Subjunctive in relative clauses: busco a alguien que sepa
Indicative for people and things you know exist; subjunctive for ones you are looking for, imagine or deny.
Part of the free B2 Spanish course. Press the speaker next to an example to hear it.
A relative clause describes a noun: the flat that has a lift. It usually starts with *que* ([[es-a2-relative-que-donde]], [[es-b1-relatives]]). The noun it describes is called the antecedent. In Spanish, the verb in the relative clause can be indicative or subjunctive, and the choice says something English doesn't mark with grammar: does this person or thing actually exist, as far as the speaker knows?**
Known, real antecedent: indicative
- Tengo una compañera que sabe programar en Python.I have a colleague who can program in Python.
- Hemos alquilado un piso que tiene ascensor.We've rented a flat that has a lift.
Unknown, hypothetical or non-existent: subjunctive
When you are looking for something, want it, ask whether it exists, or deny that it exists, the verb goes into the subjunctive.
- Busco a alguien que sepa programar en Python.I'm looking for someone who can program in Python.
- Queremos un piso que tenga ascensor.We want a flat that has a lift.
- ¿Conoces algún restaurante que abra los lunes?Do you know any restaurant that opens on Mondays?
- No hay nadie en mi familia que hable alemán.There's nobody in my family who speaks German.
| Antecedent | Mood | Example |
|---|---|---|
| specific, known (el, un + known) | indicative | el piso que tiene terraza |
| wanted, sought, any | subjunctive | un piso que tenga terraza |
| asked about (¿hay algún…?) | subjunctive | ¿Hay alguien que sepa…? |
| denied (nadie, nada, ningún) | subjunctive | No hay nada que me guste. |
The same noun phrase can go either way: Busco el libro que tiene la portada roja (I know it exists) vs Busco un libro que tenga ejercicios (any book of that kind).
The personal a
Alguien and nadie take the personal a (The personal a: Veo a María) when they are the object: Busco a alguien, No conozco a nadie. With an unspecified person described by a noun, the a is often dropped: Buscamos camarero que hable inglés, Necesito un fontanero que venga hoy.
lo que, quien, donde + subjunctive: "whatever, whoever, wherever"
- Haz lo que te parezca mejor.Do whatever you think is best.
- Los que terminen pronto pueden ayudar a los demás.Those who finish early can help the others.
With the indicative, lo que is a known thing: Haz lo que te he dicho (what I told you).
In the past
With a past main verb the subjunctive moves to the imperfect (Which subjunctive? Sequence of tenses):
- Necesitaban un portavoz que transmitiera confianza.They needed a spokesperson who would inspire confidence.
Common mistakes
Busco a alguien que sabe chinowhen you don't have anyone in mind: que sepa chino.No hay nadie que puede ayudarme: denied existence takes the subjunctive: que pueda.Tengo un amigo que viva en Canadá: a real friend takes the indicative: que vive.Busco alguien que…: with alguien and nadie as objects, use the personal a: Busco a alguien que…
Practice
- En mi equipo buscamos a una persona que _____ experiencia en ventas.Options: tenga · tiene · tendría · tuvo
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tenga — An unknown person we are looking for → subjunctive.
- Conozco a un abogado que _____ casos como el tuyo.Options: lleva · lleve · llevara · llevaría
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lleva — A real lawyer the speaker knows → indicative.
- No hay ningún político que _____ (decir) siempre la verdad.
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diga — Denied existence (no hay ningún) → subjunctive.
- ¿Hay alguien aquí que _____ (poder) traducir este correo?
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pueda — Asking whether such a person exists → subjunctive.