Just as we explained in the first article “Learn Spanish through songs” that listening to songs in foreign languages is a very fast, easy and fun way to learn languages. Doing that we practice aural comprehension, learn new vocabulary, go over grammatical structures and get to know various aspects of the languages like the rhythm or the intonation of it.
Since the last article was quite successful, we will give you some more songs and explain its grammar that can help you in learning Spanish. This time we are going to concentrate on subjunctive. The theme of subjunctive is being learned in level B1, but since it doesn’t have equivalence in other languages it is one of the most challenging topics when learning Spanish. But at 2DayLanguages we know how to do it in a fun way: learn subjunctive tense in Spanish while listening to songs! Its form is pretty simple, but one has to know when it must be used.
To express wishes:
One of the usages of subjunctive is to express wishes. We can do that in various forms, but one of the common ways is using the word ojalá (meaning I wish). If we use this word, it always has to be subjunctive tense. The next song is called Ojalá and it’s written by a Cuban singer-songwriter. The song is really good to practice subjunctive tense because a lot of verbs appear in it. Even though the language is very poetic and might be a little more difficult to understand, but you can always use your dictionary. Enjoy this beautiful song!
Ojalá, Silvio Rodríguez
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kB9wpKXvr1o
Besides using the word ojalá we can also express wishes using verbs like: quiero (I want to), deseo (I desire) or espero (I hope). However, there is something special happening with these verbs.
Let’s see two examples of it:
Quiero tener tu presencia, Seguridad Social
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ueg3g0Xgm6M
Quiero que vuelvas, Funambulista
In the first song this type of structure appears: Quiero + infinitivo (infinitive) and in the second one Quiero + que + presente de subjuntivo (subjunctive present tense). This is because in the first song both phrases have the same subject: “(YO) quiero (YO) tener tu presencia”. Nevertheless, in the second one the subjects are different: “(YO) quiero que (TÚ) vuelvas”.
To express emotions:
The same thing happens with emotions as with wishes. We have two options: we can say “(A MÍ) me gusta (A MÍ) conducir” or “(A MÍ) me gusta que (TÚ) conduzcas”. If there are two different subjects we use subjunctive mode (as we will be able to see that in the first song) but when both subjects are the same, we will have to use the infinitive form (as we will be able to see in the second song).
Azul, Natalia Lafourcade
https://youtube.com/watch?v=-xyvAPa3Ug0
Tengo miedo, Rocío Jurado
Using the word Cuando (when), when talking about future:
When we want to talk about a precise moment, we use the word cuando. When we are referring to past events we can say “cuando era pequeño…” (when I was little…), when referring to present it’s: “cuando llego a casa…” (when I get home…) and when we refer to future it sounds like this: “cuando sea viajo…” (when I am old…). Yes, we use subjunctive tense to talk about the future with the word cando! We can see the example in th following song: “Cuando tenga miedo del silencio, cuando cueste mantenerse en pie…”
Resistiré, Dúo dinámico.
Giving orders in negative sentences:
If we want to give an order in a negative sentence we can use the imperative negative form, which is actually the same form as the one of the present subjunctive tense: “no comas, no salgas, no mires” (Don’t eat, don’t go out, don’t look). This form appears in the song called Flaca by an Argentinian singer Andrés Calamaro.
Flaca, Andrés Calamaro
Using the word aunque (even though):
We can use either indicative tense or subjunctive tense with the word aunque. The difference is that when using an indicative tense it is clear that the information expressed is well known and is experienced: “aunque llueve voy a salir” (even though it rains, I am going out). However, the structure aunque + subjunctive tense express the information that is not verified: “aunque llueva saldré” (even though it might rain, I am going out). You can hear this structure in this beautiful song:
Aunque tú no lo sepas, Quique González
At 2DayLanguages, Spanish school in Valencia, we believe that learning subjunctive tense while listening to songs might be a very fun and motivating task. Thus, we really encourage you to listen to these songs, identify grammatical structures and dance or sing along with them! We hope you will enjoy it! Thus, learn subjunctive tense in Spanish while listening to songs!
