How to Use the Present Subjunctive in Italian

Understanding the Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood is used in Italian to express doubt, possibility, wishes, or uncertainty. Unlike the indicative mood, which states facts, the subjunctive conveys attitudes or hypothetical situations.

When to Use the Present Subjunctive in Italian

The present subjunctive is used in subordinate clauses when the main clause indicates a subjectivity or uncertainty, such as wishes, doubts, emotions, or opinions. It's often introduced by certain conjunctions and phrases.

Common Introductory Phrases

• spero che (I hope that)
• temo che (I fear that)
• non penso che (I don't think that)
• è possibile che (it's possible that)
• benché (although)

Conjugating Verbs in the Present Subjunctive

Regular verbs in Italian are divided into three conjugations: -are, -ere, and -ire. The present subjunctive forms vary according to these conjugations.

-are Verb Conjugation Example: Parlare

• che io parli
• che tu parli
• che lui/lei parli
• che noi parliamo
• che voi parliate
• che loro parlino

-ere Verb Conjugation Example: Ricevere

• che io riceva
• che tu riceva
• che lui/lei riceva
• che noi riceviamo
• che voi riceviate
• che loro ricevano

-ire Verb Conjugation Example: Partire

• che io parta
• che tu parta
• che lui/lei parta
• che noi partiamo
• che voi partiate
• che loro partano

Irregular Verb Forms

Some Italian verbs are irregular in the present subjunctive. These verbs don't follow the standard patterns and must be memorized. Common irregular verbs include 'essere' (to be), 'avere' (to have), and 'andare' (to go).

Examples of Present Subjunctive in Sentences

Here are practical examples to illustrate how the present subjunctive is used in Italian sentences.