Indirect Commands - Subjunctive  


Indirect Commands

Indirect commands are used to state a wish or hope that something will happen or that someone will do something. Indirect commands are commonly used when referring to the third person (singular or plural). They are usually translated by "let," "may," or "have."

An "indirect command" is formed using the formula below:

que + subjunctive = indirect command

Que pase.
Let him come in. Have him come in.

Que me llamen.
Have them call me.

If the subject is stated, usually in order to emphasize or clarify the subject, it follows the verb.

Que pase ella.
Let her come in.

Que me llame Ana.
Have Ana call me.

Que no vea mamá.
I hope Mom doesn't see.

This construction can also be in the second person, with an implication of encouragement or hoping

Que le vaya bien.
I hope you go well.

Que tengas éxitos.
I hope you succeed.

Que todo les salga bien.
I hope everything goes well for you all.

[ view full lesson ]

Indirect Commands
Sentence FlashcardsImage-Sentence Match Word Order QuizMultiple Choice

Indirect Commands
vs Imperative

There is no third person imperative, so indirect commands are the only option.
 
Que vengan cuando puedan.
I wish they come when they can.
 
For the second person, the imperative gives a direct order, while indirect commands offer encouragement, guidance, or the speaker's own hope/wish sometimes using words like: ojalá, deseo (I hope)
 
Ojalá traigas a tu hermana.
I hope you bring your sister.
 
Or almost as a direct order: quiero, necesito (I want/need). The indirect command is softer, less emphatic than the imperative.
 
Necesito que traigas a tu hermana.
I need you to bring your sister.
  Vocabulary Flashcards
  Vocabulary Quiz
  Photo Quiz
  Spelling Quiz
  Sentence Flashcards
  Video
  Example Sentences
  Dialogue
  Image-Sentence Match
  Word Order Quiz
  Multiple Choice Quiz
  A or B Quiz
  Fill In

Icon Legend

Icons are color coded by Spanish level:

Green = Beginner
Blue = Intermediate
Orange = Advanced


Black icons are unrelated to Spanish level:

Help
Download
Information




Popular Phrase: una reduccion   | Spanish Verb Conjugator