Instruction: Spanish Subjunctive – Written Accent Added
In the present subjunctive tense, certain verbs require the addition of accents to maintain the correct stress on the word. This accentuation is essential for the pronunciation and meaning of the verb. In this lesson, we’ll explore verbs that require irregular accents when conjugated in the present subjunctive. We’ll divide them into two groups: those that add an accent to all forms except nosotros/nosotras and those that add an accent only in the yo and él/ella/usted forms.
1. Verbs with Accents Added in All Forms Except Nosotros/Nosotras
These verbs add an accent mark on the stressed vowel in all present subjunctive forms except the nosotros/nosotras form.
Examples:
Enviar: Env- (to send)
Yo | envíe (So that) I send | Nosotros | enviemos (So that) we send |
Tú (Juana, Juan) | envíes (So that) you send | Vosotros (informal Spain) | enviéis (So that) you all send |
Él/Ella/Ud. (Sra./Dr. García) | envíe (So that) he/she/you send | Ellos/Ellas/Uds. | envíen (So that) they/you all send |
Other Verbs in This Category:
- Continuar: Continú- (to continue): continúe, continúes, continúe, continuemos, continuéis, continúen
- Reunir: Reún- (to gather, to meet): reúna, reúnas, reúna, reunamos, reunáis, reúnan
- Estar: Est- (to be): esté, estés, esté, estemos, estéis, estén
- Actuar: Actú- (to act): actúe, actúes, actúe, actuemos, actuéis, actúen
Examples of Usage:
- Quiero que tú envíes el correo esta tarde. (I want you to send the mail this afternoon.)
- Es importante que él continúe con sus estudios. (It’s important that he continues with his studies.)
- Espero que ellos se reúnan con el equipo mañana. (I hope they meet with the team tomorrow.)
- Es posible que ellas estén allí antes de las 5. (It’s possible that they will be there before 5.)
- Es necesario que ella actúe con responsabilidad. (It’s necessary that she acts responsibly.)
2. Accents Added in Only the Yo and Él/Ella/Usted Forms
There is one verb (Dar) that requires an accent mark only in the yo and él/ella/usted forms of the present subjunctive to maintain the correct stress.
Example:
Dar: D- (to give)
Yo | dé (So that) I give | Nosotros | demos (So that) we give |
Tú (Juana, Juan) | des (So that) you give | Vosotros (informal Spain) | deis (So that) you all give |
Él/Ella/Ud. (Sra./Dr. García) | dé (So that) he/she/you give | Ellos/Ellas/Uds. | den (So that) they/you all give |
Examples of Usage:
- Quiero que tú me des una respuesta pronto. (I want you to give me an answer soon.)
- Es importante que él dé un buen ejemplo. (It’s important that he gives a good example.)
Conclusion
Understanding how accents affect the conjugation of certain verbs in the present subjunctive is helpful for improving your Spanish. The placement of these accents ensures that the stress falls on the correct syllable, which can change the meaning and pronunciation of the word. Practice these patterns regularly to gain confidence in using the subjunctive mood correctly!