Describing the Unknown
In Spanish, when describing a person, place, or thing that you aren't sure exists or haven't found yet, use the subjunctive mood. Because you are describing a hypothetical ideal rather than a confirmed reality, the clause starting with que takes the subjunctive.
House Hunting
Notice how we use verbs like buscar (to look for) or querer (to want) followed by the subjunctive verbs sea (is) or tenga (has) when house hunting.
| I am looking for an apartment that is spacious and bright. | Busco un departamento que sea amplio y luminoso. |
| I want a house that has a garden and a garage. | Quiero una casa que tenga un jardín y un garaje. |
| We want to find an office that is spacious. | Queremos encontrar una oficina que sea amplia. |
Finding the Perfect Candidate
The same rule applies when looking for a person with certain qualifications. Since this ideal candidate is indefinite, their traits take the subjunctive.
| We need a candidate who is bilingual. | Necesitamos un candidato que sea bilingüe. |
| Are you going to hire a candidate who has experience? | ¿Vas a contratar a un candidato que tenga experiencia? |
The "Un" Clue
This pattern often relies on indefinite articles like un or una (a / an) because you are looking for an apartment or a candidate, not a specific one. If you were talking about a specific thing you already knew existed, you would use a definite article (el or la) and the normal indicative mood.
| We need an ad that explains the project. | Necesitamos un anuncio que explique el proyecto. |
| I am looking for an ad that has the ideal house. | Busco un anuncio que tenga la casa ideal. |