Querer que followed by the Spanish present subjunctive (El Presente de Subjuntivo)
Learn about "querer que" in Spanish
Querer que to say to want [someone] to is always followed by the El Presente de Subjuntivo. This also holds for negative constructions and questions. Look at and listen to these examples:No quiero que me llames por teléfono.I don't want you to phone me. [you=tú]
¿Qué quieres que haga?What do you want me to do? [you=tú]
La madre de Juan quiere que Juan estudie más.Juan's mother wants Juan to study more.
Todos queremos que el problema se resuelva pronto.We all want the problem to be resolved soon.
¿Queréis que os lleve a casa?Do you want me to take you home? (you = vosotros)
Tus amigos quieren que seas más sociable.Your friends want you to be more sociable.
Su hijo quiere que ustedes lo escuchen.Your son wants you to listen to him. (you = ustedes)
Note: the subject (yo, tú etc.) in the first and second part of the sentence are different. Take the last example:
Tus amigos quieren que seas más sociable.
The subject of querer is tus amigos but the subject of ser más sociable is tú.
However, if the subject is the same for both verbs, you drop "que" and use the infinitive. For example:
Quiero salir con Verónica esta noche.I want to go out with Veronica tonight.
Same subject = yo quiero / yo salgo
Queremos organizar una fiesta para Carlos.We want to organize a party for Carlos.
Same subject = nosotros queremos / nosotros organizamos
Bear in mind that this also applies to verb "desear", which is a synonym for "querer", expressing a stronger desire. For example:
Deseo que seas muy feliz en Australia.I hope you will be happy in Australia. [you=tú]
Os deseamos que tengáis unas buenas vacaciones.We hope [lit: wish] you have a good holiday. [you=vosotros]
Deseo enviar un mensaje de paz a todo el mundo.I wish to send a message of peace to everyone. (same subject)
Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Brainmap today »
