Italian Grammar Bank
ITALIAN SUBJONCTIVE
The subjunctive in Italian is used to express doubt, desire, hope, fear, uncertainty and many other emotional or hypothetical nuances.
This verbal mode comes in different temporal forms, including the present, the past, the imperfect and the past tense, each of which has its own particular nuances and uses.
FOR DOUBT, UNCERTAINTY
The subjunctive is often used when there is doubt, uncertainty, or something is not a fact.
If you’re unsure about something, use the subjunctive!
PATTERN
Subject + Indicative verb (expressing doubt, emotion, desire, necessity, etc.) + che + Subject + Subjunctive verb
| Dubito che lui sappia la risposta. | I doubt that he knows the answer. |
| Non sono sicuro che Maria venga alla festa. | I’m not sure if Maria is coming to the party. |
| Può darsi che piova domani. | It may rain tomorrow. |
Why?
When you doubt something, you’re not stating a fact but a possibility. That’s why Italian requires the subjunctive.
Additionally, verbs like pensare (to think) and credere (to believe) can trigger the subjunctive when there’s uncertainty.
However, if they are used in the negative form (Non penso che…, Non credo che…), the subjunctive is almost always required!
| Non penso che lui abbia ragione. | I don’t think that he is right. |
| Non credo che loro sappiano la verità. | I don’t believe that they know the truth. |
| Sembra che il treno sia in ritardo. | It seems that the train is late. |
| Dubito che possano finire il lavoro in tempo. | I doubt that they can finish the work on time. |
FOR WISHES, DESIRES, PREFERENCES
When you hope, wish, or want something to happen, the subjunctive is your best friend.
| Spero che tu abbia un bel viaggio. | I hope that you have a nice trip. |
| Vorrei che lui fosse più gentile. | I wish he were kinder. |
| Preferisco che tu venga domani. | I prefer that you come tomorrow. |
Why?
You are expressing something that hasn’t happened yet, something hypothetical, hence the subjunctive.
Common verbs that trigger the subjunctive in this case include volere (to want), desiderare (to desire), preferire (to prefer), and sperare (to hope).
| Voglio che tu mi aiuti con il compito. | I want you to help me with my homework. |
| Desidero che tutto vada bene per te. | I wish everything goes well for you. |
| Speriamo che oggi non ci siano problemi. | Let’s hope there are no problems today. |
| Mi auguro che tu riesca a trovare un lavoro. | I hope you manage to find a job. |
| Preferisco che non diciate nulla a nessuno. | I prefer that you don’t say anything to anyone. |
FOR EMOTIONS & FEELINGS
If you’re happy, sad, angry, or surprised about something, the subjunctive is the way to go.
| Sono felice che tu sia qui. | I’m happy that you are here. |
| Mi dispiace che tu non possa venire. | I’m sorry that you can’t come. |
| Ho paura che non ci sia abbastanza tempo. | I’m afraid there isn’t enough time. |
Why?
Emotions introduce a subjective element into the sentence, making the subjunctive necessary.
This also applies to phrases like essere contento che (to be happy that), avere paura che (to be afraid that), dispiacersi che (to be sorry that), etc.
| Sono triste che tu debba partire così presto. | I’m sad that you have to leave so soon. |
| Mi fa piacere che tu abbia superato l’esame. | I’m glad that you passed the exam. |
| Temo che lui non sia all’altezza del compito. | I fear that he isn’t up to the task. |
| Sono sorpreso che abbiano accettato l’offerta. | I’m surprised that they accepted the offer. |
| È un peccato che non possiamo uscire. | It’s a shame that we can’t go out. |
FOR OPINIONS, JUDGMENTS
When expressing opinions, especially with impersonal expressions, the subjunctive is often necessary.
| È importante che tu studi. | It’s important that you study. |
| È incredibile che lui abbia detto una cosa simile. | It’s incredible that he said such a thing. |
| Non sembra che loro siano felici. | It doesn’t seem like they are happy. |
Why?
Opinions are subjective by nature, so the subjunctive is used.
| È necessario che tu finisca il lavoro. | It’s necessary that you finish the job. |
| È assurdo che loro non capiscano. | It’s absurd that they don’t understand. |
| È probabile che lui sia in ritardo. | It’s likely that he is late. |
| Non è certo che domani ci sia il sole. | It’s not certain that it will be sunny tomorrow. |
FOR HYPOTHETICAL, UNREAL SITUATIONS
For hypothetical or imaginary scenarios, the subjunctive is key.
| Se fossi ricco, viaggerei per il mondo. | If I were rich, I would travel the world. |
| Magari potessi andare in Italia quest’estate! | If only I could go to Italy this summer! |
| Sarebbe meglio se tu parlassi più piano. | It would be better if you spoke more slowly. |
| Se avessi studiato di più, avresti superato l’esame. | If you had studied more, you would have passed the exam. |
| Se piovesse, resteremmo a casa. | If it rained, we would stay at home. |
The subjunctive can seem tricky at first and many people studying Italian may find the subjunctive discouraging, but once you recognise the key patterns, it becomes much easier!
Just remember: doubt, emotions, wishes, opinions, and hypotheticals = subjunctive.
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FAQs
What is the Italian subjunctive?
The Congiuntivo is a verb mood used to express doubt, uncertainty, wishes, emotions, opinions, or hypothetical situations rather than facts.
When should I use the subjunctive in Italian?
The subjunctive is commonly used after certain verbs and expressions that indicate uncertainty, desire, necessity, or emotion, such as credere che (to believe that), pensare che (to think that), è possibile che (it is possible that), and voglio che (I want that).
How do you form the subjunctive in Italian?
The Subjunctive has four tenses: present (congiuntivo presente), imperfect (congiuntivo imperfetto), past (congiuntivo passato), and past perfect (congiuntivo trapassato).
Each tense has specific conjugation rules depending on verb endings (-are, -ere, -ire).
What difference with indicative?
The Indicative is used for statements of fact and certainty, while the subjunctive is used for doubt, possibility, or subjectivity.
For example, So che lui è a casa (I know that he is at home – Indicative) vs. Credo che lui sia a casa (I believe that he is at home – Subjunctive).
Is the Subjunctive mandatory in spoken Italian?
While the Subjunctive is essential in formal writing and careful speech, many native speakers tend to replace it with the Indicative in casual conversations.
However, using it correctly will make your Italian sound more natural and refined.
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