There are some expressions in Spanish where the present subjunctive is always used. These expressions start with “que”, because there is implicit expression of a desire. “Deseo que….”/ “Espero que”, etc. (I wish/ I hope that). These phrases are very common in Spanish, so let’s take a look at some of the most common ones so you can start incorporating them into your Spanish vocabulary today.

Please note that the translations won’t be exactly literal, but more closely what we would say in English to express the exact same meaning.

Something to say to someone if they are sick:
¡Que te mejores! (I hope you get better)

Something to say to someone who is going to have an exam or is going on a job interview:
¡Que te vaya bien! (I hope it goes well for you!)

Something to say to someone who is going on vacation or who is going to a concert:
¡Que te diviertas! (I hope you have fun!)

Something to say to someone who is going to sleep:
¡Que descanses! (I hope you get some rest!)

Something that most grandmothers say:
¡Que Dios te bendiga! (God bless you!)

Something to say to someone who has to do something they don’t want to do:
¡Que te sea leve! (It won’t be that bad!)

Something to say to a kid who is going to bed:
¡Que sueñes con los angelitos! (“Sweet dreams!” The literal translation would be “I hope you dream with angels!)

Something to say to someone who is receiving a present:
¡Que lo disfrutes! (I hope you enjoy/like it!)

Remember that it is always necessary to use Subjunctive when there are desires from one subject but another subject will do the action.

“Espero que mi jefe tenga un buen día” (I hope that my boss has a good day.)
“¿Quieres que prepare la cena?”(Do you want that I prepare dinner?)
When the subject is the same we only need to use Infinitive.
“Juan quiere comprar una casa”(Juan wants to buy a house)

I hope that you have enjoyed today’s Spanish grammar lesson on the topic of expressions that always use the present subjunctive. So now e you have some very common expressions in Spanish that you can start using right away that use the present subjunctive. With that said, we will leave you with one more very common expression: ¡Que tengas un buen dia! (Have a good day!)