Understanding the Romanian Subjunctive Mood: Present and Past Tenses

What is the Subjunctive Mood in Romanian?

The subjunctive mood in Romanian expresses wishes, doubts, possibilities, or actions that are not certain to happen. It is often used after certain verbs and conjunctions to indicate subjectivity or uncertainty, similar to the English "may," "might," or "let."

Present Subjunctive: Formation and Usage

The present subjunctive in Romanian is formed by using the particle să followed by the verb in the present tense subjunctive form. This mood is commonly used to express desires, commands, or requests.

How to Form the Present Subjunctive

To form the present subjunctive, start with the particle să and add the verb stem with the appropriate endings. The endings vary depending on the verb conjugation group.

• - For verbs ending in -a (1st conjugation), use endings: -e, -ești, -e, -em, -eți, -e
• - For verbs ending in -e or -i (2nd and 3rd conjugations), use endings: -ă, -i, -ă, -im, -iți, -ă

Example with the verb a vorbi (to speak):
Eu să vorbesc (I may speak)
Tu să vorbești (You may speak)
El/Ea să vorbească (He/She may speak)

When to Use the Present Subjunctive

The present subjunctive is used after expressions of necessity, desire, emotion, or doubt, such as:
să vrei (to want), să fie (to be), să poată (to be able to). It is also used after conjunctions like ca să (so that) and pentru ca (in order that).

Past Subjunctive: Formation and Usage

The past subjunctive expresses actions that are hypothetical or wished for in the past. It is formed by using the particle să plus the past participle of the verb a fi (to be) in the subjunctive, followed by the past participle of the main verb.

How to Form the Past Subjunctive

The past subjunctive is constructed as follows:
să + present subjunctive of a fi + past participle of the main verb.

Example with the verb a merge (to go):
Eu să fi mers (I might have gone)
Tu să fi mers (You might have gone)
El/Ea să fi mers (He/She might have gone)

When to Use the Past Subjunctive

Use the past subjunctive to express wishes, doubts, or possibilities about past events that did not happen or are uncertain. It often appears in conditional sentences or after verbs expressing regret or hypothetical situations.

Common Verbs and Expressions That Trigger the Subjunctive

• a vrea (to want)
• a dori (to wish)
• a spera (to hope)
• a cere (to ask)
• a fi nevoie (to be necessary)
• a părea (to seem)
• a se teme (to fear)

Examples of Subjunctive in Sentences

Present subjunctive:
Vreau să merg la magazin. (I want to go to the store.)
Este important să studiezi. (It is important that you study.)

Past subjunctive:
Dacă aș fi știut, aș fi venit. (If I had known, I would have come.)
Mi-aș fi dorit să fi fost acolo. (I would have wished to be there.)

Tips for English Speakers Learning the Romanian Subjunctive

- Remember that the particle să is essential in forming the subjunctive.
- Practice conjugating verbs in both present and past subjunctive forms.
- Pay attention to verbs and expressions that require the subjunctive mood.
- Use example sentences to understand context and usage.