How to Use the Romanian Subjunctive in Complex Sentences

Understanding the Romanian Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood in Romanian is used to express wishes, doubts, possibilities, or actions that are not certain. It is often found in complex sentences where the main clause influences the verb form in the subordinate clause.

When to Use the Subjunctive in Complex Sentences

In Romanian, the subjunctive is commonly used after certain conjunctions and expressions that introduce subordinate clauses. These include expressions of necessity, desire, emotion, doubt, or possibility.

Common Triggers for the Subjunctive

• Expressions of desire: să vreau (to want), să doresc (to wish)
• Expressions of necessity: e nevoie să (it is necessary that)
• Expressions of doubt or uncertainty: nu cred că (I don't believe that)
• Expressions of emotion: mă bucur că (I am glad that)
• Conjunctions like ca să (so that), pentru ca (in order that)

Forming the Subjunctive in Romanian

The subjunctive is formed by using the particle să followed by the verb in the present subjunctive form. This form is similar to the third person singular of the present tense but with some differences depending on the verb conjugation.

Examples of Subjunctive Forms

• să merg (to go)
• să faci (to do/make)
• să fie (to be)
• să avem (to have)

Examples of Complex Sentences Using the Subjunctive

Here are some examples illustrating how the subjunctive is used in complex sentences in Romanian.

• Vreau să merg la piață. (I want to go to the market.)
• Este important să înveți limba română. (It is important that you learn Romanian.)
• Nu cred să vină mâine. (I don't believe that he will come tomorrow.)
• Mă bucur să te văd. (I am glad to see you.)
• Am venit ca să te ajut. (I came so that I can help you.)

Tips for English Speakers Learning the Romanian Subjunctive

English speakers may find the Romanian subjunctive challenging because English uses it less frequently. Here are some tips to help you master it:

1. Memorize common expressions that require the subjunctive.
2. Practice forming the subjunctive with different verbs.
3. Listen to native Romanian speakers and note how they use the subjunctive in conversation.
4. Use flashcards to remember subjunctive verb forms.
5. Try creating your own complex sentences using the subjunctive mood.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Be careful not to confuse the subjunctive with the indicative mood. The subjunctive often follows să and expresses uncertainty, desire, or necessity, while the indicative states facts.

• Using the indicative instead of the subjunctive after expressions like vreau să (I want to).
• Omitting the particle să before the verb in the subjunctive.
• Using the wrong verb form after să.

Summary

The Romanian subjunctive is essential for expressing wishes, doubts, and possibilities in complex sentences. It is formed with să plus the subjunctive verb form and is triggered by specific expressions and conjunctions. Practice and exposure will help English speakers become comfortable using it.