The Subjunctive Mood of Contener is used to express wishes, desires, or uncertainty, for example: Espero que contengas tu ira. (I hope you contain your anger.)

Contener is an irregular verb, meaning its conjugation follows a unique pattern that must be memorized.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Contener (to contain) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Latin American Spanish):

The present subjunctive of contener is used to express wishes, desires, demands, or uncertainty about an action or state.

To contain or hold back: For example, Es importante que contengas tu ira. (It’s important that you contain your anger.)

To restrain or control: For example, Espero que puedas contener tus emociones. (I hope you can restrain your emotions.)

To prevent or stop: For example, Es necesario que contengas el sangrado. (It’s necessary that you stop the bleeding.)

To include or comprise (figurative): For example, El libro contiene muchas ideas interesantes. (The book contains many interesting ideas.)

To withhold or hold back (colloquial): For example, No puedo contener las ganas de reírme. (I can’t hold back the urge to laugh.)

Examples

Examples of Contener in the Subjunctive Mood

Es importante que el envase contenga instrucciones claras sobre cómo desechar el producto. (It’s important that the packaging contains clear instructions on how to dispose of the product.)

Espero que la nueva política contenga medidas para proteger el medio ambiente. (I hope the new policy contains measures to protect the environment.)

Para que el plan funcione, es necesario que contenga objetivos realistas. (For the plan to work, it’s necessary that it contains realistic goals.)

Ojalá que el discurso del presidente contenga propuestas concretas para mejorar la economía. (Hopefully, the president’s speech contains concrete proposals to improve the economy.)

Aunque el libro contenga algunas ideas controvertidas, vale la pena leerlo. (Even if the book contains some controversial ideas, it’s worth reading.)

Es fundamental que el contrato contenga todos los detalles del acuerdo para evitar malentendidos. (It’s essential that the contract contains all the details of the agreement to avoid misunderstandings.)

Quiero asegurarme de que la receta contenga ingredientes saludables. (I want to make sure the recipe contains healthy ingredients.)

Es importante que los alimentos que consumimos contengan suficientes nutrientes. (It’s important that the foods we consume contain enough nutrients.)

Ojalá que el informe contenga datos actualizados sobre el mercado laboral. (Hopefully, the report contains updated data on the job market.)

Para que una relación funcione, es necesario que contenga respeto mutuo. (For a relationship to work, it’s necessary that it contains mutual respect.)

Es fundamental que la propuesta contenga un análisis detallado de los costos. (It’s essential that the proposal contains a detailed analysis of the costs.)

Ojalá que el nuevo reglamento contenga medidas más estrictas contra la corrupción. (Hopefully, the new regulation contains stricter measures against corruption.)

Aunque el artículo contenga algunas imprecisiones, en general está bien investigado. (Even if the article contains some inaccuracies, it’s generally well-researched.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Contener (to contain) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian 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.