Introduction
The Italian subjunctive (congiuntivo) is a verb mood used to express doubt, possibility, necessity, emotions, and subjective situations. It is particularly important in complex sentences where the speaker's perspective or uncertainty is emphasized.
Subjunctive in Complex Relative Clauses
In Italian, the subjunctive is often used in relative clauses to convey uncertainty, subjectivity, or to describe something that may not be real or definite.
Examples
- Cerco qualcuno che sappia parlare francese.
(I am looking for someone who knows how to speak French.)
- The subjunctive "sappia" is used because the existence of the person is uncertain.
- Non c’è niente che possa fermarmi.
(There is nothing that can stop me.)
- The subjunctive "possa" emphasizes the indefinite or non-specific nature of the noun.
- Voglio un computer che funzioni bene.
(I want a computer that works well.)
- "Funzioni" is subjunctive because the speaker is describing an ideal or uncertain characteristic.
Structure
- Main Clause + Relative Pronoun + Subjunctive Verb
- Cerco qualcuno che sappia parlare francese.
Subjunctive in Expressions of Doubt
The subjunctive is commonly used after expressions of doubt or uncertainty, where the truth of the statement is not confirmed.
Examples
- Dubito che lui venga alla festa.
(I doubt that he will come to the party.)
- "Venga" is subjunctive because the speaker is uncertain about the event.
- Non credo che Maria abbia finito il lavoro.
(I don’t believe that Maria has finished the work.)
- "Abbia" reflects the speaker's doubt about the completion of the task.
- È possibile che loro non sappiano la verità.
(It's possible that they don't know the truth.)
- The subjunctive "sappiano" is used to express uncertainty.
Common Phrases Introducing Doubt
- Dubito che... (I doubt that...)
- Non credo che... (I don’t believe that...)
- È possibile che... (It's possible that...)
Subjunctive in Emotional Expressions
When expressing emotions, feelings, or subjective reactions, the subjunctive is used to highlight the personal or non-factual nature of the statement.
Examples
- Sono felice che tu sia qui.
(I am happy that you are here.)
- "Sia" is subjunctive because it follows an emotional expression.
- Mi dispiace che lui non possa venire.
(I’m sorry that he can’t come.)
- "Possa" reflects the speaker’s regret or sympathy.
- È strano che Giulia non abbia chiamato.
(It's strange that Giulia hasn't called.)
- The subjunctive "abbia" is used to convey the speaker's emotional reaction.
Common Emotional Expressions
- Sono felice che... (I am happy that...)
- Mi dispiace che... (I’m sorry that...)
- È strano che... (It's strange that...)
Subjunctive Conjugation Overview
The subjunctive has specific conjugations that differ from the indicative mood. Here’s a brief overview of how it conjugates in the present tense:
Present Subjunctive Conjugation
-ARE Verbs: "Parlare" (to speak)
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| io | parli |
| tu | parli |
| lui/lei | parli |
| noi | parliamo |
| voi | parliate |
| loro | parlino |
-ERE Verbs: "Credere" (to believe)
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| io | creda |
| tu | creda |
| lui/lei | creda |
| noi | crediamo |
| voi | crediate |
| loro | credano |
-IRE Verbs: "Finire" (to finish)
| Person | Conjugation |
|---|---|
| io | finisca |
| tu | finisca |
| lui/lei | finisca |
| noi | finiamo |
| voi | finiate |
| loro | finiscano |
Subjunctive in Different Contexts
1. Requests and Wishes
- Spero che tu faccia del tuo meglio.
(I hope that you do your best.)
- Voglio che tu venga con me.
(I want you to come with me.)
2. Hypothetical Situations
- Se avessi tempo, verrei con te.
(If I had time, I would come with you.)
- Magari lui sapesse la verità.
(I wish he knew the truth.)
3. Negative Expressions of Certainty
- Non è certo che lui arrivi in tempo.
(It's not certain that he will arrive on time.)
- Non significa che tu abbia ragione.
(It doesn't mean that you are right.)
4. Formal Commands or Suggestions
- È importante che voi studiate ogni giorno.
(It’s important that you study every day.)
- Suggerisco che lui prenda l'autobus.
(I suggest that he takes the bus.)
Key Differences Between Indicative and Subjunctive
The indicative mood is used for stating facts, certainties, and objective information, while the subjunctive introduces elements of doubt, uncertainty, subjectivity, or emotion. Here’s a comparison to illustrate the difference:
Indicative vs. Subjunctive Examples
Indicative (Certainty/Facts)
- Lui va alla scuola ogni giorno.
(He goes to school every day.)
- So che hai una macchina nuova.
(I know that you have a new car.)
Subjunctive (Doubt/Subjectivity)
- Non credo che lui vada alla scuola ogni giorno.
(I don’t believe that he goes to school every day.)
- È possibile che tu abbia una macchina nuova.
(It’s possible that you have a new car.)
Conclusion
The subjunctive mood in Italian is a powerful tool for expressing uncertainty, doubt, emotion, and subjectivity. Its use in complex relative clauses, expressions of doubt, and emotional statements adds nuance and depth to communication.
Practice Tips
- Identify situations where facts are unclear or emotions are involved.
- Use the subjunctive after phrases that introduce doubt or subjectivity.
- Practice with common expressions and gradually build confidence in recognizing subjunctive contexts.