español · B2 · grammar · 4 minutes
Indicative or subjunctive
Assert a known referent or describe one that remains hypothetical.
Understand the choice
A relative clause can either identify a real member of the speaker’s world or describe the criteria for a still-unknown one. Indicative asserts the referent; subjunctive keeps it desired, denied, hypothetical, or not yet found.
Core rule: Use subjunctive for a desired, unknown, denied, or non-specific referent; use indicative for an identified or asserted one.
Notice it in context
Busco un hotel que tenga piscina, pero conozco uno que tiene spa.
I am looking for a hotel with a pool, but I know one that has a spa.
Use subjunctive for a desired, unknown, denied, or non-specific referent; use indicative for an identified or asserted one.
No hay nadie que pueda ayudar.
There is nobody who can help.
A denied person triggers subjunctive pueda.
Tengo un colega que habla japonés.
I have a colleague who speaks Japanese.
The known colleague takes indicative habla.
What to remember
- The indefinite article alone does not force subjunctive; the speaker’s claim about existence does.
- Questions can shift with intent: ¿Hay alguien que habla japonés? seeks confirmation; que hable seeks any qualifying person.
Common trap: Do not assume every relative clause about a desired object needs subjunctive. Once the referent is identified or asserted—conozco uno—the clause returns to indicative tiene.