The subjuntivo presente of Actuar is used to express wishes, desires, or uncertainty about an action, for example: Espero que actúes con responsabilidad. (I hope you act responsibly.)

Actuar is a regular -ar verb, so its present subjunctive conjugations follow the typical pattern for that verb type.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Actuar (to act) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Castilian Spanish):

Actuar generally means “to act” or “to perform”, but has several different meanings in the Subjunctive Mood, some of which might surprise you.

To behave or conduct oneself: for example, Es importante que actuemos con respeto. (It’s important that we behave with respect.)

To take action or proceed: for example, Aunque no tengamos todas las respuestas, actuemos de inmediato. (Even though we don’t have all the answers, let’s take action immediately.)

To operate or function (for a machine or system): for example, El sistema actuará de forma automática cuando se cumplan ciertas condiciones. (The system will operate automatically when certain conditions are met.)

To pretend or put on an act (colloquial): for example, No actúes como si no supieras nada. (Don’t pretend like you don’t know anything.)

To overreact or make a big deal out of something (colloquial, slightly rude): for example, ¡No actuéis tanto por una pequeña broma! (Don’t overreact so much over a little joke!)

Examples

Examples of Actuar in the Subjunctive Mood

Es importante que actúes con respeto en todo momento. (It’s important that you act respectfully at all times.)

El juez ordenó que el acusado actúe de acuerdo con la ley. (The judge ordered that the defendant act in accordance with the law.)

Para tener éxito, es necesario que actuemos con determinación. (To be successful, it’s necessary that we act with determination.)

Ojalá que los políticos actúen en beneficio del pueblo. (Hopefully the politicians will act for the benefit of the people.)

Aunque no estés de acuerdo, es importante que actúes con madurez. (Even if you don’t agree, it’s important that you act maturely.)

Dudo que las autoridades actúen con rapidez ante esta crisis. (I doubt the authorities will act quickly in the face of this crisis.)

Es fundamental que actuemos con responsabilidad en nuestras decisiones. (It’s essential that we act responsibly in our decisions.)

Independientemente de las circunstancias, es vital que actúes con integridad. (Regardless of the circumstances, it’s vital that you act with integrity.)

Aunque parezca difícil, es importante que actuemos con valentía. (Even though it may seem difficult, it’s important that we act with courage.)

Quiero que actúes con más confianza en ti mismo. (I want you to act with more self-confidence.)

Es lamentable que algunas personas actúen sin pensar en las consecuencias. (It’s regrettable that some people act without thinking about the consequences.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Actuar (to act) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Subjunctive mood is also known as the Simple Subjunctive, Subjunctive Present, or Present Subjunctive Mood in English, and as Presente de Subjuntivo, Subjuntivo Presente, Presente del Modo Subjuntivo, or Tiempo Presente del Subjuntivo in Spanish.