Language/Italian/Grammar/Present-Subjunctive

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Italian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Present Subjunctive

In the previous lesson, we learned about the Imperative Form in Italian. Now, we will continue our journey through Italian grammar and dive into the Present Subjunctive mood. The Present Subjunctive is a verb form used to express doubt, uncertainty, necessity, possibility, and emotion. It is an essential aspect of the Italian language and will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively.

Formation of the Present Subjunctive

To form the Present Subjunctive in Italian, we need to follow a specific set of rules. The conjugation of verbs in the Present Subjunctive is based on the present tense of the verb, but with different endings. Let's take a look at the conjugation patterns for regular verbs:

Regular -are Verbs

For regular -are verbs, we replace the -are ending with the following endings:

• -i
• -i
• -i
• -iamo
• -iate
• -ino

Here's an example with the verb "parlare" (to speak):

• Io parli (I speak)
• Tu parli (You speak)
• Lui/lei parli (He/she speaks)
• Noi parliamo (We speak)
• Voi parliate (You all speak)
• Loro parlino (They speak)

Regular -ere Verbs

For regular -ere verbs, we replace the -ere ending with the following endings:

• -a
• -a
• -a
• -iamo
• -iate
• -ano

Here's an example with the verb "vedere" (to see):

• Io veda (I see)
• Tu veda (You see)
• Lui/lei veda (He/she sees)
• Noi vediamo (We see)
• Voi vediate (You all see)
• Loro vedano (They see)

Regular -ire Verbs

For regular -ire verbs, we replace the -ire ending with the following endings:

• -a
• -a
• -a
• -iamo
• -iate
• -ano

Here's an example with the verb "partire" (to leave):

• Io parta (I leave)
• Tu parta (You leave)
• Lui/lei parta (He/she leaves)
• Noi partiamo (We leave)
• Voi partiate (You all leave)
• Loro partano (They leave)

It's important to note that there are also some irregular verbs in the Present Subjunctive, which do not follow the regular conjugation patterns. We will cover these irregular verbs in future lessons.

Usage of the Present Subjunctive

Now that we know how to form the Present Subjunctive, let's explore its various uses in Italian. The Present Subjunctive is commonly used in the following situations:

1. Expressing doubt or uncertainty:

  * Non credo che lui venga domani. (I don't think he will come tomorrow.)
  * Spero che tu abbia ragione. (I hope you are right.)

2. Expressing necessity or obligation:

  * È importante che studiamo per l'esame. (It is important that we study for the exam.)
  * È necessario che tu venga con me. (It is necessary that you come with me.)

3. Expressing possibility or probability:

  * Può darsi che venga più tardi. (He may come later.)
  * È possibile che piova domani. (It is possible that it will rain tomorrow.)

4. Expressing emotion or desire:

  * Mi dispiace che tu sia triste. (I'm sorry that you are sad.)
  * Voglio che tu stia bene. (I want you to be well.)

These are just a few examples of how the Present Subjunctive can be used in Italian. It adds depth and nuance to your communication, allowing you to express your thoughts and feelings more precisely.

Common Irregular Verbs in the Present Subjunctive

In addition to regular verbs, there are several irregular verbs in the Present Subjunctive. These verbs have unique conjugation patterns that do not follow the regular rules. Here are some common irregular verbs in the Present Subjunctive:

• Essere (to be):

 * Io sia
 * Tu sia
 * Lui/lei sia
 * Noi siamo
 * Voi siate
 * Loro siano

• Avere (to have):

 * Io abbia
 * Tu abbia
 * Lui/lei abbia
 * Noi abbiamo
 * Voi abbiate
 * Loro abbiano

• Fare (to do/make):

 * Io faccia
 * Tu faccia
 * Lui/lei faccia
 * Noi facciamo
 * Voi facciate
 * Loro facciano

• Venire (to come):

 * Io venga
 * Tu venga
 * Lui/lei venga
 * Noi veniamo
 * Voi veniate
 * Loro vengano

• Andare (to go):

 * Io vada
 * Tu vada
 * Lui/lei vada
 * Noi andiamo
 * Voi andiate
 * Loro vadano

These are just a few examples of irregular verbs in the Present Subjunctive. It's important to practice and familiarize yourself with them, as they are commonly used in everyday conversations.

Exercises

To reinforce your understanding of the Present Subjunctive, let's practice with some exercises. Translate the following sentences into Italian using the Present Subjunctive:

1. I hope he understands the importance of this meeting. 2. It is necessary that she arrives on time. 3. They may not believe what we say. 4. I want you to come with me to the party. 5. It's possible that they have already left.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned about the Present Subjunctive in Italian. This verb form is essential for expressing doubt, uncertainty, necessity, possibility, and emotion. Practice using the Present Subjunctive in various contexts to become more comfortable with its usage.

In the next lesson, we will explore the Imperative mood in Italian. This mood is used to give commands or make requests. Get ready to learn how to effectively communicate your desires and intentions in Italian!

Table of Contents - Italian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

Introduction to Italian Language

• Italian Alphabet
• Nouns and Articles
• Present Tense of Regular Verbs
• Adjectives and Adverbs
• Present Tense of Irregular Verbs

  ---

Daily Life Expressions

• Greetings and Introductions
• Foods and Drinks
• Transportation
• Numbers and Dates

  ---

Italian Culture and Tradition

• Italian Regions and Cities
• Italian Cuisine and Wine
• Italian Art and Music
• Italian Festivals and Celebrations

  ---

Past and Future Tenses

• Passato Prossimo
• Futuro Semplice
• Imperfect Tense
• Condizionale Presente

  ---

Social and Work Life

• Family and Relationships
• Work and Employment
• Shopping and Services
• Tourism and Hospitality

  ---

Italian Literature and Cinema

• Famous Italian Writers and Poets
• Italian Cinema Industry
• Italian Contemporary Art

  ---

Subjunctive and Imperative Moods

• Present Subjunctive
• Imperative Form
• Simple Past Subjunctive
• Conditional Subjunctive

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Science and Technology

• Computer and Technology
• Science and Research
• Environment and Ecology

  ---

Italian Politics and Society

• Contemporary Italian Politics
• Italian Society and Customs
• Religion and Believes

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Compound Tenses

• Trapassato Prossimo
• Trapassato Remoto
• Futuro Anteriore
• Congiuntivo Passato

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Arts and Design

• Fashion and Design
• Music and Performing Arts
• Visual Arts

  ---

Italian Language and Dialects

• Italian Language Variations
• Italian Language in the World
• Italian Language as a Second Language

Sources

• Understanding the Italian Present Subjunctive Tense
• How do you form the present subjunctive in Italian? - Grammar
• The Infamous Italian Subjunctive: A User's Manual | FluentU Italian

Other Lessons

• Past Tense
• Nouns and Articles
• Accents
• Condizionale Presente
• Plural
• Future Tense
• Conditional Mood
• Negation
• Plurals
• Past Participle in Italian

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