Wishes and exclamations (¡Que...!)

Expressing wishes with "¡Que...!"

In Spanish, you can express strong wishes, hopes, blessings, or even warnings using an independent exclamation that starts with ¡Que followed by a verb in the present subjunctive.

This structure is a common shortcut for expressing "I hope that..." or "I wish that...". In English, it usually translates to "May [something happen]!" or "I hope [something happens]!".

May this new amulet accompany you!
¡Que este nuevo amuleto te acompañe!
May fortune accompany you wherever you go!
¡Que la fortuna los acompañe donde vayan!
May you find a pretty clover in the forest!
¡Que encuentres un lindo trébol en el bosque!

You can also use this structure to hope that something doesn't happen. To make a negative wish or warning, simply place no right before the subjunctive verb.

May witchcraft not ruin your day!
¡Que la brujería no arruine tu día!

Talking about superstitions

When exploring the lore of good luck charms, you will come across a rich vocabulary for talking about superstitions (las supersticiones), omens (los presagios), and warding off (ahuyentar) bad energy.

There is a lot of superstition in this town, since it is ancient.
Hay mucha superstición en este pueblo, ya que es antiguo.
I bought a talisman to ward off danger.
Compré un talismán para ahuyentar el peligro.
Finding a green clover is a good omen.
Encontrar un trébol verde es un buen presagio.