Verbs of volition and influence
In Spanish, when you want, need, or prefer someone else to do something, use a verb of volition followed by que and the subjunctive.
These verbs express your will or attempt to influence another person's actions. Common verbs of volition include:
- querer (to want)
- necesitar (to need)
- preferir (to prefer)
- rogar (to beg)
- prohibir (to forbid)
The change of subject rule
The subjunctive is triggered here because there is a change of subject. Subject 1 (the person wanting or needing) is trying to influence Subject 2 (the person actually doing the action).
The structure looks like this: [Subject 1 + verb of volition] + que + [Subject 2 + subjunctive verb]
| I want you to obey the order immediately. | Quiero que obedezcas la orden inmediatamente. |
| The doctor needs you to rest. | La médica necesita que descanses. |
| She prefers that the boy behaves well. | Ella prefiere que el niño se porte bien. |
Notice how the subject changes across the word que in each sentence (e.g., "I want" -> "you obey").
Stronger influence: Begging and forbidding
Verbs like rogar (to beg) and prohibir (to forbid) follow the exact same pattern.
| I beg you to read the instructions slowly. | Te ruego que leas las instrucciones despacio. |
| The boss forbids you to leave and needs you to obey the order. | La jefa prohíbe que salgas y necesita que obedezcas la orden. |
Even when using reflexive verbs (like callarse or portarse), the formula remains the same:
| We need you to be quiet because we prefer silence. | Necesitamos que te calles porque preferimos el silencio. |
| They need you (plural) to behave well because it is important. | Ellos necesitan que os portéis bien porque es importante. |
