The Subjunctive in Adjective Clauses

Spanish: El subjuntivo en cláusulas adjetivas

Level: B2 Upper-Intermediate

Category: subjunctive

Explanation

Adjective clauses (also called relative clauses) are phrases that describe a noun, just as an adjective would. They usually begin with "que" (that/which/who), "quien" (who), "donde" (where), or "el que" (the one that). For example, in "Busco un libro que sea interesante" (I am looking for a book that is interesting), the clause "que sea interesante" describes "un libro." The key question is: do we use the indicative (es) or the subjunctive (sea)? The answer depends on whether the antecedent — the noun being described — exists and is known, or whether it is unknown, indefinite, or nonexistent.

Examples

• Busco un cafe que tenga wifi gratis. - I am looking for a cafe that has free wifi.
• Conozco un cafe que tiene wifi gratis en esta calle. - I know a cafe that has free wifi on this street.
• Necesito una habitacion que sea tranquila y de el sol. - I need a room that is quiet and faces the sun.
• Quiero la habitacion que da al patio interior. - I want the room that faces the inner courtyard.
• No hay ningun plato en el menu que no lleve carne? - Is there no dish on the menu that does not contain meat?