Subjuntivo en oraciones de relativo
Subjuntivo en oraciones de relativo means “Use the subjunctive in relative clauses when the antecedent is unknown or denied”. The mood in a relative clause depends on whether the thing described is known to exist. Formation: antecedente desconocido/negado + que + subjuntivo · conocido + que + indicativo
Use the subjunctive in relative clauses when the antecedent is unknown or denied
C1Formation
antecedente desconocido/negado + que + subjuntivo · conocido + que + indicativo
Explanation
The mood in a relative clause depends on whether the thing described is known to exist. If it is specific and real, use the indicative: Tengo un amigo que habla ruso (I have a friend who speaks Russian). If it is unknown, hypothetical or wished-for, use the subjunctive: Busco a alguien que hable ruso (I'm looking for someone who speaks Russian — maybe no one). After a negative antecedent it is always subjunctive: No hay nadie que lo sepa.
Examples
Note
Known → indicative (que sabe); unknown/denied → subjunctive (que sepa).
FAQ
Subjuntivo en oraciones de relativo — what does it mean and how is it used?
Use the subjunctive in relative clauses when the antecedent is unknown or denied. The mood in a relative clause depends on whether the thing described is known to exist. If it is specific and real, use the indicative: Tengo un amigo que habla ruso (I have a friend who speaks Russian). If it is unknown, hypothetical or wished-for, use the subjunctive: Busco a alguien que hable ruso (I'm looking for someone who speaks Russian — maybe no one). After a negative antecedent it is always subjunctive: No hay nadie que lo sepa.
Subjuntivo en oraciones de relativo — how do you form it?
antecedente desconocido/negado + que + subjuntivo · conocido + que + indicativo
Subjuntivo en oraciones de relativo — any usage notes?
Known → indicative (que sabe); unknown/denied → subjunctive (que sepa).