When we use "para que," the verb that follows it will always be in the subjunctive mood. This is because "para que" introduces a purpose or an intention, and the subjunctive is used to express uncertainty, subjectivity, or non-actual events.
For example, in "Te doy dinero para que compres pan" (I give you money so that you buy bread), the act of buying bread is the intended outcome, not a certainty. Therefore, "compres" (from "comprar") is in the subjunctive.
It's important to remember this rule, as using the indicative after "para que" is a common mistake for English speakers.
When we use the Spanish conjunction "para que," it introduces a subordinate clause that explains the purpose or reason for the action in the main clause. It's often followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood because it expresses a desired outcome, a possibility, or something that hasn't happened yet.
For example, in the sentence "Estudio mucho para que pueda aprobar el examen" (I study a lot so that I can pass the exam), "para que pueda aprobar el examen" tells us the goal of studying.
Remember that the subjunctive is key here, as it reflects the hypothetical or desired nature of the consequence.
It's similar to saying "in order that" in English, and it always points to the objective of the main action.
How Formal Is It?
"El gobierno implementó nuevas leyes, a fin de que la economía se estabilice. (The government implemented new laws, in order that the economy stabilizes.)"
"Estudiamos mucho para que podamos aprobar el examen. (We study a lot so that we can pass the exam.)"
"Te lo doy, así que lo guardes bien. (I'm giving it to you, so that you keep it safe.)"
"Ponte el abrigo para que no tengas frío. (Put on your coat so that you don't get cold.)"
"Vino pa' que le diera la plata. (He came so that I would give him the money.)"
Wichtige Grammatik
Use 'para que' with the subjunctive mood when expressing purpose or intention. The subjunctive is necessary because the purpose or intention is not yet a reality.
Te doy dinero para que compres comida. (I give you money so that you buy food.)
When the subject of the main clause and the subordinate clause introduced by 'para que' is the same, it is more common and grammatically correct to use 'para + infinitive' instead of 'para que' + subjunctive.
Estudio para aprender. (I study in order to learn.) NOT Estudio para que yo aprenda.
'Para que' can introduce a clause that expresses a desired outcome or result, often implying a command, request, or suggestion.
Habla más alto para que te oiga. (Speak louder so that I hear you.)
It can also be used to express a negative purpose or to prevent something from happening.
Cierro la puerta para que no entre el frío. (I close the door so that the cold doesn't come in.)
While 'para que' typically requires the subjunctive, in very informal speech, you might hear it followed by the indicative when the speaker is stating a fact that also serves as a purpose. However, this is less common and generally not recommended for learners.
He venido para que sabes la verdad. (I have come so that you know the truth.) - This is an informal usage. The more standard is 'He venido para que sepas la verdad.'
Beispiele nach Niveau
Trabajo mucho para que mi familia viva bien.
I work a lot so that my family lives well.
Estudio español para que pueda hablar en mi viaje.
I study Spanish so that I can speak on my trip.
Ella ahorra dinero para que compre un coche nuevo.
She saves money so that she buys a new car.
Corro todos los días para que esté en forma.
I run every day so that I am in shape.
Hablo despacio para que me entiendas mejor.
I speak slowly so that you understand me better.
Compramos frutas para que tengamos algo sano que comer.
We buy fruits so that we have something healthy to eat.
Limpiamos la casa para que esté bonita para la fiesta.
We clean the house so that it is nice for the party.
Leo libros para que aprenda más sobre el mundo.
I read books so that I learn more about the world.
Estudio mucho para que pueda aprobar mis exámenes.
I study a lot so that I can pass my exams.
Subjunctive after 'para que' for purpose/intention.
Te doy mi número de teléfono para que me llames si tienes alguna pregunta.
I'm giving you my phone number so that you call me if you have any questions.
Subjunctive after 'para que' when the action in the main clause is intended to bring about the action in the subordinate clause.
Compramos entradas con anticipación para que no nos quedáramos sin ellas.
We bought tickets in advance so that we wouldn't run out.
Imperfect subjunctive after 'para que' when the main clause is in the past.
Necesito un mapa para que no nos perdamos en la ciudad.
I need a map so that we don't get lost in the city.
Subjunctive after 'para que' expressing purpose or prevention.
Habla más despacio para que te pueda entender mejor.
Speak more slowly so that I can understand you better.
Subjunctive after 'para que' indicating the desired outcome.
Trabajamos duro para que nuestros hijos tengan un futuro mejor.
We work hard so that our children have a better future.
Subjunctive after 'para que' showing the purpose of the action.
Le di las instrucciones claramente para que no hubiera confusiones.
I gave him the instructions clearly so that there wouldn't be any confusion.
Imperfect subjunctive after 'para que' with a past main verb.
Puse una alarma para que no se me olvidara la reunión.
I set an alarm so that I wouldn't forget the meeting.
Imperfect subjunctive after 'para que' to express a past purpose.
Te doy este libro para que leas y aprendas más sobre la cultura española.
I give you this book so that you read and learn more about Spanish culture.
Subjunctive after 'para que'.
Trabajo duro cada día para que mi familia tenga todo lo que necesita.
I work hard every day so that my family has everything they need.
Subjunctive after 'para que'.
Necesitamos ahorrar energía para que el planeta no sufra tanto.
We need to save energy so that the planet doesn't suffer so much.
Subjunctive after 'para que'.
Estudia mucho para que apruebes el examen final.
Study a lot so that you pass the final exam.
Subjunctive after 'para que'.
Me esforcé al máximo para que el proyecto saliera perfecto.
I tried my best so that the project would turn out perfectly.
Subjunctive after 'para que'.
Preparo la cena ahora mismo para que podamos comer temprano.
I'm preparing dinner right now so that we can eat early.
Subjunctive after 'para que'.
Es importante que hablemos claramente para que no haya malentendidos.
It's important that we speak clearly so that there are no misunderstandings.
Subjunctive after 'para que'.
Viajamos en avión para que lleguemos más rápido a nuestro destino.
We travel by plane so that we arrive faster at our destination.
Subjunctive after 'para que'.
Grammatikmuster
Satzmuster
Subjunctive Verb
Te doy un mapa para que no te pierdas. (I am giving you a map so that you don't get lost.)
Future Tense
Estudiaré mucho para que mis exámenes sean más fáciles. (I will study a lot so that my exams are easier.)
Conditional Tense
Te llamaría para que supieras la verdad. (I would call you so that you would know the truth.)
Perfect Subjunctive
He trabajado duro para que hayamos terminado el proyecto a tiempo. (I have worked hard so that we have finished the project on time.)
Imperfect Subjunctive
Les dije la dirección para que no se perdieran. (I told them the address so that they wouldn't get lost.)
Más/Menos + Adjective + para que
Es importante ser más preciso para que no haya errores. (It's important to be more precise so that there are no errors.)
No + Verb + para que
No lo hice para que te enojaras. (I didn't do it so that you would get angry.)
Para que + subjunctive clause + comma + main clause
Para que el equipo funcione bien, es esencial que todos colaboren. (So that the team functions well, it's essential that everyone collaborates.)
Tipps
Understanding 'para que'
Think of 'para que' as meaning 'so that' or 'in order that'. It introduces a purpose or goal.
Subjunctive Alert
Crucially, 'para que' is almost always followed by the subjunctive mood. This is a key grammar point to remember.
Simple Examples
Here's a basic structure: 'Estudio para que aprenda.' (I study so that I learn.)
Purpose and Intention
Use 'para que' when you want to express the reason or intention behind an action.
Replacing 'in order that'
If you can replace 'so that' with 'in order that' in an English sentence, 'para que' is likely the correct Spanish translation.
Don't confuse with 'para'
While 'para' can mean 'for' or 'to', 'para que' specifically introduces a purpose clause and triggers the subjunctive.
Practice with common verbs
Practice using 'para que' with common verbs in the subjunctive like sea (from ser), vaya (from ir), and tenga (from tener).
Speaking Examples
Try saying things like: 'Hablo despacio para que me entiendas.' (I speak slowly so that you understand me.)
Writing Examples
Write sentences like: 'Te doy dinero para que compres comida.' (I give you money so that you buy food.)
Implicit vs. Explicit Subject
If the subject of both clauses is the same, you can often use 'para' + infinitive instead of 'para que' + subjunctive. E.g., 'Estudio para aprender.' (I study to learn.)
Teste dich selbst 36 Fragen
Choose the best translation for 'I study so that I learn.'
'Para que' needs the subjunctive. 'Aprenda' is the subjunctive form of 'aprender'.
Which sentence correctly uses 'para que'?
'Para que' requires the subjunctive mood. 'Comamos' is the correct subjunctive form of 'comer'.
What is the correct way to say 'He saves money so that he can travel'?
After 'para que', you must use the subjunctive. 'Pueda' is the subjunctive form of 'poder'.
The sentence 'Te ayudo para que terminas rápido' is grammatically correct.
No, after 'para que', you need the subjunctive form 'termines'. It should be 'Te ayudo para que termines rápido.'
In Spanish, 'para que' is followed by the indicative mood.
No, 'para que' is always followed by the subjunctive mood because it expresses purpose or intention.
The sentence 'Hablo despacio para que me entiendas' is correct.
Yes, 'entiendas' is the correct subjunctive form of 'entender' after 'para que'.
Ella estudia mucho ______ pueda aprobar el examen.
We use 'para que' to express purpose or intention. Here, the purpose of studying is to pass the exam.
Te doy mi número de teléfono ______ me llames si necesitas ayuda.
The speaker is giving their phone number with the intention that the other person calls for help. 'Para que' is correct for expressing this purpose.
Necesito un mapa ______ no nos perdamos en la ciudad.
The purpose of needing a map is to avoid getting lost. 'Para que' correctly introduces this purpose.
La frase 'Él trabaja para que su familia tenga una buena vida' significa 'He works so that his family has a good life.'
'Para que' introduces the purpose of his work.
En la oración 'Ella habla despacio para que yo entienda', 'para que' indica que ella habla despacio por casualidad.
'Para que' indicates purpose, not coincidence. She speaks slowly with the intention that the other person understands.
Podemos usar 'para que' con un verbo en infinitivo.
'Para que' is always followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood, not an infinitive.
Complete the sentence: 'Estudio mucho ______ sacar buenas notas.' (I study a lot ____ get good grades.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Estudio mucho para que pueda sacar buenas notas.
Translate this sentence into Spanish: 'We save money so that we can travel.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ahorramos dinero para que podamos viajar.
Write a short sentence using 'para que' to explain why you do something. For example: 'Leo libros para que aprenda más.' (I read books so that I learn more.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Trabajo duro para que mis hijos tengan un buen futuro.
Why does the person buy fresh vegetables?
Read this passage:
Compro verduras frescas para que prepare una cena saludable. Quiero comer bien todos los días. Es importante para mi salud.
Why does the person buy fresh vegetables?
The passage states 'Compro verduras frescas para que prepare una cena saludable.' which means 'I buy fresh vegetables so that I prepare a healthy dinner.'
The passage states 'Compro verduras frescas para que prepare una cena saludable.' which means 'I buy fresh vegetables so that I prepare a healthy dinner.'
What is the professor's goal when speaking slowly?
Read this passage:
El profesor habla despacio para que los estudiantes entiendan bien. No quiere que nadie se confunda con la lección.
What is the professor's goal when speaking slowly?
The passage says 'El profesor habla despacio para que los estudiantes entiendan bien.' meaning 'The professor speaks slowly so that the students understand well.'
The passage says 'El profesor habla despacio para que los estudiantes entiendan bien.' meaning 'The professor speaks slowly so that the students understand well.'
What is the person's reason for going to the gym daily?
Read this passage:
Voy al gimnasio todos los días para que esté en forma. También como comida sana. Me gusta sentirme con energía.
What is the person's reason for going to the gym daily?
The sentence 'Voy al gimnasio todos los días para que esté en forma.' translates to 'I go to the gym every day so that I am in shape.'
The sentence 'Voy al gimnasio todos los días para que esté en forma.' translates to 'I go to the gym every day so that I am in shape.'
I'm giving you this book so that you can learn more about Spanish culture.
It's important that we study a lot so that we can pass the final exam.
I need a map so that we don't get lost in the new city.
Read this aloud:
Practica tu español para que puedas comunicarte mejor con los locales.
Focus: practica tu español
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Hablaremos con el profesor para que nos dé una extensión en el proyecto.
Focus: hablemos con el profesor
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Ella ahorra dinero para que pueda viajar por el mundo el próximo año.
Focus: ahorra dinero
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The government implemented new policies so that the economy would recover.
We worked tirelessly so that the project would be completed on time.
She strives every day so that her children have a better future.
Read this aloud:
Es fundamental que entendamos las implicaciones para que podamos actuar con responsabilidad.
Focus: fundamental, entendamos, implicaciones, podamos, responsabilidad
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
He hecho todo lo posible para que no haya malentendidos en este asunto.
Focus: posible, malentendidos, asunto
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Asegúrate de que la información sea precisa para que la decisión sea acertada.
Focus: asegúrate, precisa, decisión, acertada
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence structure is common when expressing purpose with 'para que'.
The subjunctive mood is necessary after 'para que' when expressing purpose.
The structure 'para que' + subjunctive verb is used to indicate the objective of the action.
/ 36 correct
Perfect score!
Understanding 'para que'
Think of 'para que' as meaning 'so that' or 'in order that'. It introduces a purpose or goal.
Subjunctive Alert
Crucially, 'para que' is almost always followed by the subjunctive mood. This is a key grammar point to remember.
Simple Examples
Here's a basic structure: 'Estudio para que aprenda.' (I study so that I learn.)
Purpose and Intention
Use 'para que' when you want to express the reason or intention behind an action.
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mehr general Wörter
a causa de
A2For the reason of; owing to.
a condición de que
B2On condition that, provided that, or given that.
a dónde
A1To what place or destination?
a lo mejor
A2Maybe; perhaps.
a menos que
B1Unless.
a no ser que
B2Unless; should it not be that.
a pesar de
B1In spite of; despite.
a_pesar_de
B2In spite of; notwithstanding; despite.
a propósito
B2By the way, on purpose; incidentally; or intentionally.
a raíz de
B2As a result of; following directly from.
