shoulders, rolling your eyes, and winking — first naming the gestures, then using them in example sentences.

Member? Listen to the premium series, Grammar Grab Bag, where we cover miscellaneous Spanish grammar tips and fun phrases I come across while reading and listening in Spanish.

Subscribe to the premium audio lessons at docmolly.com. The premium Spanish Grammar Subscription contains over 50 interactive audio lessons like this one, covering advanced Spanish grammar through interactive examples.

Gracias por escuchar.

For the full lesson notes, visit Body Language in Spanish on docmolly.com.

Time Expressions in Spanish

Doc Molly — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 02:09:43 +0000

Expressing the Duration of an Ongoing Event

In English, we use the present perfect tense, “I have been…,” followed by a gerund (e.g., studying).

In Spanish, we usually use the simple present tense. Three common variations express an action that started in the past and continues into the present.

Hace… que…

Hace + período de tiempo + que + verbo en el presente.Hace años que estudio español.

¿Cuánto (tiempo) hace que + verbo en el presente?¿Hace cuánto (tiempo) que + verbo en el presente? (otra opción)¿Cuánto (tiempo) hace que estudias español?

(How long have you been studying Spanish?)

Desde

Verbo en el presente + desde hace + período de tiempo.Estudio español desde hace años.

And making this into a question using “desde:”¿Desde cuándo + verbo en el presente?¿Desde cuándo estudias español?

Llevar

Levar + gerundio + período de tiempo.Llevo años estudiando español.

OJO: The period of time can go BEFORE OR AFTER the gerund. Also, as we will see in the examples below, the gerund can be replaced by an adjective, an adverb, or a prepositional phrase.

¿Cuánto tiempo + llevar + gerundio?¿Cuánto tiempo llevas estudiando español?

We can also use llevar, followed by a location or description, to describe a state that started in the past and continues into the present.

¿Cuánto tiempo llevas en este país?(How long have you been in this country?)

Ya llevo unos cuantos días.(I’ve now been here for a few days.)

Hace que

¿Cuánto (tiempo) hace que eres vegetariana?(How long have you been a vegetarian?)

Hace ocho años que soy vegetariana.(I have been a vegetarian for eight years.)

¿Cuánto (tiempo) hace que vives aquí?(How long has he been living here?)

Hace tres años que vivo aquí.(I’ve been living here for 3 years.)

¿Cuánto tiempo hace que tiene problemas con la bebida?(How long has she had a drinking problem?)

Hace años que tiene problemas con la bebida.(She’s had a drinking problem for years.)

Hace mucho tiempo que no nos vemos.(We haven’t seen each other for a long time.)

Hace años que no hablamos.(We haven’t spoken for years.)

¿Cuánto (tiempo) hace que te sientes así?(How long have you felt this way?)

Hace unos cuantos meses que me siento así.(I’ve been feeling this way for a few months.)

Desde

¿Desde cuándo trabajas para esa empresa?(How long have you been working for that company?)

Trabajo para esa empresa desde hace tres años.(I have been working for that company for three years?)

¿Desde cuándo esperan?(How long have they been waiting?)

Esperamos desde hace más de una hora.(We’ve been waiting for more than an hour.)

¿Desde cuándo vive en ese departamento?(How long has she lived in that apartment?)

Vive en ese departamento desde hace menos de un año.(She’s lived in that apartment for less than a year.)

¿Desde cuándo entrenas al equipo de fútbol?(How long have you been coaching the soccer team?)

Entreno al equipo de fútbol desde hace un año.(I’ve been couching the soccer team for a year.)

¿Desde cuándo tiene estos síntomas?(How long have you had these symptoms?)

Tengo estos síntomas desde hace una semana.(I’ve had these symptoms for a week.)

¿Desde cuándo tocas la guitarra?(How long have you played the guitar?)

Toco la guitarra desde que tenía 11 años.(I’ve played the guitar since I was 11 years old.)

Llevar

¿Cuánto tiempo llevas entrenándote para el maratón?(How long have they been training for the marathon?)

Llevo cinco meses entrenándome para el maratón.(I have been training for the marathon for five months.)

¿Cuánto tiempo lleva comportándose así?(How long has he been behaving like this?)

Lleva más de un mes comportándose así.(He’s been acting this way for over a month.)

¿Cuánto tiempo lleva en la cárcel?(How long has she been in prison?)

Lleva dos semanas en la cárcel.(She’s been in prison for two weeks.)

¿Cuánto tiempo llevamos aquí?(How long have we been here?)

Llevamos una semana aquí.(We’ve been here for a week.)

¿Cuánto tiempo llevas con esta llaga?(How long have you had this sore?)

Llevo por lo menos un mes con esta llaga.(I’ve had this sore for at least a month.)

¿Cuánto tiempo llevan casados?(How long have you been married?)

Llevamos cincuenta y dos años casados.(We have been married for 52 years.)

¿Cuánto meses llevas de embarazo?(How many months pregnant are you?)

Llevo seis meses de embarazo.(I am 6 months pregnant.)

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SER vs ESTAR – Intro to the Spanish Grammar Review Podcast

Doc Molly — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 18:19:29 +0000

Do you know when to use SER vs ESTAR?

Some of you may remember my original Spanish Grammar Review podcast, which I started in 2007. I took a break to focus on the Medical Spanish Podcast and resumed podcasting about Spanish grammar in June 2012. In this first podcast of the “new” Spanish Grammar Review, we take an audio quiz covering when to use SER and when to use ESTAR. I hope you enjoy it.

El concierto ____ en Minneapolis.(The concert is in Minneapolis.)

¡El pescado ___ rico!(The fish is delicious!)

Mi casa ____ a 10 kilómetros del centro.(My house is 10 kilometers from downtown.)

___ yo.(It’s me.)

El trabajo ____ hecho.(The work is done.)

Ya ___ tarde.(It’s already too late.)

¿Cómo ___ el dolor?(What is the pain like?)

Lo más importante ___ los niños.(The most important thing is the children.

El cielo ___ azul.(The sky is blue.)

¡El cielo ___ anaranjado!(The sky is orange!)

Want to learn more?

Listen to more free Spanish Grammar lessons. Members: Access the Ser y Estar module in our Spanish Grammar course!

Describing Movement in Spanish: Key Phrases

Doc Molly — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 12:57:18 +0000

Practice ways to describe the direction and location of movement.

The post Describing Movement in Spanish: Key Phrases appeared first on Doc Molly.