Expressing Desires with "Querer que"
When you want to do something yourself, you simply use the verb querer followed by an infinitive (e.g., Quiero cambiar).
However, when you want someone else to do something, there is a change of subject. To express this, you must use querer que (to want that) followed by the second verb in the present subjunctive.
| I want you to change your attitude with me. | Quiero que cambies tu actitud conmigo. |
| I want you to assume responsibility for the project. | Quiero que asumas la responsabilidad del proyecto. |
| They want the group's behavior to improve. | Ellos quieren que el comportamiento del grupo mejore. |
Hopes and Expectations with "Esperar que"
Similarly, the verb esperar (to hope / to expect) triggers the subjunctive when expressing your hopes or expectations for another person, group, or situation.
| The teacher expects you to always be punctual. | El profesor espera que ustedes sean siempre puntuales. |
| The manager expects us to take on more responsibilities. | El gerente espera que nosotros asumamos más responsabilidades. |
| We hope there is respect in the office. | Esperamos que haya respeto en la oficina. |
Subjunctive Endings Refresher
When stating these expectations, remember how the subjunctive swaps the vowels in the verb endings:
- -ar verbs take -e endings (e.g., mejorar -> mejore)
- -er / -ir verbs take -a endings (e.g., asumir -> asumas)
Irregular verbs have their own unique forms in the subjunctive, such as ser (seas, sean), haber (haya), and stem-changing verbs like mostrar (muestre).
| I only want you to be sincere with me. | Solamente quiero que seas sincero conmigo. |
| We want the team to show commitment. | Queremos que el equipo muestre compromiso. |
Your questions are stored by us to improve Elon.io