Using "como" + Subjunctive
You already know como means "how" or "like" when stating facts. However, when you use como to talk about a manner that is unknown, undecided, or up to someone else ("however" or "in whatever way"), the verb that follows it must be in the present subjunctive.
| I can tattoo your chest however you prefer, friend. | Puedo tatuarte el pecho como prefieras, amigo. |
For example, if you tell a tattoo artist to modify a sketch "however you want," you don't know exactly how they will do it yet. Therefore, use como followed by the subjunctive: como quieras.
| Look, modify the sketch however you want, but keep the style. | Mira, modifica el boceto como quieras, pero mantén el estilo. |
Notice how the main verb is often in the indicative or imperative (a command), but the verb describing the undecided manner takes the subjunctive:
| I can use fine or thick lines however you say. | Puedo usar líneas finas o gruesas como digas. |
| We can combine the colors of the tattoo however you decide. | Podemos combinar los colores del tatuaje como decidas. |
| Madam, we can modify the style however you recommend. | Señora, podemos modificar el estilo como usted recomiende. |
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