French Subjunctive: Expressing Wants and Will (Subjonctif de volonté)
que when expressing what you want, wish, or demand someone else to do.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use the subjunctive when you express a desire, command, or need for someone else to do something.
- Use 'que' to connect the two clauses: Je veux que tu viennes.
- The subject of the first verb must be different from the second: Je veux que tu...
- Use the subjunctive conjugation for the second verb: Il faut que nous partions.
Overview
The French subjunctive is a mood, not a tense. While verb tenses (like the present, past, or future) indicate when an action occurs, moods convey the speaker's attitude toward that action or state. The indicative mood, for instance, expresses facts, certainty, and objective reality (Je sais qu'il est là – I know that he is there).
In contrast, the subjunctive mood steps into the realm of subjectivity, expressing doubt, emotion, possibility, necessity, or will.
This article specifically addresses the Subjonctif de volonté (subjunctive of will). You employ this mood to articulate what you want, desire, demand, or prefer another person or entity to do or experience. It functions as the grammatical mechanism French uses to project one's will or influence onto a separate subject.
This linguistic distinction is crucial: you can state your own actions factually (using the indicative), but you cannot state another's influenced actions as mere facts; instead, you express your desire for them. Consider it the language of indirect command, strong suggestion, or influenced action.
For example, Je mange (I eat) uses the indicative because it is a direct, factual statement about your own action. However, Je veux que tu manges (I want you to eat) necessitates the subjunctive because you are articulating a desire for someone else to perform an action. This structure underscores the subjective nature of your wish rather than a factual occurrence, reflecting a fundamental aspect of French grammatical thought.
How This Grammar Works
Subjonctif de volonté, you must combine three specific grammatical elements. These components work together to distinguish the speaker's subjective will from objective statements:- 1A Main Clause with a Verb of Volition: This independent clause conveys the speaker's will, desire, preference, demand, or necessity. The verb within this clause is typically in the indicative mood, or occasionally the conditional mood for heightened politeness (e.g.,
J'aimerais que...). This main verb is the trigger for the subjunctive in the subordinate clause.
- 1The Subordinating Conjunction
que(orqu'): This conjunction serves as the indispensable link connecting the main clause to the subordinate clause. While it translates to "that" in English, and English often allows its omission (e.g., "I want you to leave" instead of "I want that you leave"),queis mandatory in French. You cannot omit it when triggering the subjunctive. For instance, you must sayJe veux que tu partes, notJe veux tu partes.
- 1A Subordinate Clause with a Different Subject in the Subjunctive Mood: This dependent clause contains the action that the main clause's subject desires or demands from an entirely different subject. This is a fundamental rule: the subject of the main clause MUST be distinct from the subject of the subordinate clause. If the subjects are identical, the subjunctive is not used; instead, an infinitive verb follows the main clause.
Je veux parler.(I want to speak. –Jeis the subject ofveuxandparler)Il préfère rester à la maison.(He prefers to stay at home. –Ilis the subject ofpréfèreandrester)
que and then use the subjunctive mood for the verb in the dependent clause, featuring the new subject:Je veux que tu parles.(I want you to speak. –Jeis the subject ofveux,tuis the subject ofparles)Il préfère que nous restions à la maison.(He prefers that we stay at home. –Ilis the subject ofpréfère,nousis the subject ofrestions)
que introduces the clause where that intent is directed towards an independent agent.que or the subjunctive, as the will and the action originate from the same source.Formation Pattern
ils/elles form of the present indicative: Start with the third-person plural form of the verb in the present tense. For parler (to speak), this is ils parlent. For finir (to finish), it is ils finissent. For vendre (to sell), it is ils vendent.
-ent ending: This step reveals the subjunctive stem. From parlent, you get parl-. From finissent, you derive finiss-. From vendent, you extract vend-.
nous and vous forms.
parler) | Example (finir) | Example (vendre) |
que je | -e | que je parle | que je finisse | que je vende |
que tu | -es | que tu parles | que tu finisses | que tu vendes |
qu'il/elle/on | -e | qu'il parle | qu'il finisse | qu'il vende |
que nous | -ions | que nous parlions| que nous finissions| que nous vendions |
que vous | -iez | que vous parliez | que vous finissiez | que vous vendiez |
qu'ils/elles | -ent | qu'ils parlent | qu'ils finissent | qu'ils vendent |
nous and vous Divergence: Imperfect Stem Connection
nous form, the nous and vous forms of the present subjunctive are derived from the imperfect indicative stem. This means you take the nous form of the present indicative, remove the -ons ending, and then add the subjunctive endings -ions and -iez. The stem for je, tu, il/elle/on, ils/elles will come from the ils/elles present indicative form, creating a dual-stem verb (often called "boot verbs" or "shoe verbs" in other contexts).
boire (to drink)
ils present indicative: ils boivent
je, tu, il/elle/on, ils/elles: boiv-
que je boive, que tu boives, qu'il boive, qu'ils boivent
nous present indicative: nous buvons
nous, vous: buv- (from imperfect stem)
que nous buvions, que vous buviez
prendre (to take)
ils present indicative: ils prennent -> prenn- (for je, tu, il, ils forms: que je prenne, que tu prennes, qu'il prenne, qu'ils prennent)
nous present indicative: nous prenons -> pren- (for nous, vous forms: que nous prenions, que vous preniez)
que je | que tu | qu'il/elle/on | que nous | que vous | qu'ils/elles |
aie | aies | ait | ayons | ayez | aient |
sois | sois | soit | soyons | soyez | soient |
aille | ailles | aille | allions | alliez | aillent |
fasse | fasses | fasse | fassions | fassiez | fassent |
puisse | puisses | puisse | puissions | puissiez | puissent |
sache | saches | sache | sachions | sachiez | sachent |
veuille | veuilles | veuille | voulions | vouliez | veuillent |
avoir and être is particularly important as they are frequently used as auxiliary verbs and in many idiomatic expressions requiring the subjunctive. The pattern for irregulars often relies on recognizing unique stems, sometimes unrelated to their indicative forms.
When To Use It
Subjonctif de volonté is triggered by main clauses expressing the speaker's desire, demand, preference, advice, or necessity concerning an action performed by a different subject. The key is that the main verb conveys a subjective influence or requirement rather than an objective statement. Here are the primary categories of expressions that necessitate its use:- 1Expressions of Desire, Will, or Preference: These verbs indicate what someone wants to happen or prefers regarding another's actions.
vouloir que(to want that):Je veux que tu réussisses.(I want you to succeed.)désirer que(to desire that):Nous désirons qu'elle vienne avec nous.(We desire that she come with us.)souhaiter que(to wish that):Je souhaite que vous soyez heureux.(I wish that you be happy.)préférer que(to prefer that):Il préfère que nous restions ici.(He prefers that we stay here.)aimer mieux que(to prefer that):J'aime mieux que vous partiez tôt.(I prefer that you leave early.)tenir à ce que(to insist that):Je tiens à ce que ce travail soit bien fait.(I insist that this work be well done.)
- 1Expressions of Order, Demand, or Prohibition: These verbs convey commands, requirements, or restrictions placed upon another subject.
ordonner que(to order that):Le directeur ordonne que tout le monde assiste à la réunion.(The director orders that everyone attend the meeting.)exiger que(to demand that):Les clients exigent que le service s'améliore.(The clients demand that the service improve.)demander que(to ask/request that):Je demande que tu fasses attention.(I ask that you pay attention.)commander que(to command that):Le capitaine commande que les troupes avancent.(The captain commands that the troops advance.)interdire que(to forbid that):La loi interdit que l'on jette des déchets ici.(The law forbids that one throw waste here.)empêcher que(to prevent that – often withneexplétif):J'empêcherai qu'il ne parte.(I will prevent him from leaving. Note the optional, non-negativenein formal contexts; it doesn't translate as "not.")
- 1Expressions of Advice, Suggestion, or Counsel: These verbs present recommendations or guidance for another's actions.
suggérer que(to suggest that):Je suggère que vous lisiez ce livre.(I suggest that you read this book.)proposer que(to propose that):Nous proposons que l'on repousse la date.(We propose that the date be postponed.)conseiller que(to advise that):Elle conseille que je prenne une pause.(She advises that I take a break.)
- 1Impersonal Expressions of Necessity, Importance, or Obligation: Many impersonal expressions, particularly those starting with
il estoril faut, trigger the subjunctive when they convey a necessity or importance for a different subject to act.
il faut que(it is necessary that):Il faut que tu fasses tes devoirs.(It is necessary that you do your homework.)il est nécessaire que(it is necessary that):Il est nécessaire que nous partions maintenant.(It is necessary that we leave now.)il est important que(it is important that):Il est important que vous compreniez cela.(It is important that you understand this.)il est essentiel que(it is essential that):Il est essentiel que chacun participe.(It is essential that everyone participate.)il vaut mieux que(it is better that):Il vaut mieux que tu ne dises rien.(It is better that you say nothing.)
Common Mistakes
Subjonctif de volonté involves navigating several common pitfalls. Recognizing these frequent errors can significantly accelerate your mastery of this mood.- 1Failure to Observe the Subject Change Rule: This is perhaps the most prevalent mistake. Learners often use the subjunctive when the subject of the main clause and the subordinate clause is the same. Remember, if the subjects are identical, use the infinitive, not
que+ subjunctive.
- Incorrect:
Je veux que je parle.(Literally, I want that I speak.) - Correct:
Je veux parler.(I want to speak.) - Incorrect:
Il espère qu'il soit là.(Incorrect subjunctive afterespérerin affirmation, and wrong if subjects are same intention.) - Correct:
Il espère être là.(He hopes to be there.)
- 1Omitting
que: English often allows the omission of "that" in sentences like "I want you to leave." This leads learners to incorrectly dropquein French.Queis mandatory to introduce a subjunctive clause.
- Incorrect:
Je désire tu viennes. - Correct:
Je désire que tu viennes.(I desire that you come.)
- 1Using the Indicative Instead of the Subjunctive: Many verbs of volition, particularly those with equivalents in English that don't trigger a mood change, are mistakenly followed by the indicative. This often occurs with verbs of suggestion, demand, or impersonal necessity.
- Incorrect:
Il faut que vous faites vos devoirs.(faitesis indicative) - Correct:
Il faut que vous fassiez vos devoirs.(It is necessary that you do your homework. –fassiezis subjunctive) - Incorrect:
Je suggère qu'il vient demain.(vientis indicative) - Correct:
Je suggère qu'il vienne demain.(I suggest that he come tomorrow. –vienneis subjunctive)
- 1Incorrect Conjugations, Especially Irregulars: While the three-step rule covers many verbs, the highly irregular ones (like
être,avoir,aller,faire,pouvoir,savoir,vouloir) are frequent sources of error. Misapplying thenous/vousstem change rule (e.g., forboireorprendre) is also common.
- Incorrect:
Je veux que tu es là.(esfromêtreindicative) - Correct:
Je veux que tu sois là.(I want you to be there. –soisis subjunctiveêtre) - Incorrect:
Il est important que nous avons assez de temps.(avonsfromavoirindicative) - Correct:
Il est important que nous ayons assez de temps.(It is important that we have enough time. –ayonsis subjunctiveavoir)
- 1Confusion with Similar Structures (e.g.,
pour que): Conjunctions of purpose likepour que(so that, in order that) andafin que(in order that) also require the subjunctive because they express a desired outcome, not a factual one. However, it's important to recognize they signify purpose, not directly the will of the main clause subject for the subordinate subject to act.
Je travaille pour que tu puisses voyager.(I work so that you can travel. – purpose)- This differs from
Je veux que tu puisses voyager.(I want you to be able to travel. – will)
- 1Overuse of the Subjunctive: Learners, after grasping its rules, sometimes apply the subjunctive too broadly, using it after verbs that express certainty or objective fact, or in affirmative statements of opinion that imply certainty (where the indicative is correct).
Je pense que tu as raison.(I think you are right. – indicative for certainty, or opinion presented as certainty)Je ne pense pas que tu aies raison.(I don't think you are right. – subjunctive for doubt/uncertainty)
Real Conversations
The Subjonctif de volonté is an integral part of natural French communication, appearing in various registers from formal writing to casual exchanges. Understanding its application in different contexts is crucial for both comprehension and production.
1. Formal and Professional Settings (Emails, Business Discussions):
In professional communication, the subjunctive is often used to express polite requests, demands, or recommendations, particularly in written correspondence or formal meetings. It conveys respect and a certain degree of indirectness, which is valued in French politeness.
- Je vous demande que vous transmettiez ce rapport avant la fin de la journée. (I ask that you submit this report before the end of the day.)
- Il est essentiel que toutes les parties prenantes soient informées des changements. (It is essential that all stakeholders be informed of the changes.)
- Nous souhaiterions que la proposition soit examinée avec attention. (We would wish that the proposal be examined carefully. – souhaiterions in conditional for extra politeness)
2. Casual and Everyday Speech (Friends, Family, Texting):
Even in informal contexts, the subjunctive of will is very common, especially with impersonal expressions and verbs like vouloir.
- Il faut qu'on se voie bientôt ! (We must see each other soon! – a friendly, common expression. Note qu'on is colloquial for que nous.)
- Je veux que tu saches que je suis là pour toi. (I want you to know that I'm there for you.)
- Ma mère veut que je range ma chambre. (My mom wants me to tidy my room.)
- In texting, you might see abbreviated forms, but the full subjunctive structure is grammatically expected. For instance, faut qu'tu viennes (short for il faut que tu viennes) is common, with the subjunctive verb viennes remaining.
3. Expressing Opinions, Advice, and Exhortations:
When giving advice or urging someone to do something, particularly in a non-authoritarian way, the subjunctive is often employed.
- J'aimerais que tu réfléchisses bien avant de décider. (I'd like you to think carefully before deciding.)
- Le médecin a insisté pour que je prenne mes médicaments régulièrement. (The doctor insisted that I take my medication regularly.)
- Il est important que les jeunes votent. (It is important that young people vote.)
One cultural observation about French is the subtle power dynamic conveyed by the subjunctive. While Je veux que tu fasses ça is a clear demand, softening it to J'aimerais que tu fasses ça (using the conditional in the main clause) or even using an impersonal construction like Il est important que tu fasses ça allows for expressing will or necessity with greater politeness and less direct imposition, which is a frequent feature of French social interactions. The liaison rules also apply; for example, que nous soyons is pronounced /kə nu swajɔ̃/, with the /s/ sound of nous linking to the vowel of soyons.
Quick FAQ
Subjonctif de volonté:- Is the subjunctive a tense? No, it is a mood. It reflects the speaker's attitude (will, emotion, doubt, necessity) towards an action, whereas tenses indicate when an action occurs.
- When is
quenot followed by the subjunctive? When the main clause expresses certainty, fact, or an opinion presented as fact (e.g.,Je crois que,Je sais que,Il est certain que), the indicative is used. Also,quecan be a conjunction in other non-subjunctive constructions (e.g.,parce que– because).
- What if the subjects of the main and subordinate clauses are the same? In this crucial scenario, you do not use
que+ subjunctive. Instead, you directly follow the verb of volition with an infinitive verb. For example,Je veux partir(I want to leave), notJe veux que je parte.
- Are there other uses of the subjunctive beyond expressing will? Yes, the subjunctive is also triggered by expressions of emotion (
Je suis content que tu viennes), doubt or uncertainty (Je doute qu'il soit là), judgment (Il est dommage que tu partes), and purpose (pour que,afin que). This article focuses onSubjonctif de volonté, but understanding its broader context is beneficial.
- How important is it to master the subjunctive at the B1 level? At the B1 level, a solid grasp of the
Subjonctif de volontéis essential. It allows you to express nuanced desires, give polite commands, and articulate necessities, which are fundamental for communicating effectively and naturally in French. Without it, your expression will often sound blunt or grammatically incorrect.
Subjunctive Endings
| Person | Ending |
|---|---|
|
Je
|
-e
|
|
Tu
|
-es
|
|
Il/Elle/On
|
-e
|
|
Nous
|
-ions
|
|
Vous
|
-iez
|
|
Ils/Elles
|
-ent
|
Meanings
The subjunctive of volition is used to express wishes, commands, requests, or requirements directed at another person.
Wishes and Desires
Expressing what you want to happen.
“Je souhaite que tu sois heureux.”
“J'aimerais que vous veniez.”
Commands and Orders
Telling someone what to do.
“J'ordonne que tu sortes.”
“Je demande que vous finissiez.”
Necessity
Expressing that something is required.
“Il faut que nous mangions.”
“Il est nécessaire que tu étudies.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Vouloir + que + Subjunctive
|
Je veux que tu viennes.
|
|
Negative
|
Ne pas vouloir + que + Subjunctive
|
Je ne veux pas que tu sortes.
|
|
Interrogative
|
Veux-tu que + Subjunctive?
|
Veux-tu que je parte?
|
|
Necessity
|
Il faut que + Subjunctive
|
Il faut que nous mangions.
|
|
Polite
|
J'aimerais que + Subjunctive
|
J'aimerais que vous soyez là.
|
|
Requirement
|
Il est nécessaire que + Subjunctive
|
Il est nécessaire qu'il sache.
|
|
Demand
|
J'exige que + Subjunctive
|
J'exige que tu finisses.
|
|
Wish
|
Je souhaite que + Subjunctive
|
Je souhaite qu'elle réussisse.
|
Formality Spectrum
Je souhaite que vous partiez. (Leaving a place)
Je veux que tu partes. (Leaving a place)
Je veux que tu te casses. (Leaving a place)
Bouge de là. (Leaving a place)
The Subjunctive Trigger Map
Verbs
- Vouloir To want
- Exiger To demand
- Souhaiter To wish
Expressions
- Il faut que It is necessary that
- Il est important que It is important that
Examples by Level
Je veux que tu manges.
I want you to eat.
Il faut que tu partes.
You must leave.
Je veux qu'il vienne.
I want him to come.
Il faut que nous finissions.
We must finish.
Je souhaite que vous soyez à l'heure.
I wish for you to be on time.
J'aimerais que tu fasses attention.
I would like you to pay attention.
Il exige que nous travaillions.
He demands that we work.
Je préfère que tu restes ici.
I prefer that you stay here.
Il est nécessaire que vous sachiez la vérité.
It is necessary that you know the truth.
Je demande que le client soit remboursé.
I request that the client be refunded.
Il faut que vous ayez votre passeport.
You must have your passport.
Je veux que vous puissiez venir demain.
I want you to be able to come tomorrow.
Elle insiste pour que nous prenions une décision.
She insists that we make a decision.
Je ne veux pas que tu te sentes obligé.
I don't want you to feel obligated.
Il est impératif que les employés soient formés.
It is imperative that the employees be trained.
Je souhaite que vous ayez passé une bonne journée.
I wish that you have had a good day.
Il convient que vous soyez présent à la réunion.
It is fitting that you be present at the meeting.
Je requiers que vous fassiez preuve de diligence.
I require that you show diligence.
Il est souhaitable que nous parvenions à un accord.
It is desirable that we reach an agreement.
Je tiens à ce que vous compreniez les enjeux.
I insist that you understand the stakes.
Il est primordial que chacun soit conscient de ses responsabilités.
It is paramount that everyone be aware of their responsibilities.
Je ne saurais tolérer que vous agissiez ainsi.
I could not tolerate that you act this way.
Il importe que vous ayez pris vos dispositions.
It is important that you have made your arrangements.
Je demande instamment que cette mesure soit appliquée.
I urgently request that this measure be applied.
Easily Confused
Learners use 'que' even when the subject is the same.
Learners use indicative after 'vouloir que'.
Learners don't know when to use 'que'.
Common Mistakes
Je veux que tu viens.
Je veux que tu viennes.
Je veux que je pars.
Je veux partir.
Il faut que tu manges.
Il faut que tu manges.
Je veux qu'il est ici.
Je veux qu'il soit ici.
J'exige que tu finis.
J'exige que tu finisses.
Il faut que nous avons fini.
Il faut que nous ayons fini.
Je souhaite que tu viens.
Je souhaite que tu viennes.
Je demande que vous faites ça.
Je demande que vous fassiez ça.
Il faut que vous allez.
Il faut que vous alliez.
Je veux qu'il sache.
Je veux qu'il sache.
Je requiers que vous soyez venu.
Je requiers que vous soyez venu.
Il est impératif que vous faites.
Il est impératif que vous fassiez.
Sentence Patterns
Je veux que ___ ___.
Il faut que ___ ___.
J'exige que ___ ___.
Je souhaite que ___ ___.
Real World Usage
Je veux que tu viennes vite !
Il est nécessaire que je sois formé.
Je voudrais que vous m'apportiez de l'eau.
J'aimerais que vous aimiez ma photo.
Il faut que vous ayez votre billet.
Je veux que tu finisses tes devoirs.
The 'Que' Rule
Don't over-subjunctive
Master 'être' and 'avoir'
Sounding Polite
Smart Tips
Immediately switch to the subjunctive.
Always follow with the subjunctive.
Use 'J'aimerais que' + subjunctive.
Use the 'ils' form of the present tense.
Pronunciation
Subjunctive endings
The -e, -es, -e, -ent endings are silent. Only -ions and -iez are pronounced.
Commanding
Je veux que tu viennes! ↓
Falling intonation for firm commands.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
W-E-I-R-D-O: Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal expressions, Recommendations, Doubt, Orders.
Visual Association
Imagine a puppet master (the main verb) pulling strings to make the second person (the subjunctive verb) dance. The strings are the word 'que'.
Rhyme
When you want someone to do, use the subjunctive, it's true!
Story
I want my dog to sit. I say 'Je veux que tu t'assoies'. He doesn't listen. I demand that he listens: 'J'exige que tu écoutes'. He finally sits.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences today using 'Je veux que...' with different people.
Cultural Notes
French people use the subjunctive constantly. It's a sign of a good education.
In casual speech, the subjunctive is sometimes replaced by the indicative, but it's still used in writing.
Standard French is used in formal settings, so the subjunctive is very common.
Derived from the Latin subjunctive, which expressed doubt or desire.
Conversation Starters
Que veux-tu que tes amis fassent ce week-end?
Qu'est-ce qu'il faut que tu fasses demain?
Que souhaites-tu que le gouvernement change?
Que demandes-tu que ton partenaire fasse pour t'aider?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Je veux que tu (venir) ____.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Il faut que nous finissons.
Je veux que tu (manger).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Il faut que vous (avoir) ____.
J'exige qu'il (faire) ____ ses devoirs.
Je / vouloir / que / tu / partir
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesJe veux que tu (venir) ____.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Il faut que nous finissons.
Je veux que tu (manger).
Être (tu)
Il faut que vous (avoir) ____.
J'exige qu'il (faire) ____ ses devoirs.
Je / vouloir / que / tu / partir
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesElle préfère que nous ___ (étudier) ensemble.
I want you to speak French.
veux / que / Je / viennes / tu
Match the pairs:
Choose the right option:
Je veux que vous parlez plus fort.
Nous exigeons qu'il ___ (finir) son travail.
They want us to be there.
Je veux ___ (manger) une pizza.
J'aimerais que tu m'écris.
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
It comes from Latin 'subjungere', meaning to join under, because it's a subordinate clause.
Yes, 'que' is the bridge between the main verb and the subjunctive verb.
Yes, it's very common in daily life.
People will understand you, but it will sound grammatically incorrect.
Conditional is for 'would', subjunctive is for 'want/need'.
Some dialects use it less, but standard French requires it.
Only in the negative or interrogative (e.g., 'Je ne pense pas qu'il vienne').
Remembering the irregular stems.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Subjuntivo
Spanish has more tenses for the subjunctive.
Konjunktiv I/II
German uses modal verbs for volition.
Volitional form
Japanese does not have a 'que' clause structure.
Mansoub
It is a case, not a mood.
None
No conjugation.
Subjunctive
English uses 'should' or infinitive.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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