Question 1

Why is quieras in the subjunctive here instead of the indicative quieres?

Accepted Answer

We use como followed by the subjunctive to describe how to do something when the exact method is unknown, undecided, or completely up to the listener. By saying como quieras (however you want), the speaker leaves the exact changes open. If they used the indicative como quieres, it would mean "the exact way you already want to."

Question 2

I know the verb for "to keep" is mantener. Why is it mantén in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Mantén is the affirmative informal command (the tú imperative) of mantener. Because mantener is built from the verb tener (to have), it shares its irregular forms. Just like the command for tener is ten, the command for mantener is mantén.

Question 3

Why is the command form for "modify" modifica and not modificas?

Accepted Answer

For affirmative informal commands, Spanish drops the final -s from the normal tú present tense form. So, tú modificas (you modify) becomes the command modifica (modify!). Notice that mira (from mirar) follows this exact same rule.

Question 4

Is the speaker telling the listener to literally look at the sketch with the word mira?

Accepted Answer

They might be, but it is much more likely being used as a conversational filler. Just like in English, Spanish speakers frequently start a sentence with mira (look) to grab someone's attention, make a firm point, or show a tiny bit of urgency before giving an instruction.

Mira, modifica el boceto como quieras, pero mantén el estilo.

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