Ch 38 · Lesson 16Spanish · Chapter 38 · Lesson 16 · Grammar primer
Subjunctive set phrases: pase lo que pase, que te mejores
(whatever happens), , , and the good wishes: , , .
The short version
doubles the verb
, .
Why?Hide
Reduplicate a subjunctive verb around and you get the concessive that every outcome at once: , , . Both halves are subjunctive, so breaks the frame. Build your own the same way: , .
A bare
.
Why?Hide
, , , : each is (I hope that) with the dropped, so the verb stays subjunctive. To a stranger, use the form: .
Set phrases at a glance
The whole page on one screen. The box shows which subjunctive each phrase locks in.
| Phrase | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| doubled verb | | whatever happens |
| a good wish | . | Have a good day. |
| a live hope | . | I hope he/she comes. |
| an unlikely wish | . | I wish he/she were here. |
| a regret | . | I wish he/she had come. |
| as if | | as if he/she knew everything |
| scorn | ¡ ! | Anyone would think you were rich! |
| a sigh | ¡ ! | If only I could! |
| a hedge | | as far as I know |
| just in case | | in case it rains |
The last row is the odd one out: takes the indicative.
Pase lo que pase: the doubled verb
Put a subjunctive verb, then (or , , ), then the same verb again. It means "whatever", "however" or "whoever", and every outcome at once:
| Phrase | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| whatever happens | |
| whatever it costs | |
| whatever they say | |
| whatever you do | |
| wherever you go | |
| one way or another | |
| whoever it is |
In a sentence:
, .- Whatever it costs, I'll get it., .- Whatever you do, don't tell him/her.
(as you like) is the single-verb cousin: . - Do it however you like.
Good wishes: que tengas un buen día
A bare + present subjunctive is a good wish. It is the tail of (I hope that), with the dropped:
| When | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| saying goodbye | . | Have a good day. |
| someone is ill | . | Get well soon. |
| at the table | . | Enjoy your meal. |
| at bedtime | . | Sleep well. |
| before a trip | . | All the best. |
| before an exam | . | Good luck. |
| before a party | . | Have a good time. |
| a birthday | . | Many happy returns. |
- .
- .
Que descanses: sleep well, to the tired boy. Que te mejores: get well soon, to the girl who is ill.
To a stranger, use the forms: . - Have a good day.
Going further: Ojalá: how reachable is the hope? and the rest of the guide, when you want them. This lesson does not need them.
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