Learning Spanish is a fascinating process, but one of the most challenging moments for students is the time when they have to learn how to distinguish between subjunctive and indicative. In everyday conversation, both are widely used, but they have different purposes. Understanding how to use them and in which situation is key to speaking Spanish fluently and correctly. In this blog post, we are going to break down two of the most important differences between subjunctive and indicative in Spanish that will help you get a clear picture.
1. Certainty vs. Uncertainty: The Core of Each Mood
One of the main differences between the subjunctive and the indicative is the degree of certainty or reality of a sentence.
Indicative Mood:
Indicative mood describes actions, events, or facts that are certain, real, or objective. In other words, you use the indicative when you are talking about something that you know is true or something that actually has happened or will happen.
Examples of Indicative:
María estudia en la biblioteca todos los días.
(María studies in the library every day.)
Sabemos que el tren llega a las 8.
(We know the train arrives at 8.)
In neither of the cases above is there any doubt or uncertainty. The speaker is stating facts or things they are sure about.
Subjunctive Mood:
Subjunctive mood, on the other hand, is used in regard to uncertainty, subjectivity, or a hypothetical situation. This mood is employed when one speaks of unsure events when emotions, desires, doubts, or possibilities are expressed.
Examples of Subjunctive:
Es posible que María estudie en la biblioteca.
(It could be that María is in the library studying.)
Dudo que el tren llegue a las 8.
(I doubt that the train will arrive at 8.)
In these examples, the action is not guaranteed. There’s an element of doubt or possibility rather than a statement of fact.
If you are describing a particular fact or a statement that you think is true, then use the indicative. If you are in doubt, or if there is a possibility, or if an emotion comes into play that would affect the reality of the situation, then use the subjunctive.
2. Objective Statements vs. Subjective Reactions
Another main division exists depending on how speakers view or feel about what they are saying in the utterance.
Indicative Mood:
It tends to be more objective because when using the indicative, you describe events, provide information, and express opinions without an emotional or subjective tone. This is when one doesn’t get caught up in an emotional moment, and no bias is involved.
Example of Indicative:
Creo que Juan trabaja mañana.
(I think Juan is working tomorrow.)
There is the speaker’s assumption that Juan is indeed working tomorrow, but no emotional or subjective layer is added to that belief. It’s quite objective.
Subjunctive Mood:
However, when the emotions, opinions, or reactions of the speaker color the statement, the subjunctive mood occurs. It follows in a more subjective context in which personal feelings, wishes, or reactions affect the outcome.
Example of Subjunctive:
Espero que Juan trabaje mañana.
(I hope Juan works tomorrow.)
In that case, the speaker’s hope influences the action. The subjunctive indicates desire or a wish, not objective truth.
When you are simply stating fact or opinion, without emotion, the indicative mood applies. If you are stating a wish, a desire, or a personal reaction, then it is time to use the subjunctive.
Conclusion
Two important aspects of the difference between indicative and subjunctive in Spanish are certainty vs. uncertainty and objective vs. subjective statements. The indicative is the mood of reality and facts, while the subjunctive deals with doubt, possibility, emotions, and desires.
The differences mentioned above will save you quite a lot in the jungle of Spanish moods and will make you more fluent. Practice distinguishing situations that involve certainty or subjectivity, and in time it will be rather instinctive to use the proper mood.
