Question 1

Why is the subjunctive used in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

The phrase c'est normal que (it is normal that) expresses a subjective judgment or opinion. In French, these types of expressions trigger the subjunctive mood for the verb that follows them (in this case, transpires).

Question 2

tu transpires looks exactly like the regular present tense. How can I tell it's the subjunctive?

Accepted Answer

Because of the trigger c'est normal que, we know this is the subjunctive. For regular -er verbs like transpirer, the subjunctive forms for je, tu, il/elle, and ils/elles are identical to the normal present tense! To build it, you take the ils present tense stem (ils transpirent -> transpir-) and add the subjunctive endings (here, -es for tu).

Question 3

Why is the first part Il demande si instead of using que?

Accepted Answer

Il demande si translates to "he asks if". When reporting a yes/no question, French uses si (if/whether) just like English does. If you used que, it would mean "he asks that" (which would be giving an order rather than asking a question).

Question 4

Why is there a le in pendant le yoga? We don't say "during the yoga" in English.

Accepted Answer

French almost always requires an article before a noun, even when speaking about activities or concepts in a general sense. So, while English just says "during yoga", French requires the definite article to make it pendant le yoga.

Il demande si c'est normal que tu transpires pendant le yoga.

Breakdown of Il demande si c'est normal que tu transpires pendant le yoga.

Questions & Answers about Il demande si c'est normal que tu transpires pendant le yoga.

Learn Il demande si c'est normal que tu transpires pendant le yoga and more in French