When to use the subjunctive

A trigger in the main clause, then que, then a new subject

• Quiero que vengas.I want you to come.

With no change of subject, use the infinitive: Quiero venir.

Wishes and requests

• Espero que tengas un buen viaje.I hope you have a good trip.
• Te pido que me ayudes.I'm asking you to help me.
• Ojalá no llueva.I hope it doesn't rain.

Emotions

• Me alegra que estés aquí.I'm glad you're here.
• Siento que no puedas venir.I'm sorry you can't come.

Doubt and denial

• Dudo que llegue a tiempo.I doubt he'll arrive on time.
• No creo que sea verdad.I don't think it's true.

Creo que takes the indicative: Creo que es verdad.

Judgments with es + adjective

• Es importante que comas.It's important that you eat.
• Es posible que venga.It's possible he'll come.

Facts take the indicative: Es verdad que viene.

Time words, when the event hasn't happened yet

• Llámame cuando llegues.Call me when you arrive.
• Te espero hasta que termines.I'll wait for you until you finish.

For habits or past facts, use the indicative: Cuando llego, te llamo.

Purpose and conditions: para que, a menos que, sin que, antes de que

• Hablo despacio para que me entiendas.I speak slowly so you'll understand me.
• Salimos antes de que llueva.We'll leave before it rains.

Antes de que always takes the subjunctive.

Looking for something that may not exist

• Busco un apartamento que tenga balcón.I'm looking for an apartment that has a balcony.
• No hay nadie que sepa eso.There's nobody who knows that.

A known one takes the indicative: Tengo un apartamento que tiene balcón.

The same triggers, in the past

• Quería que vinieras.I wanted you to come.

Unreal conditions: si + imperfect subjunctive, then the conditional

• Si tuviera dinero, viajaría.If I had money, I would travel.

Never use the present subjunctive after si.

Polite requests

• Quisiera un café.I would like a coffee.