Question 1

Why does this sentence use que seas instead of translating "you to be" directly?

Accepted Answer

When you want someone else to do something, Spanish doesn't use the infinitive like English does. Instead, you use querer que (to want that) followed by the subjunctive mood. Literally, this sentence says "I only want that you be sincere."

Question 2

Why is the verb seas used instead of the normal present tense eres?

Accepted Answer

Because this sentence expresses a desire or wish for someone else (quiero que), the second verb must be in the subjunctive mood. Seas is the informal "you" (tú) form of the verb ser in the present subjunctive.

Question 3

Why do we use a form of ser (seas) here instead of estar (estés)?

Accepted Answer

We use ser because being sincere (sincero) is treated as a core personal characteristic or trait in Spanish, rather than a temporary physical state or location.

Question 4

If I am talking to a woman, does anything in the sentence change?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The adjective sincero describes the person you are talking to. If you are speaking to a female, you must change the ending to match her gender: Solamente quiero que seas sincera conmigo.

Question 5

I remember con means "with." Why is it conmigo here?

Accepted Answer

Conmigo is a special irregular word that means "with me." In Spanish, you cannot say con mí or con yo; they always merge into the single word conmigo.

Solamente quiero que seas sincero conmigo.

Breakdown of Solamente quiero que seas sincero conmigo.

Questions & Answers about Solamente quiero que seas sincero conmigo.

Learn Solamente quiero que seas sincero conmigo and more in Spanish