B1 · Intermediate Chapter 2

Influencing Others: Requests and Advice

7 Total Rules
72 examples
6 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of influencing others using the Spanish subjunctive for requests, advice, and suggestions.

  • Formulate polite requests using 'Quiero que' and 'Necesitar que'.
  • Give helpful advice with verbs like 'Aconsejar' and 'Sugerir'.
  • Apply the subjunctive mood to communicate your desires to others.
Influence, suggest, and connect with confidence!

What You'll Learn

Get ready to supercharge your Spanish and learn how to truly connect with people! In this chapter, you'll discover the secret to making clear requests, giving helpful advice, and suggesting plans to others. Imagine you're at a Spanish cafe, and you want to politely ask the waiter for another coffee. Or maybe your friend asks for your opinion on a problem, and you want to recommend a solution. These are exactly the moments where the skills from this chapter will shine! You'll master essential phrases like 'Quiero que...' (I want you to...), 'Necesitar que...' (You need to...), and 'Pedir que...' (Ask that...) to express your desires and make things happen. Then, we'll dive into 'Aconsejar' (to advise) and 'Sugerir' (to suggest), so you can offer guidance and ideas with confidence. Don't let the word 'subjunctive' scare you – in this chapter, it becomes your best friend! You'll learn simple tricks to transform straightforward statements into polite requests or friendly suggestions using these powerful verb forms. By the end, you won't just be stating facts; you'll be actively influencing conversations, asking for what you need, and giving advice like a pro. Your Spanish will become a dynamic tool for interaction, making you a more effective and confident communicator.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use the subjunctive mood to request actions and offer advice in everyday social scenarios.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Welcome to a pivotal chapter in your journey to B1 Spanish fluency! This guide is designed to help you master the art of influencing others in Spanish – a crucial skill for truly connecting and communicating effectively. At this CEFR B1 Spanish grammar level, you're moving beyond basic statements and into dynamic interaction. Imagine being able to politely make requests in Spanish, offer insightful advice in Spanish, or confidently suggest plans in Spanish to friends, colleagues, or even strangers. This chapter unlocks that power!
We'll dive into essential structures that allow you to express your desires for others' actions, such as Quiero que... (I want you to...) and Necesitar que... (You need to...). You'll also learn how to frame questions and instructions politely with Pedir que... (Ask that...). Furthermore, we'll equip you with phrases like Aconsejar que... (to advise that...) and Sugerir que... (to suggest that...) so you can give guidance with finesse. Don't be intimidated by the term "subjunctive" – we'll show you how this powerful mood becomes your best friend for expressing wishes, recommendations, and influence, transforming your Spanish from descriptive to truly interactive.

How This Grammar Works

At the heart of influencing others in Spanish lies the subjunctive mood. When you express a desire, a request, advice, or a suggestion for someone else to do something, you're not stating a fact; you're expressing your will, emotion, or opinion about a potential action. This is precisely when the subjunctive steps in.
Let's break down the key structures:
I Want You To... (Quiero que + Subjunctive) and Expressing Preferences for Others: This is your go-to for stating what you desire for another person to do.
* Quiero que estudies más. (I want you to study more.)
* Prefiero que vengas mañana. (I prefer that you come tomorrow.)
Asking others to do things (Necesitar que + Subjunctive): Use this when you need someone to perform an action. It implies a requirement or necessity.
* Necesito que me ayudes. (I need you to help me.)
* Necesitamos que llegues a tiempo. (We need you to arrive on time.)
Making Requests: Pedir Que (Ask to... + Subjunctive): This structure is for making a direct request for someone to do something.
* Te pido que cierres la puerta. (I ask you to close the door.)
* Nos pidió que fuéramos con él. (He asked us to go with him.)
Giving Advice in Spanish: I recommend that you... (Aconsejar que + Subjunctive): When you want to offer guidance or recommendations, this is the perfect phrase.
* Te aconsejo que hables con ella. (I advise you to talk to her.)
* Les aconsejamos que busquen otra opción. (We advise them to look for another option.)
Making Suggestions in Spanish: I suggest that... (Sugerir que + Subjunctive): Similar to *aconsejar*, but often a bit softer, for proposing ideas.
* Sugiero que vayamos al cine. (I suggest that we go to the cinema.)
* Ella sugiere que probemos el plato del día. (She suggests that we try the dish of the day.)
In all these cases, the main verb (e.g., querer, necesitar, pedir, aconsejar, sugerir) is in the indicative, but the verb describing the *action of the other person* is in the subjunctive mood. This is a fundamental concept for B1 Spanish grammar when expressing influence.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: "Quiero que tú estudias."
✓ Correct: "Quiero que estudies."
*Explanation:* After verbs of will or desire like querer que, the second verb (the action desired from someone else) must be in the subjunctive mood, not the indicative.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: "Te aconsejo ir al médico."
✓ Correct: "Te aconsejo que vayas al médico."
*Explanation:* While "Te aconsejo ir..." can sometimes be heard in informal speech, the grammatically correct and more common way to give advice for someone else's action is with aconsejar que + subjunctive.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: "Necesito que me ayude." (If talking to 'tú')
✓ Correct: "Necesito que me ayudes."
*Explanation:* Always ensure the subjunctive verb agrees in person and number with the subject of the action (the person being influenced). If you're addressing "tú," the verb should reflect that.

Real Conversations

A

A

Hola, ¿qué tal? Necesito un favor. (Hi, how are you? I need a favor.)
B

B

Dime, ¿qué necesitas? (Tell me, what do you need?)
A

A

Necesito que me ayudes con mi tarea de español. (I need you to help me with my Spanish homework.)
B

B

Claro, te aconsejo que empecemos ahora mismo. (Of course, I advise you that we start right now.)
A

A

¿Qué hacemos este fin de semana? (What are we doing this weekend?)
B

B

Sugiero que vayamos a la playa si hace buen tiempo. (I suggest that we go to the beach if the weather is good.)
A

A

Me gusta esa idea. Quiero que invitemos a Ana también. (I like that idea. I want us to invite Ana too.)

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the main difference between using the indicative and subjunctive after verbs of influence?

The indicative states a fact, while the subjunctive expresses a wish, doubt, emotion, or influence regarding an action that hasn't happened yet or is not a certainty. For influencing others, the subjunctive is almost always used.

Q

Is "pedir" always followed by "que" and the subjunctive when making requests?

Yes, when you are asking *that someone do something*, you'll use pedir que + subjunctive. If you're just asking *for an object*, you'd use pedir without que (e.g., Pido un café. - I ask for a coffee).

Q

Can I use the infinitive instead of the subjunctive after verbs like "aconsejar" or "sugerir"?

While you might hear it informally (e.g., "Te aconsejo estudiar"), the grammatically correct and more formal way to advise or suggest an action for *another person* is to use que + subjunctive (e.g., Te aconsejo que estudies). Using the infinitive is more common when the advice applies to the *speaker* (e.g., Aconsejo estudiar más - *I* advise studying more).

Q

How do these structures relate to politeness in B1 Spanish?

Using the subjunctive with these verbs of influence often naturally softens the request or advice, making it sound more polite and less like a direct command. It acknowledges that the action is something desired or suggested, rather than an absolute fact.

Cultural Context

In Spanish-speaking cultures, politeness and indirectness can often be valued, especially when making requests or giving advice. Using the subjunctive with verbs like Quiero que, Aconsejar que, or Sugerir que is a standard and polite way to express your desires or guidance. While direct imperatives (commands) are common, framing your wishes through these subjunctive constructions often sounds more considerate and less demanding. It's a key aspect of nuanced communication, allowing you to influence others effectively while maintaining good interpersonal relations. There are no significant regional differences in the grammatical application of these structures, though the frequency of their use might vary slightly with context and individual communication styles.

Key Examples (8)

1

Quiero que me llames cuando llegues a casa.

I want you to call me when you get home.

I Want You To... (Quiero que + Subjunctive)
2

Espero que tengas mucha suerte en tu examen.

I hope you have a lot of luck on your exam.

I Want You To... (Quiero que + Subjunctive)
3

Quiero que me sigas en Instagram.

I want you to follow me on Instagram.

I want you to... (Expressing Preferences for Others)
4

Prefiero que nos veamos en el café.

I prefer that we meet at the café.

I want you to... (Expressing Preferences for Others)
5

Necesito que me ayudes con la mudanza.

I need you to help me with the move.

Asking others to do things (Necesitar que)
6

Mi jefe necesita que termine el informe hoy.

My boss needs me to finish the report today.

Asking others to do things (Necesitar que)
7

Te pido que me pases el link del video.

I'm asking you to send me the video link.

Making Requests: Pedir Que (Ask to...)
8

Le pido que me deje en la esquina, por favor.

I'm asking you to drop me off at the corner, please.

Making Requests: Pedir Que (Ask to...)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

The 'Que' Rule

Always remember the 'que'. It acts as the bridge between the two subjects.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: I Want You To... (Quiero que + Subjunctive)
💡

The 'Que' Trigger

Always look for the word 'que'. It is the bridge between the two subjects.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: I want you to... (Expressing Preferences for Others)
💡

The 'Que' Rule

Always look for 'que'. It is the red flag that tells you to use the subjunctive.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Asking others to do things (Necesitar que)
💡

Think 'Influence'

Whenever you want to influence someone, use the subjunctive.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Making Requests: Pedir Que (Ask to...)

Key Vocabulary (6)

Querer To want Necesitar To need Pedir To ask for Aconsejar To advise Sugerir To suggest Recomendar To recommend

Real-World Preview

coffee

Cafe Conversation

Review Summary

  • Subject 1 + Verb(indicative) + QUE + Subject 2 + Verb(subjunctive)

Common Mistakes

After 'que', you must switch to the subjunctive mood.

Wrong: Quiero que tú comes.
Correct: Quiero que tú comas.

Irregular verbs like 'ir' require special attention in the subjunctive.

Wrong: Sugiero que tú vas.
Correct: Sugiero que tú vayas.

Advice verbs trigger the subjunctive.

Wrong: Aconsejo que tú estudias.
Correct: Aconsejo que tú estudies.

Rules in This Chapter (7)

1

I Want You To... (Quiero que + Subjunctive)

B1
The Subjunctive turns your Spanish from a list of facts into a world of personal hopes and desires.
Quiero que me llames cuando llegues a casa.
10 examples
2

I want you to... (Expressing Preferences for Others)

B1
When your desire involves another person's action, use the pattern: [Verb of Want] + que + [Subjunctive Verb].
Quiero que me sigas en Instagram.
10 examples
3

Asking others to do things (Necesitar que)

B1
To ask others to do something, use necesitar que followed by a second subject and a subjunctive verb.
Necesito que me ayudes con la mudanza.
12 examples
4

Making Requests: Pedir Que (Ask to...)

B1
Connect pedir + que to a Subjunctive verb to make requests like a native Spanish speaker.
Te pido que me pases el link del video.
10 examples
5

Giving Advice in Spanish: I recommend that you... (Aconsejar)

B1
To give advice, use the formula: [Pronoun] + aconsejar + que + [Subjunctive Verb] for a polite, professional tone.
Te aconsejo que estudies más para el examen.
10 examples
6

Making Suggestions in Spanish: I suggest that... (Sugerir)

B1
Connect two subjects with que and use the subjunctive to make natural, polite Spanish suggestions.
Yo sugiero que tú veas esta serie en Netflix.
10 examples
7

Giving Polite Advice (The Subjunctive Mood)

B1
Master the 'Opposite Vending Machine' endings to turn bossy commands into polite, natural-sounding Spanish advice.
Te sugiero que hables con tu jefe hoy.
10 examples

Next Steps

You've done an amazing job mastering these complex structures. Keep practicing, and you'll be influencing conversations like a native in no time!

Roleplay a restaurant order

Continue to: Expressing Feelings and Reactions

Quick Practice (10)

Complete the sentence.

Te pido que ___ (venir) temprano.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vengas
Subjunctive needed.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Making Requests: Pedir Que (Ask to...)

Fix the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Te pido que estudiar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Te pido que estudies
Infinitive error.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Making Requests: Pedir Que (Ask to...)

Fix the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Quiero que tú vas.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quiero que tú vayas
Irregular subjunctive.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Asking others to do things (Necesitar que)

Fill in the blank with the correct subjunctive form.

Te aconsejo que ___ (estudiar) más.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: estudies
Aconsejar + que + subjunctive.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Giving Advice in Spanish: I recommend that you... (Aconsejar)

Fix the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Quiero que tú estudiar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quiero que tú estudies
Infinitive error.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: I Want You To... (Quiero que + Subjunctive)

Correct the error in the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Espero que ellos llegan a tiempo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Espero que ellos lleguen a tiempo.
Subjunctive is required.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: I want you to... (Expressing Preferences for Others)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Te sugiero que vayas.
Subjunctive is required after 'sugerir'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Giving Polite Advice (The Subjunctive Mood)

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Sugiero que nosotros comemos.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Sugiero que nosotros comamos
Subjunctive required.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Making Suggestions in Spanish: I suggest that... (Sugerir)

Find the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

Te recomiendo que estudias.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: estudias
Should be 'estudies'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Giving Polite Advice (The Subjunctive Mood)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Te aconsejo que vayas.
Subjunctive is required.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Giving Advice in Spanish: I recommend that you... (Aconsejar)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

It expresses influence, which is not a fact.
Only if the subject is the same.
It acts as a connector between the two clauses.
Only if you are stating a fact, not a desire.
Because you are expressing a wish, not a fact.
Only if you are stating a fact.
Previous Chapter
Introduction to Wishes and Hopes
Next Chapter
Expressing Feelings and Reactions
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