When we want to state facts, express certainty, or make statements, we use the indicative mood, which is what you might think of as the “normal form.” Many Italians feel that the subjunctive is more daunting than the indicative, even though it has fewer tenses. But as I tell my students, do not fret! There are some tricks to follow that will make you master this amazing expressive mode.
Italian Articles
How to use the Italian subjunctive?
By: Silvia Giorgini Althoen Fri Aug 30 2024
The Italian subjunctive is a verbal moodNo definition set for moodLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. that is mainly used to express emotions, doubts, desires, and opinions. For example:
Penso che siate pronti!
I think you are ready!
The subjunctive is very common in Italian, but it may take you some time to master, because there is no exact parallel to it in English. English does technically have a subjunctive mood, it is very rare and not used in everyday life.
In class, I use a famous quote in Latin by Descartes to introduce my students to the Italian subjunctive mood: Cogito, ergo sum(I think, therefore I am). I tell them that “thinking” (among other things) allows us to enter the magic “realm” of a person and their personal universe, made of emotions, doubts, and desires, which in Italian is when we use the subjunctive.
Let’s dive into the matters of the mind, heart, and soul.
Table of Contents
What is the subjunctive and why do we use it in Italian?
The subjunctive is an Italian mood that can be used in four different tensesNo definition set for tensesLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. (present, imperfect, past, and past perfect).
Below we’ll cover the general uses of the subjunctive. To learn about how to conjugateNo definition set for conjugateLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. verbs in their subjunctive forms, have a look, instead, at our post, “How to form the present and past subjunctive in Italian?” However, you’ll find that these uses can be found in a range of tenses.
Why? Because the subjunctive is very important when we talk about our emotions ❤and our thoughts 💭. It lets us enrich our language with many nuances of meaning! We all have ideas, opinions, doubts, feelings, and emotions, right? Well, this is why we need the subjunctive!
Spero che tu venga per le feste.
I hope you come for the holidays.
Tip
How to use the subjunctive in Italian?
The Italian subjunctive is usually used in a two-part sentence, and it is “triggered” by certain expressions. Let’s look at an example:
main clauseconjunctionsubordinate clause
Credo che i ragazzi preparino una sorpresa.
I think that the kids are preparing a surprise.
The sentence above has two main “parts” or “clausesNo definition set for clausesLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.” that are linked by a conjunctionNo definition set for conjunctionLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. (linking word). Both clauses will contain a verb with a subjectNo definition set for subjectLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum., but generally the subordinate clause is only there to complete or add to or complete the main clause. In the example above, the subordinate clause explains what I thought.
We use the subjunctive in the subordinate clause if the main clause contains some expression that “triggers” the subjunctive mood. In this case, the expression that triggers the subjunctive is the thinking verb credo.
Tip
Usually the main clause will contain a verb in the indicative mood, but sometimes it will be in the conditional moodNo definition set for conditional moodLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. instead.
Important
When we use the subjunctive, it is usually in a subordinate clause introduced by che(that) which has a different subject from the subject of the main clause:
conjunction 'che'subjunctive
(Io) credo che Mario ami questa città.
I believe that Mario loves this city.
→ I believe but Mario loves. There are two different subjects so we use che!
If the subjects of the two clauses are the same, we instead use, use: di(of) + infinito(infinitive):
(Io) credo di amare questa città.
I believe that I love this city.
→ I believe and I love. The subjects are the same, so we use di + infinitive.
Once you know that there are two clauses with two different subjects, you need to think about “what’s in the main clause?” For instance:
main clause
Spero che tu venga con noi.
I hope that you come with us.
In this example, there are two subjects (I hope, you come). In the main clause, we have an expression of emotion, sperare(to hope). This is an expression that “triggers” the subjunctive, so you need to use the subjunctive of venire(to come) in the subordinate clause! Easy-peasy right?
Tip
Using the word che(that) does not always mean the following verb will be in the subjunctive! You need the “trigger” phrase in the main clause too!
indicative
Sono certa che capite.
I’m sure you understand.
→ Sono certa expresses certainty.
subjunctive
Penso che capiate.
I think you understand.
→ Penso is used to express an opinion.
When to use the subjunctive in Italian?
To know when to use the subjunctive, we need to figure out what’s in the main clause, so let’s see some “triggering” expressions that need to be followed by the subjunctive! Ready?
After D.O.V.E verbs
Use the acronym D.O.V.E 🕊 to help you recognize the most commonly used verbs that are followed by the subjunctive:
Verbs expressing | Examples |
|---|---|
Doubt | Dubitare che… To doubt (that)... |
Opinion | Pensare che… To think (that)... |
Volition | Volere che… To want... |
Emotions | Temere che… To fear (that)... |
+ Subjunctive | |
Examples:
doubtsubjunctive
Dubito che lui abbia dormito.
I doubt he slept.
emotionsubjunctive
Temo che Gianni perda il volo.
I fear Gianni will miss his flight.
⇨ Have a look at these other verbs that trigger the subjunctive in Italian!
Important
Phrase + expressions of opinion, doubt, etc., triggers the use of the subjunctive as well:
- negative expressionsubjunctive
Non capisco perché insistano.
I don't understand why they insist.
- negative expressionsubjunctive
Non è giusto che sia finita.
It's unfair that it is over!
After certain impersonal verbs
The subjunctive is used after certain impersonal expressionsNo definition set for impersonal expressionsLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. such as bisogna che(it is necessary that).
Italian | English |
|---|---|
bisogna che... | it is necessary... |
basta che... | it is enough... |
sembra che... | it looks like... |
impersonal expressionsubjunctive
Bisogna che loro vadano via presto.
It is necessary that they leave soon.
After ‘essere’ (to be) + adjective
If you see an adjectiveNo definition set for adjectiveLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. expressing ideas, emotions, etc. after essere(to be), use the subjunctive in the subordinate clause.
adjectivesubjunctive
Sono contenta che tu sia qui.
I’m glad you’re here.
Exception!
If the adjective expresses certainty, as in, è evidente che…(it’s evident that…), è chiaro che…(it’s clear that…), or è sicuro che…(it’s sure that…), you’ll use the indicative instead:
adjectiveindicative
È vero che Maria arriva oggi.
It is true that Maria arrives today.
After certain conjunctions
The subjunctive is triggered not only by verbs in the main clause, but also by certain conjunctions that express concession (anche se(even if)), purpose (perché(so that)), or restriction (senza che(unless)).
Italian | English |
|---|---|
benché/sebbene | although |
affinché | so that/in order to |
purché | as long as |
comunque | however |
conjunctionsubjunctive
Benché Sara sia occupata, trova sempre il tempo per noi.
Although Sara is busy, she always finds time for us.
After indefinite expressions
The subjunctive is also triggered by some indefinite expressions such as:
Italian | English |
|---|---|
chiunque | whoever/anyone |
qualunque/qualsiasi | any |
ovunque/dovunque | anywhere |
indefinite expressionsubjunctive
Chiunque voglia venire, è benvenuto a casa nostra.
Anyone who wants to come is welcome in our house.
⇨ Have a look at this list of all “subjunctive” friends in Italian!
After relative superlatives
Use the subjunctive in Italian after the relative superlative with expressions like il/la … più … che(the most … that) or il/la … meno … che(the least… that …):
relative superlativesubjunctive
Eva è la persona più buona che io conosca.
Eva is the kindest person I know.
After some relative or interrogative pronouns
The subjunctive is also used in relative clausesNo definition set for relative clausesLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. that refer to something or someone not yet identified or nonexistent when:
the relative pronounNo definition set for relative pronounLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. is in a clause indicating an intention, a condition, or a hypothesis:
relative pronounsubjunctiveCerchiamo una persona che parli italiano.
We are looking for a person who speaks Italian.
Since we don't know if the person exists or not, we use the subjunctive. In contrast, if we had certainty about the existence of this person, then we would use the indicative:
relative pronounindicativeHo trovato una persona che parla italiano.
I found a person who speaks Italian.
the relative clause is introduced by a negative sentence and a relative pronoun or an interrogative pronounNo definition set for interrogative pronounLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.:
- relative pronounsubjunctive
Non c’è niente che io voglia.
There is nothing that I want.
- interrogative pronounsubjunctive
Non so quanto manchi alla fine del film.
I don’t know how long until the film is over.
After ‘se’ (if), ‘magari’ (if only), ‘come se’ (as if)?
After se(if), magari(if only) and come se(as if), we can use either the imperfect subjunctive or the past perfect subjunctive. Check out our post to learn about how to form the imperfect and past perfect subjunctive in Italian!
- subjunctive
Se potessi, verrei.
If I could, I would come.
- past perfect subjunctive
Magari mi avesse ascoltato.
If only s/he would have listened to me.
- imperfect subjunctive
Parla come se io non fossi qui.
S/he talks as if I weren’t here.
Can the Italian subjunctive be used in a main clause?
Yes, in a few cases, the Italian subjunctive is used in the main clause of a sentence. Let’s see when the subjunctive can be used independently as exhortation:
to give an order:
subjunctiveMi dia i documenti.
Give me (formal) your documents.
to plead:
subjunctiveMi aiuti per favore!
Help me (formal), please!
to invite:
subjunctiveVenga a trovarmi!
Come (formal) to visit me!
In the imperfect/past, it is used also for exclamations:
subjunctiveSapessi quanto vorrei vederti!
You have no idea how much I would like to see you!
How to avoid the subjunctive in Italian?
You can use forse(maybe) or secondo me/te/lui/...(according to me/you/him/…) to avoid using the subjunctive in Italian! All you need to do is use one of these phrases instead of the main clause that would ordinarily trigger the subjunctive, and you can use the indicative instead! This is a great way to go If you don’t remember a subjunctive form of an irregular verb, like venire(to come), or andare(to go).
forse(maybe) + indicative
- indicative
Forse loro vengono domani.
Maybe they will come tomorrow.
- subjunctive triggersubjunctive
Può darsi che loro vengano domani.
It’s possible that they will arrive tomorrow.
secondo me/te/lui…(according to me/you/him/…) + indicative
- indicative
Secondo noi lui va in aereo.
In our opinion, he will take a plane.
- subjunctive triggersubjunctive
Pensiamo che lui vada in aereo.
We think he will take a plane.
Summing up
The subjunctive is the key to expressing your mind, heart, and soul.
It is mostly used in subordinate clauses, and its use depends on what’s in the main clause:
Is it a D.O.V.E. verb? → subjunctive
Is it an impersonal expression? → subjunctive
Is it essere + adjective? → subjunctive
Is it an indefinite expression? → subjunctive
Is there a superlative? → subjunctive
Does it refer to unknown people or things? → subjunctive
Use forse or secondo me → indicative as a backup plan!
Adesso è meglio che facciate un po’ di pratica(Now it is better that you practice), so click the link for activities to practice the use of the subjunctive in Italian!
Downloadable Resources
Elevate your language-learning journey to new heights with the following downloadable resources.
How to use the Italian subjunctive?~Most common irregular verbs TableHow to use the Italian subjunctive?~Subjunctive triggering and expressionsHow to use the Italian subjunctive?~Activities
