Subjunctive of Place and Manner
When referring to an unknown, unspecific, or future place or method, use donde (where) or como (how) followed by the present subjunctive.
Donde (Wherever)
To say "wherever," use donde followed by the subjunctive. This signals that the exact location isn't known yet, or that any place fitting the description will do.
| When we arrive, we will eat a street taco wherever you say. | Cuando lleguemos, comeremos un taco callejero donde tú digas. |
| We will buy the food wherever there is a street cart. | Compraremos la comida donde haya un carrito callejero. |
Como (However)
Similarly, to say "however" or "in whatever way," use como followed by the subjunctive.
| You can add mayonnaise and mustard however you want. | Puedes añadir mayonesa y mostaza como tú quieras. |
| We will fill the empanada however you decide. | Rellenaremos la empanada como tú decidas. |
Indicative vs. Subjunctive
If the place or manner is an established fact or a regular habit, use the indicative instead:
- Indicative (Known habit): Preparo el taco como tú quieres. (I prepare the taco the way you want it.)
- Subjunctive (Unknown/Future): Prepararé el taco como tú quieras. (I will prepare the taco however you want it.)
| craving | el antojo |
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