Now why would you use the subjunctive for emotions? Aren't you representing a "fact" or "certainty" of a particular emotion? Aren't you expressing truthfully how you feel about something? Well yes, but it's not viewed in that way.
The truth of the matter is you are expressing your emotional reaction about something. Since emotions are a personal judgement, they are subjective. You might believe a certain floral arrangement is beautiful, but I may have the complete opposite feeling for the exact same floral arrangement. We both cannot be right or factual about it. Our reactions to the floral arrangement are subjective and based on our personal feelings, tastes, and emotional perspectives at the time. Because there can be a wide range of emotional feelings about everything, it is important we use the subjunctive for those personal feelings.
Like the wishing verbs, emotional verbs require two subjects for both verbs. You do not have to have different subjects for the two verbs. The first verb (the emotional verb) will be in the indicative and the second verb will be in the subjunctive. The two verbs will have a separation using a relative pronoun. Please re-read my previous blog post about relative pronouns as I have provided some examples for your reference.
Here are some examples using emotional verbs with the subjunctive:
Siento
|
que
|
no pueda venir a la
fiesta.
|
Nos molesta
|
que
|
el ruido sea tan fuerte.
|
A mi papá le
sorprende
|
que
|
Virginia tenga
muchos problemas.
|
Ojalá
|
que
|
ganes el premio.
|
My first example is using the same subject for both verbs. It says that "I am sorry that I cannot come to the party." The subject's sorrowful reaction is their own judgement regarding the situation and unnamed circumstance that is preventing the attendance of the party.
The second example states that "it bothers (or annoys) us that the noise is so loud." The noise is the event causing the negative reaction of the subject "we." The judgement comes by identifying that it is at a level so loud. This may be considered a reactionary comment or observation. But consider that it might not be a fact that the noise is too loud. There could be a possibility that it does not bother others.
"My dad is surprised that Virginia has a lot of problems" is the third example above. The father's judgement is about Virginia. Perhaps he has witnessed a series of circumstances going against Virginia. There can be always another side such as someone else not viewing Virginia as having a lot of problems. It might depend on how well you know her.
Finally, "I hope (to God) that you win the prize" is the meaning of the last example. The subject has an emotional reaction for someone else. It is a true desire of anticipation, of excitement of what may happen. It hasn't happened yet, so the outcome will still be determined. But just because one person has this feeling of support for another, does not mean that the competitor feels the same way.
Espero que esta explicación le ayude mucho con el subjunctivo.
I hope that this explanation helps you a lot with the subjunctive.
This is my true emotional desire for you with the subjunctive. It's just very fitting to say while we're learning emotional verbs and the subjunctive.
Sugiero que practique por la creación de frases usando los verbos de emoción.
I suggest that you practice by creating sentences using verbs of emotion.
Okay, so the sentence right above is not using a verb of emotion, but it is a good review and another example of using the subjunctive from last time. Take this sentence to heart and start practicing the subjunctive more. Feel free to use the verbs listed above. Here are some more verbs to create:
encantar
|
to
be delighted
|
estar contento
|
to
be glad
|
estar enojado
|
to
be angry
|
estar triste
|
to
be sad
|
tener miedo (de/a que)
|
to
be afraid (that)
|
extrañarse
|
to
be amazed
|
quejarse
|
to
complain
|
maravillar
|
to
astonish
|
lamentar
|
to
regret
|
Post some of your creative subjunctive sentences using verbs of emotion below in the comments section. Have some fun!
¡Hasta luego!
~Keith
