Spanish
Grade 9
15 min
Expresar emociones
Expresar emociones
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Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify common Spanish verbs of emotion that trigger the subjunctive mood.
Conjugate regular and key irregular verbs in the present subjunctive to express feelings about another subject's actions.
Differentiate between using the subjunctive and the infinitive after a verb of emotion based on a change in subject.
Construct complex sentences using 'que' to connect an emotion in a main clause with an action in a subordinate clause.
Correctly use 'estar' with a variety of adjectives to describe emotional states.
Formulate questions and answers about their own and others' emotional states.
Ever felt so happy for a friend that you wanted to express it perfectly in Spanish? 🤔 This lesson shows you how to say 'I'm happy t...
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Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
El Subjuntivo (The Subjunctive Mood)A verb mood (not a tense) used to express subjective or non-factual situations, such as desires, doubts, and emotions. It reflects the speaker's feelings about an action, rather than stating the action as a fact.Me alegro de que **hagas** ejercicio. (I'm happy that you exercise.) - The focus is on my happiness, not the fact that you exercise.
Verbos de EmociónVerbs that express a feeling or emotional reaction towards an action or state. These verbs are common triggers for the subjunctive mood when the subject changes.Sentir (to be sorry/feel), alegrarse de (to be happy about), temer (to fear), sorprenderse de (to be surprised about).
Cláusula Principal (Main Clause)The part of a complex sentence that can stand alone and c...
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Grammar Rules & Patterns
The Subjunctive Rule for Emotions
[Subject 1 + Verb of Emotion] + QUE + [Subject 2 + Verb in Subjunctive]
Use this formula when the person feeling the emotion (Subject 1) is different from the person doing the action that causes the emotion (Subject 2). The verb in the second clause must be in the subjunctive mood.
The Infinitive Rule for Emotions
[Subject 1 + Verb of Emotion] + [Verb in Infinitive]
Use this formula when there is NO change of subject. If the person feeling the emotion is the same person doing the second action, you do not use 'que' and the second verb remains in its infinitive form (-ar, -er, -ir).
Using 'Estar' for Emotional States
ESTAR + [Adjective of Emotion]
To describe a temporary feeling or emotional condition, always use t...
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Challenging
Which statement best explains the grammatical principle behind choosing between 'Siento no poder ir' and 'Siento que no puedas ir'?
A.The choice depends on whether the emotion is positive or negative.
B.The infinitive is used for formal situations, and the subjunctive for informal ones.
C.The choice is determined by the 'cambio de sujeto': the infinitive is for the same subject, the subjunctive for a different subject.
D.The subjunctive is used when the event is hypothetical, and the infinitive when it is a certainty.
Challenging
How can the factual statement 'Ana no viene a la fiesta' be rephrased to express your personal sadness about it?
A.Es triste que Ana no viene a la fiesta.
B.Me entristece que Ana no venga a la fiesta.
C.Me entristezco no venir a la fiesta.
D.Ana no viene a la fiesta, y estoy triste.
Challenging
A student writes: 'Temo a sacar una mala nota.' What is the most precise correction and explanation?
A.Correct: 'Temo que saque una mala nota.' The subjunctive is always needed after 'temer'.
B.Correct: 'Temo sacar una mala nota.' The preposition 'a' is incorrect with an infinitive after 'temer'.
C.Correct: 'Temo de sacar una mala nota.' The preposition 'de' is required.
D.The sentence is already correct.
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