Present Perfect Subjunctive: The Triggers
In Spanish, to express a present emotion, doubt, or subjective judgment about an action that has already been completed, use the present perfect subjunctive (pretérito perfecto de subjuntivo).
Specific verbs and expressions in the main clause act as triggers, forcing the verb in the dependent clause (after que) into the subjunctive.
Expressions of Doubt
Verbs like dudar (to doubt) are classic subjunctive triggers. Use the present perfect subjunctive to express doubt right now about an event that supposedly happened in the past.
| The critic doubts that they have opened the avant-garde gallery. | El crítico duda que hayan abierto la galería vanguardista. |
Expressions of Emotion
Verbs expressing a feeling or emotion—such as fascinar (to fascinate), indignar (to outrage), alegrarse (to be glad), or esperar (to hope)—require the subjunctive.
| I am fascinated that you guys have bought an avant-garde painting. | Me fascina que hayáis comprado un cuadro vanguardista. |
| It outrages me that they have sold my old portrait. | Me indigna que hayan vendido mi viejo retrato. |
| I hope that you have observed the composition of the portrait. | Espero que hayas observado la composición del retrato. |
Subjective Judgments
Impersonal expressions passing judgment also trigger the subjunctive, usually following the formula es + [adjective] + que.
| It is sublime that the great painter has used this thick brushstroke. | Es sublime que el gran pintor haya usado esta pincelada gruesa. |
| It is sad that he has covered the brushstroke with dark paint. | Es triste que haya cubierto la pincelada con pintura oscura. |
