Español en serio
Para + infinitive vs. para que + subjunctive
Dieser Beitrag erklärt ein wichtiges Thema der spanischen Grammatik (Text auf Englisch).
Doing something for someone else
In the previous blog, we looked at the structure para + infinitivo, where the subject of the main clause is the same as the subject of the subordinate clause. For example:
🔵 Cocino un pollo para comer esta noche.
(Yo) cocino un pollo para (yo) comer esta noche.
The person who cooks is the same person who will eat the chicken. That is why there is no need to conjugate the second verb, since we would be giving redundant information.
How to Use “Para + Infinitive” in Spanish to Express Purpose Correctly
When the subject is not the same, we do have to conjugate both verbs, because it is necessary to distinguish who does each action. But in addition, I cook a chicken with the intention that the other person will eat it, which does not mean that they actually will, since that does not depend on me. In other words, the result is uncertain: perhaps that person will eat the chicken, perhaps not. Therefore, I cannot use the Indicative Mood, and Spanish grammar forces me to use the Subjunctive:
🔵 Cocino un pollo para que comas esta noche. I’m cooking a chicken so that you can eat tonight.
(Yo) Cocino un pollo para que (tú) comas esta noche.
A little more about accents
We have already discussed in a previous blog the importance of accents in Spanish, and here we will see another case. Look at the difference between these sentences:
¿Para qué haces eso? Why are you doing that?
Lo hago para que ella esté contenta. I’m doing it so that she is happy.
🔵 In the first sentence, qué takes a mandatory written accent mark because it is an interrogative pronoun. In addition, the sentence uses the verb in the Indicative Mood, because the person is actually doing something. Remember that the Indicative Mood is used when the speaker expresses certainty.
🔵 In the second sentence, que does not take a written accent because it is a conjunction. We distinguish the two functions precisely by placing a written accent on one of the forms. In addition, the sentence uses the verb in the Subjunctive Mood because I do not know whether, as a result of my action, she will or will not be happy. That is uncertain.
Here’s what you need to remember:
Same subject: para + infinitivo
Vengo para decirte algo. I come to tell you something.
Two different subjects: para que + subjuntivo
Vengo para que me digas algo. I come so that you can tell me something.
If you are learning Spanish and find explanations like this helpful, I offer personalised online Spanish lessons for students and adults worldwide, including GCSE and A-Level preparation.
Lessons are available in English or German, and I offer a free initial consultation. You can contact me at
laura@spanishforlondon.com.
Example from the episode
“Cada día me pongo una máscara para que no me odies”.
Spanish GCSE Reading and Grammar. Constance e Imran Episode 17 – Learn through a novel
Book your first free demo lesson, with no obligation on your behalf, at
laura@spanishforlondon.com.
Bachelor’s degree in Literature (University of Buenos Aires). Spanish and Literature teacher. Researcher and author of Los premios Nobel de literatura. Una lectura crítica (University of Seville). More than 30 years’ experience teaching Spanish to international students.
One-to-one lessons via Zoom.
Abschluss in Literaturwissenschaft (Universität Buenos Aires). Lehrerin für Spanisch und Literatur. Forscherin und Autorin des Buches Los premios Nobel de literatura. Eine lectura crítica (Universität Sevilla). Über 30 Jahre Erfahrung im Unterricht von Spanisch als Fremdsprache.
Einzelunterricht über Zoom.
