Mastering Relative Clauses in Spanish: Indicative vs. Subjunctive Made Simple!

Spanish lessons

When learning Spanish, understanding relative clauses (oraciones de relativo) can be a game-changer. These clauses help connect ideas smoothly, making your speech and writing sound more natural and fluent. However, a major challenge arises when choosing between the indicative and subjunctive moods in these clauses.

Why is this choice so important? Because it affects meaning, certainty, and subjectivity in your sentences.

For example:
✅ Busco un libro que tiene muchas fotos. (I’m looking for a book that has many pictures.)
❌ Busco un libro que tenga muchas fotos. (I’m looking for a book that might have many pictures.)

Both sentences are correct, but they express different ideas! The first assumes the book exists, while the second suggests uncertainty.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

When to use indicative vs. subjunctive in relative clauses
Common expressions that trigger each mood
Conjugation rules and grammar patterns
Tricky exceptions and how to avoid common mistakes
Plenty of example sentences and practice exercises

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of this important grammar point, making your Spanish sound more precise and natural.

Common Expressions

Relative clauses in Spanish often start with words like que, quien, cual, and donde. Depending on the context, these clauses may require the indicative (for known or certain things) or the subjunctive (for unknown, uncertain, or subjective things).

Here are some common sentence patterns:

With Indicative (Certain/Existing Things)

Conozco a alguien que vive en Madrid.
(I know someone who lives in Madrid.) → The person exists.
Hay un restaurante que sirve comida mexicana cerca de aquí.
(There is a restaurant that serves Mexican food near here.) → The restaurant is real.
Tengo un amigo que habla cinco idiomas.
(I have a friend who speaks five languages.) → The friend is real.
El coche que está en la calle es mío.
(The car that is on the street is mine.) → A specific car is being referred to.
Necesitamos un hotel que tenga buena conexión Wi-Fi.
(We need a hotel that has a good Wi-Fi connection.) → Looking for a specific, known hotel.

With Subjunctive (Uncertain/Nonexistent Things)

Busco un libro que tenga muchas fotos.
(I’m looking for a book that has many pictures.) → Uncertain if such a book exists.
¿Hay alguien que pueda ayudarme?
(Is there someone who can help me?) → Uncertain if help is available.
Quiero un coche que no cueste mucho dinero.
(I want a car that doesn’t cost a lot of money.) → The car is hypothetical.
No hay nadie que sepa la respuesta.
(There is no one who knows the answer.) → Expressing doubt or negation.
Ojalá encuentre una casa que tenga jardín.
(I hope to find a house that has a garden.) → The house may not exist.

These expressions set the foundation for understanding when to use indicative or subjunctive in relative clauses. In the next section, we’ll go deeper into how and when to use each mood in different contexts.

Usage: When to Use Indicative vs. Subjunctive in Relative Clauses

The choice between indicative and subjunctive in relative clauses depends on certainty, existence, and subjectivity. Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Use the Indicative When Referring to Something Certain or Known

If the noun being described is specific, real, or known to exist, use the indicative in the relative clause.

✅ Examples:

Tengo un amigo que trabaja en un banco. (I have a friend who works at a bank.) → The friend is real.
Conocemos a una profesora que enseña inglés. (We know a teacher who teaches English.) → The teacher exists.
Hay un parque que tiene muchas flores. (There is a park that has many flowers.) → The park is known to exist.

Key Rule: If you’re describing something you know exists, use the indicative.

2. Use the Subjunctive When Referring to Something Uncertain, Hypothetical, or Nonexistent

If the noun being described is unspecified, unknown, or may not exist, use the subjunctive in the relative clause.

✅ Examples:

Busco un hotel que tenga piscina. (I’m looking for a hotel that has a pool.) → It’s unknown whether such a hotel exists.
¿Conoces a alguien que hable chino? (Do you know someone who speaks Chinese?) → The speaker doesn’t know if such a person exists.
No hay ningún restaurante que sirva comida italiana aquí. (There is no restaurant that serves Italian food here.) → The restaurant doesn’t exist.

Key Rule: If you’re describing something uncertain or nonexistent, use the subjunctive.

3. Use the Subjunctive After Superlatives or Expressions of Subjectivity

When using superlative expressions (the best, the worst, the only one, etc.) or making a subjective judgment, the subjunctive is preferred.

✅ Examples:

Es el mejor libro que haya leído. (It’s the best book I have ever read.) → Subjective opinion.
Es el único profesor que explique bien la gramática. (He is the only teacher who explains grammar well.) → The speaker’s perspective.

Key Rule: If the relative clause expresses personal opinion, doubt, or a unique quality, use the subjunctive.

4. Use the Subjunctive After Indefinite Pronouns Like “Cualquiera” (Whichever/Anyone)

If the noun refers to an indeterminate choice, use the subjunctive.

✅ Examples:

Cualquiera que venga será bienvenido. (Whoever comes will be welcome.)
Elija la casa que más le guste. (Choose whichever house you like the most.)

Key Rule: When the noun is unspecified or has multiple possibilities, use the subjunctive.

5. The Meaning Can Change Depending on the Mood

Sometimes, the same sentence can change meaning depending on whether you use the indicative or subjunctive.

✅ Examples:

Busco un profesor que enseña japonés. (I’m looking for a teacher who teaches Japanese.) → The teacher exists.
Busco un profesor que enseñe japonés. (I’m looking for a teacher who teaches Japanese.) → The teacher may not exist.
Quiero una casa que tiene balcón. (I want a house that has a balcony.) → The house exists.
Quiero una casa que tenga balcón. (I want a house that has a balcony.) → The house is hypothetical.

Final Takeaways on Usage:

🔹 Use Indicative when referring to something real, known, or certain.
🔹 Use Subjunctive when referring to something unknown, hypothetical, or nonexistent.
🔹 Use Subjunctive with superlatives, subjective opinions, and indefinite expressions.

Now that we understand when to use each mood, let’s move on to the Conjugation Rules in the next section! 🚀

Conjugation: How to Form Relative Clauses with Indicative and Subjunctive

The verb in the relative clause (the part that starts with “que,” “quien,” etc.) must be conjugated correctly according to tense and mood. Let’s break it down:

1. Conjugation in the Indicative Mood (Used for Certainty & Known Facts)

If the relative clause refers to something definite or real, the verb follows normal indicative conjugation rules.

Tense	Example Sentence	Translation
Present	Tengo un amigo que trabaja en un banco.	I have a friend who works at a bank.
Preterite	Encontré un libro que me gustó mucho.	I found a book that I liked a lot.
Imperfect	Había un niño que siempre jugaba en el parque.	There was a boy who always played in the park.
Future	Conoceré a alguien que hablará español.	I will meet someone who will speak Spanish.
Present Perfect	He visto una película que ha sido increíble.	I have seen a movie that has been amazing.

✅ Key Rule: Use the normal indicative conjugations when referring to a known, real, or certain entity.

2. Conjugation in the Subjunctive Mood (Used for Uncertainty & Hypotheticals)

If the relative clause refers to something uncertain, hypothetical, or nonexistent, the verb must be in the subjunctive.

Tense	Example Sentence	Translation
Present Subjunctive	Busco a alguien que hable inglés.	I’m looking for someone who speaks English.
Imperfect Subjunctive	Quería un coche que tuviera más espacio.	I wanted a car that had more space.
Present Perfect Subjunctive	Espero encontrar un trabajo que haya sido bien pagado.	I hope to find a job that has been well-paid.
Past Perfect Subjunctive	Necesitaba un amigo que hubiera entendido mi problema.	I needed a friend who had understood my problem.
Future Subjunctive (rare)	Cualquiera que fuere elegido tendrá que trabajar duro.	Whoever is chosen will have to work hard.

✅ Key Rule: Use subjunctive in the relative clause when the existence of the noun is uncertain, hypothetical, or unknown.

3. Shortcut: How to Quickly Choose Between Indicative & Subjunctive

A simple trick is to look at the main clause:

🔹 If the main clause describes something certain → Use indicative
🔹 If the main clause describes something unknown, hypothetical, or a wish → Use subjunctive

✅ Examples:

Tengo un coche que funciona bien. (I have a car that works well.) → Indicative (The car exists.)
Quiero un coche que funcione bien. (I want a car that works well.) → Subjunctive (Not a specific car, just a wish.)

Final Takeaways on Conjugation:

📌 Indicative is used for known, real things and follows normal conjugation rules.
📌 Subjunctive is used for unknown, hypothetical things and requires special conjugation.
📌 Tense agreement is important—past tenses in the main clause require past subjunctive!

Now that we’ve covered conjugation, let’s move on to the Grammar Rules section to clarify more details! 🚀

Grammar Rules for Relative Clauses with Indicative and Subjunctive

When deciding whether to use indicative or subjunctive in relative clauses, there are important grammar rules to follow. Let’s go step by step.

1. Use the Indicative When the Antecedent Is Definite or Known

If the antecedent (the noun being described) is specific, real, or known to exist, the indicative is required.

✅ Examples:

Hay un profesor que explica bien la gramática. (There is a teacher who explains grammar well.)
Tengo un amigo que vive en Madrid. (I have a friend who lives in Madrid.)
Conocemos un restaurante que sirve comida mexicana. (We know a restaurant that serves Mexican food.)

📌 Rule: If the noun is certain, use the indicative in the relative clause.

2. Use the Subjunctive When the Antecedent Is Unknown, Hypothetical, or Nonexistent

If the antecedent is unspecified, unknown, or may not exist, the subjunctive is used in the relative clause.

✅ Examples:

Busco un profesor que explique bien la gramática. (I’m looking for a teacher who explains grammar well.) → The teacher may not exist.
¿Hay alguien aquí que hable japonés? (Is there someone here who speaks Japanese?) → The speaker is unsure if such a person exists.
No hay ninguna tienda que venda ese producto. (There is no store that sells that product.) → The store does not exist.

📌 Rule: If the noun is uncertain, hypothetical, or nonexistent, use the subjunctive.

3. Use the Subjunctive After Negative Antecedents (Nonexistence)

When the main clause negates the existence of something, the verb in the relative clause must be in the subjunctive.

✅ Examples:

No conozco a nadie que pueda ayudarme. (I don’t know anyone who can help me.)
No hay ningún libro que explique esto bien. (There is no book that explains this well.)
No tengo ningún amigo que haya viajado a Japón. (I don’t have any friend who has traveled to Japan.)

📌 Rule: When the noun doesn’t exist, use the subjunctive.

4. Use the Subjunctive in Questions About Unknown Information

When asking about something that may not exist, use the subjunctive.

✅ Examples:

¿Conoces a alguien que sepa programar? (Do you know someone who knows how to program?)
¿Hay algún restaurante aquí que sirva comida italiana? (Is there a restaurant here that serves Italian food?)

However, if the question assumes that something exists, use the indicative:

✅ Example:

¿Conoces al profesor que enseña español? (Do you know the teacher who teaches Spanish?) → Assumes the teacher exists.

📌 Rule: In questions, use the subjunctive when asking about something uncertain, but indicative when assuming something exists.

5. Use the Subjunctive After Superlative Expressions and Exclusive Statements

When using superlatives (e.g., “the best,” “the only one”) or exclusive statements, the subjunctive is used in the relative clause.

✅ Examples:

Es el mejor libro que haya leído. (It’s the best book I have ever read.)
Es el único estudiante que haya aprobado el examen. (He is the only student who has passed the exam.)

📌 Rule: When using superlatives or statements that indicate exclusivity, use the subjunctive.

6. The Meaning Changes Depending on the Mood

Using indicative or subjunctive in the relative clause can change the meaning of a sentence.

✅ Examples:

Necesito un coche que tiene aire acondicionado. (I need a car that has air conditioning.) → A specific car exists.
Necesito un coche que tenga aire acondicionado. (I need a car that has air conditioning.) → A car like this may exist, but I don’t have one yet.
Busco una secretaria que habla inglés. (I’m looking for a secretary who speaks English.) → I know this person exists.
Busco una secretaria que hable inglés. (I’m looking for a secretary who speaks English.) → I don’t know if such a person exists.

📌 Rule: The indicative refers to something definite, while the subjunctive refers to something hypothetical.

Final Takeaways on Grammar Rules

✅ Use Indicative for real, certain, or known things.
✅ Use Subjunctive for uncertain, hypothetical, or nonexistent things.
✅ Use Subjunctive in negative statements, superlative expressions, and hypothetical questions.
✅ Be careful! The meaning can change depending on the mood.

Things to Keep in Mind: Tricky Points & Exceptions

Mastering relative clauses with indicative and subjunctive can be challenging, especially because small changes in context can affect which mood is required. Here are some important things to keep in mind:

1. The Meaning of the Sentence Can Change with Indicative vs. Subjunctive

One of the biggest challenges is that using indicative or subjunctive can completely change the meaning of a sentence.

✅ Examples:

Busco un profesor que enseña japonés. (I’m looking for a teacher who teaches Japanese.) → A specific teacher exists.
Busco un profesor que enseñe japonés. (I’m looking for a teacher who teaches Japanese.) → I don’t know if such a teacher exists.

📌 Key Tip: Think about whether the noun is specific and real (indicative) or hypothetical and unknown (subjunctive).

2. Some Sentences Can Use Either Mood with Slightly Different Meanings

Sometimes, both indicative and subjunctive are possible, but they give a slightly different nuance to the sentence.

✅ Examples:

Tengo un amigo que vive en España. (I have a friend who lives in Spain.) → A specific friend I know.
Quiero un amigo que viva en España. (I want a friend who lives in Spain.) → I don’t have this friend yet, just a wish.
Hay alguien que sabe la respuesta. (There is someone who knows the answer.) → A specific person exists.
¿Hay alguien que sepa la respuesta? (Is there someone who knows the answer?) → Asking if such a person exists.

📌 Key Tip: Indicative is used for things that exist, while subjunctive is used for possibilities, wishes, or questions about existence.

3. With Negative Sentences, Always Use the Subjunctive

If the sentence negates the existence of something (e.g., “I don’t know anyone who…”, “There is no one who…”), the subjunctive must be used.

✅ Examples:

No hay nadie que pueda ayudarme. (There is no one who can help me.)
No conozco a nadie que hable alemán. (I don’t know anyone who speaks German.)

📌 Key Tip: If the noun does not exist (or is negated), use subjunctive.

4. In Yes/No Questions, Use Subjunctive If the Answer Is Uncertain

When asking a yes/no question about the existence of something, the subjunctive is often used because the answer is unknown.

✅ Examples:

¿Conoces a alguien que toque la guitarra? (Do you know someone who plays the guitar?) → Uncertain if such a person exists.
¿Hay una tienda que venda café colombiano? (Is there a store that sells Colombian coffee?) → Uncertain if such a store exists.

📌 Key Tip: If you’re not sure about the existence of the noun, use subjunctive.

5. Use the Subjunctive for Superlatives and Exclusive Statements

When using superlative expressions like “the best,” “the only one,” or “the first”, the subjunctive is often required.

✅ Examples:

Es el mejor libro que haya leído. (It’s the best book I have ever read.)
Es el único profesor que haya trabajado aquí tanto tiempo. (He is the only teacher who has worked here for so long.)

📌 Key Tip: Superlatives imply that something is unique or subjective, so they often require subjunctive.

6. Watch Out for Subtle Changes with Expressions of Necessity and Desire

Sentences with words like “necesitar” (to need), “buscar” (to look for), “querer” (to want) use subjunctive when the object is not specific.

✅ Examples:

Necesito un libro que explique esto bien. (I need a book that explains this well.) → Any book, not specific → Subjunctive.
Necesito el libro que explica esto bien. (I need the book that explains this well.) → A specific book exists → Indicative.

📌 Key Tip: If you’re referring to any object/person (not specific), use subjunctive.

7. Future Subjunctive Exists but Is Rarely Used

Spanish has a future subjunctive (e.g., quienquiera que fuere), but it is archaic and mostly appears in legal or literary texts. In modern Spanish, the present or past subjunctive is used instead.

✅ Example (Rarely Used):

Cualquiera que fuere elegido tendrá que trabajar duro. (Whoever is chosen will have to work hard.)

✅ Modern Version:

Cualquiera que sea elegido tendrá que trabajar duro. (Whoever is chosen will have to work hard.)

📌 Key Tip: You don’t need to learn the future subjunctive for everyday Spanish—stick with present or past subjunctive instead!

Final Takeaways on Tricky Points & Exceptions

✅ Indicative vs. Subjunctive changes the meaning—pay attention to the difference!
✅ Use subjunctive when the noun is uncertain, hypothetical, or nonexistent.
✅ Negative statements always require the subjunctive.
✅ Superlative expressions (“the best,” “the only one”) often require the subjunctive.
✅ Verbs like “buscar,” “querer,” and “necesitar” require subjunctive if referring to something non-specific.
✅ The future subjunctive exists but is very rare in modern Spanish.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Many Spanish learners struggle with choosing between indicative and subjunctive in relative clauses. Here are the most common mistakes and how you can fix them:

1. Using Indicative Instead of Subjunctive for Unknown or Nonexistent People/Things

🔴 Incorrect:

Quiero un coche que tiene asientos de cuero. (I want a car that has leather seats.)
Busco a alguien que sabe cocinar comida japonesa. (I’m looking for someone who knows how to cook Japanese food.)

✅ Correct:

Quiero un coche que tenga asientos de cuero. (I want a car that has leather seats.)
Busco a alguien que sepa cocinar comida japonesa. (I’m looking for someone who knows how to cook Japanese food.)

📌 Why? If the person or thing is unknown, hypothetical, or does not necessarily exist, use subjunctive.

2. Using Subjunctive When the Object is Clearly Defined and Exists

🔴 Incorrect:

Tengo un amigo que hable tres idiomas. (I have a friend who speaks three languages.)
Conozco un restaurante que sirva comida vegana. (I know a restaurant that serves vegan food.)

✅ Correct:

Tengo un amigo que habla tres idiomas. (I have a friend who speaks three languages.)
Conozco un restaurante que sirve comida vegana. (I know a restaurant that serves vegan food.)

📌 Why? If the person or thing is specific and known to exist, use indicative.

3. Forgetting That Negative Statements Always Require the Subjunctive

🔴 Incorrect:

No hay nadie que puede ayudarme. (There is no one who can help me.)
No tengo ninguna amiga que entiende francés. (I don’t have any friend who understands French.)

✅ Correct:

No hay nadie que pueda ayudarme. (There is no one who can help me.)
No tengo ninguna amiga que entienda francés. (I don’t have any friend who understands French.)

📌 Why? In negative statements where something does not exist, always use subjunctive.

4. Using Indicative Instead of Subjunctive in Questions About Existence

🔴 Incorrect:

¿Conoces a alguien que trabaja en Google? (Do you know someone who works at Google?)
¿Hay un hotel que acepta perros cerca de aquí? (Is there a hotel that accepts dogs near here?)

✅ Correct:

¿Conoces a alguien que trabaje en Google? (Do you know someone who works at Google?)
¿Hay un hotel que acepte perros cerca de aquí? (Is there a hotel that accepts dogs near here?)

📌 Why? If the answer is uncertain, use subjunctive. If the answer is definite, use indicative.

✅ Compare:

Sí, conozco a alguien que trabaja en Google. (Yes, I know someone who works at Google.) → Indicative because the person exists.
No, no conozco a nadie que trabaje en Google. (No, I don’t know anyone who works at Google.) → Subjunctive because it’s a negative statement.

5. Not Using Subjunctive with Superlatives and Exclusive Statements

🔴 Incorrect:

Es el mejor profesor que explica gramática. (He is the best teacher who explains grammar.)
Es la única película que tiene un final triste. (It’s the only movie that has a sad ending.)

✅ Correct:

Es el mejor profesor que explique gramática. (He is the best teacher who explains grammar.)
Es la única película que tenga un final triste. (It’s the only movie that has a sad ending.)

📌 Why? Superlatives and exclusive statements imply a subjective opinion, so they often require subjunctive.

6. Forgetting That “Necesitar” and “Buscar” Require Subjunctive for Non-Specific Objects

🔴 Incorrect:

Necesito un libro que explica esto bien. (I need a book that explains this well.)
Busco un apartamento que tiene tres habitaciones. (I’m looking for an apartment that has three bedrooms.)

✅ Correct:

Necesito un libro que explique esto bien. (I need a book that explains this well.)
Busco un apartamento que tenga tres habitaciones. (I’m looking for an apartment that has three bedrooms.)

📌 Why? When talking about something you don’t have yet or are unsure if it exists, use subjunctive.

✅ Compare:

Este libro explica esto bien. (This book explains this well.) → Indicative because it refers to a specific book.
Necesito un libro que explique esto bien. (I need a book that explains this well.) → Subjunctive because the book is not specific.

7. Overusing Subjunctive When It’s Not Needed

🔴 Incorrect:

Veo un niño que juegue en el parque. (I see a child who is playing in the park.)
Tengo una casa que sea muy grande. (I have a house that is very big.)

✅ Correct:

Veo un niño que juega en el parque. (I see a child who is playing in the park.)
Tengo una casa que es muy grande. (I have a house that is very big.)

📌 Why? If the noun definitely exists, use indicative.

Final Takeaways on Common Mistakes

✅ Use subjunctive when the person or thing is uncertain, hypothetical, or nonexistent.
✅ Use indicative when the person or thing is specific and known to exist.
✅ Negative statements always require subjunctive.
✅ Yes/no questions use subjunctive if the answer is unknown.
✅ Superlatives (“the best,” “the only”) usually require subjunctive.
✅ Verbs like “buscar” and “necesitar” require subjunctive if referring to something non-specific.
✅ Avoid using subjunctive for things that clearly exist.

Example Sentences

1. Definite or Known vs. Indefinite or Unknown

✅ Indicative (Known/Specific):

Tengo un amigo que vive en Madrid. (I have a friend who lives in Madrid.)
Conozco una tienda que vende productos ecológicos. (I know a store that sells organic products.)

✅ Subjunctive (Unknown/Uncertain):

Quiero un amigo que viva en Madrid. (I want a friend who lives in Madrid.)
Busco una tienda que venda productos ecológicos. (I’m looking for a store that sells organic products.)

2. Negative Statements Always Require Subjunctive

✅ Subjunctive (Negative Statement):

No hay nadie que pueda ayudarme. (There is no one who can help me.)
No tengo ningún libro que explique bien este tema. (I don’t have any book that explains this topic well.)

3. Yes/No Questions with Uncertain Answers

✅ Subjunctive (Uncertain Existence):

¿Hay alguien que hable chino aquí? (Is there someone who speaks Chinese here?)
¿Conoces a alguien que sepa arreglar bicicletas? (Do you know someone who knows how to fix bikes?)

✅ Indicative (Certain Existence – Answering the Question):

Sí, hay alguien que habla chino aquí. (Yes, there is someone who speaks Chinese here.)
Sí, conozco a alguien que sabe arreglar bicicletas. (Yes, I know someone who knows how to fix bikes.)

4. Superlatives and Exclusive Statements

✅ Subjunctive (Superlative/Subjective Opinion):

Es el mejor libro que haya leído. (It’s the best book I have ever read.)
Es la única película que tenga un final triste. (It’s the only movie that has a sad ending.)

✅ Indicative (No Subjective Judgment):

Este es un libro que me gusta mucho. (This is a book that I really like.)
La película que vimos ayer fue increíble. (The movie we watched yesterday was incredible.)

5. Subjunctive with Future or Uncertain Actions

✅ Subjunctive (Action Not Completed Yet):

Llamaré a la persona que me recomienden. (I will call the person they recommend to me.)
Compraremos la casa que nos guste más. (We will buy the house that we like the most.)

✅ Indicative (Action Already Completed):

Llamé a la persona que me recomendaron. (I called the person they recommended to me.)
Compramos la casa que nos gustó más. (We bought the house that we liked the most.)

6. Expressions with “Buscar” and “Necesitar”

✅ Subjunctive (Uncertain Existence):

Busco un apartamento que tenga tres habitaciones. (I’m looking for an apartment that has three bedrooms.)
Necesito un profesor que hable inglés y francés. (I need a teacher who speaks English and French.)

✅ Indicative (Certain Existence):

Tengo un apartamento que tiene tres habitaciones. (I have an apartment that has three bedrooms.)
Conozco a un profesor que habla inglés y francés. (I know a teacher who speaks English and French.)

7. General Facts vs. Hypothetical Situations

✅ Indicative (General Fact):

Vivo en una ciudad que tiene un clima templado. (I live in a city that has a mild climate.)
Hay un restaurante aquí que sirve comida mexicana auténtica. (There is a restaurant here that serves authentic Mexican food.)

✅ Subjunctive (Hypothetical Situation):

Quiero vivir en una ciudad que tenga un clima templado. (I want to live in a city that has a mild climate.)
Ojalá hubiera un restaurante aquí que sirviera comida mexicana auténtica. (I wish there were a restaurant here that served authentic Mexican food.)

8. Imperatives with Uncertain Objects

✅ Subjunctive (Uncertain Object/Person):

Dime si conoces a alguien que pueda ayudarme. (Tell me if you know someone who can help me.)
Recomiéndame un libro que sea interesante. (Recommend me a book that is interesting.)

✅ Indicative (Known Object/Person):

Dime si conoces a alguien que puede ayudarme. (Tell me if you know someone who can help me.)
Me recomendó un libro que es muy interesante. (He recommended me a book that is very interesting.)

Exercise: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following sentences with the correct indicative or subjunctive form of the verb in parentheses.

Busco un profesor que _______ (hablar) francés y español.
Conozco a una persona que _______ (trabajar) en esa empresa.
¿Hay alguien aquí que _______ (saber) tocar la guitarra?
No hay nadie en mi familia que _______ (poder) cocinar bien.
Necesito un libro que me _______ (ayudar) a estudiar español.
Tengo un amigo que _______ (vivir) en Argentina.
Queremos comprar una casa que _______ (tener) un jardín grande.
Ella quiere conocer a alguien que _______ (compartir) sus intereses.
Este es el mejor café que _______ (probar) en mi vida.
No encuentro a nadie que me _______ (prestar) dinero.
Hay un hotel aquí que _______ (ofrecer) habitaciones baratas.
Prefiero trabajar con personas que _______ (ser) responsables.
¿Conoces algún restaurante que _______ (servir) comida vegetariana?
No hay nada en la tienda que me _______ (gustar).
Es el único libro que me _______ (interesar) leer.
Espero encontrar un trabajo que me _______ (permitir) viajar.
Esta es la chica que siempre me _______ (ayudar) con las tareas.
No tengo amigos que _______ (vivir) en otro país.
¿Sabes de alguien que _______ (poder) reparar mi ordenador?
Necesito hablar con la persona que _______ (ser) responsable del proyecto.

Answers: Fill in the Blanks

Busco un profesor que hable francés y español. (I’m looking for a teacher who speaks French and Spanish.)
Conozco a una persona que trabaja en esa empresa. (I know a person who works at that company.)
¿Hay alguien aquí que sepa tocar la guitarra? (Is there someone here who knows how to play the guitar?)
No hay nadie en mi familia que pueda cocinar bien. (There is no one in my family who can cook well.)
Necesito un libro que me ayude a estudiar español. (I need a book that helps me study Spanish.)
Tengo un amigo que vive en Argentina. (I have a friend who lives in Argentina.)
Queremos comprar una casa que tenga un jardín grande. (We want to buy a house that has a big garden.)
Ella quiere conocer a alguien que comparta sus intereses. (She wants to meet someone who shares her interests.)
Este es el mejor café que he probado en mi vida. (This is the best coffee I have ever tried in my life.)
No encuentro a nadie que me preste dinero. (I can’t find anyone who will lend me money.)
Hay un hotel aquí que ofrece habitaciones baratas. (There is a hotel here that offers cheap rooms.)
Prefiero trabajar con personas que son responsables. (I prefer to work with people who are responsible.)
¿Conoces algún restaurante que sirva comida vegetariana? (Do you know any restaurant that serves vegetarian food?)
No hay nada en la tienda que me guste. (There is nothing in the store that I like.)
Es el único libro que me interesa leer. (It’s the only book that interests me to read.)
Espero encontrar un trabajo que me permita viajar. (I hope to find a job that allows me to travel.)
Esta es la chica que siempre me ayuda con las tareas. (This is the girl who always helps me with homework.)
No tengo amigos que vivan en otro país. (I don’t have any friends who live in another country.)
¿Sabes de alguien que pueda reparar mi ordenador? (Do you know someone who can repair my computer?)
Necesito hablar con la persona que es responsable del proyecto. (I need to speak with the person who is responsible for the project.)

Key Observations from the Answers:

✅ Indicative is used when referring to a specific, known, or existing person, place, or thing.
✅ Subjunctive is used when referring to something unknown, hypothetical, non-existent, or uncertain.
✅ Negative statements about existence almost always require subjunctive.
✅ Superlatives and exclusive statements tend to use subjunctive.

Summary: Key Takeaways

1. When to Use Indicative vs. Subjunctive in Relative Clauses

✅ Use Indicative when the noun is specific and known to exist.
✅ Use Subjunctive when the noun is unknown, hypothetical, or non-existent.

2. Common Usage Rules

✔ Indicative is used for factual, definite statements.
✔ Subjunctive is required in negative sentences where something does not exist.
✔ Yes/no questions use subjunctive if the answer is uncertain.
✔ Superlatives (“the best,” “the only”) usually require subjunctive.
✔ Expressions like “buscar” and “necesitar” use subjunctive if referring to something non-specific.

3. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Incorrect: Quiero un coche que tiene asientos de cuero. (The car is unknown.)
✅ Correct: Quiero un coche que tenga asientos de cuero.

❌ Incorrect: No hay nadie que puede ayudarme. (Negative statement.)
✅ Correct: No hay nadie que pueda ayudarme.

❌ Incorrect: Es el mejor profesor que explica gramática. (Superlative.)
✅ Correct: Es el mejor profesor que explique gramática.

4. Quick Guide for Choosing Between Indicative & Subjunctive

Scenario	Use Indicative	Use Subjunctive
Person/Thing Exists	✅	❌
Person/Thing is Unknown	❌	✅
Negative Sentences (No hay nadie que… etc.)	❌	✅
Superlatives (el mejor, el único… etc.)	❌	✅
Hypothetical Descriptions (Necesito un libro que… etc.)	❌	✅

5. Practice Makes Perfect!

🔹 Pay close attention to context when choosing between indicative and subjunctive.
🔹 Practice with real sentences to develop a natural understanding of when to use each form.
🔹 Re-read the example sentences and try making your own!

Conclusion: Mastering Relative Clauses with Indicative and Subjunctive

Learning when to use indicative vs. subjunctive in relative clauses is a key step in mastering Spanish grammar. While it may seem tricky at first, understanding the difference between known vs. unknown, certain vs. hypothetical, and factual vs. subjective will make it much easier.

💡 Remember:

Use indicative when talking about something specific, real, or known to exist.
Use subjunctive when referring to something hypothetical, unknown, or non-existent.
Pay special attention to negative statements, superlatives, and uncertainty, as these often require subjunctive.

The best way to master this topic is through practice! Try writing your own sentences, completing exercises, and listening to real-life conversations to see how native speakers use these structures.

📢 What’s next?
➡️ Try the exercise above and check your answers!
➡️ Share your own example sentences in the comments—I’ll be happy to check them for you!
➡️ Follow my blog for more Spanish grammar tips, exercises, and language-learning strategies.

If you enjoyed this lesson, be sure to check out more posts like this on my blog at My Language Classes. Don’t forget to subscribe my YouTube channel and follow me on Instagram for the latest language learning tips and lessons. Leave a comment below to share your thoughts, or ask any questions you have about nouns.

Happy learning! 😊

Mastering the Present Indicative Mode in Spanish (Regular verbs)

Imperative Mode in Spanish

Preterite Tense (Pretérito Indefinido) in Spanish

Imperfect Tense (Pretérito Imperfecto) in Spanish

Future Simple Tense in Spanish

Spanish Conditional Tense (Condicional Simple)

Present Perfect Tense (Pretérito Perfecto de Indicativo) in Spanish

Understanding the Subjunctive Mood in Spanish

Understanding the Present Subjunctive (Presente de Subjuntivo) in Spanish

Pretérito Pluscuamperfecto (Past Perfect) in Spanish

Pretérito Indefinido vs. Imperfecto – Usage and Contrast Between Two Types of Past Tense in Spanish