The subjuntivo presente or present subjunctive mood of atacar is used to express desires, doubts, or hypothetical situations, for example: Es importante que ataquemos el problema de raíz. (It’s important that we attack the problem at its root.)

Atacar is a verbo con cambio vocálico or spelling-changing verb, meaning the vowel in the stem changes in certain conjugations. For the present subjunctive, the stem vowel changes from ‘a’ to ‘qu’.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Atacar (to attack) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Castilian Spanish):

Atacar generally means to attack or assault, but has several different meanings in the Subjunctive Mood, some of which might surprise you.

To criticize or reprimand: for example, Aunque ataque tu comportamiento, no lo tomes como algo personal (Although he may criticize your behavior, don’t take it personally).

To make fun of or mock: for example, No me extrañaría que atacaran tu acento cuando hables español (I wouldn’t be surprised if they made fun of your accent when you speak Spanish).

To deal with or tackle (a problem): for example, Es importante que ataquemos el problema de raíz (It’s important that we tackle the problem at its root).

To consume or eat enthusiastically (colloquial): for example, ¡Atacad esas tortillas antes de que se enfríen! (Attack those tortillas before they get cold!)

To flirt or hit on someone (colloquial, sometimes rude): for example, No me sorprendería que te ataquen en el bar esta noche (I wouldn’t be surprised if they hit on you at the bar tonight).

Examples

Examples of Atacar in the Subjunctive Mood

Es importante que ataquemos el problema de raíz. (It’s important that we attack the problem at its root.)

El entrenador insistió en que el equipo ataque con más intensidad. (The coach insisted that the team attack with more intensity.)

Aunque no queramos, a veces es necesario que ataquemos en defensa propia. (Even if we don’t want to, sometimes it’s necessary that we attack in self-defense.)

Ojalá que el gobierno ataque la corrupción de una vez por todas. (Hopefully the government attacks corruption once and for all.)

Es vital que la empresa ataque nuevos mercados para seguir creciendo. (It’s vital that the company attacks new markets in order to keep growing.)

El profesor sugirió que los alumnos ataquen el ensayo desde diferentes ángulos. (The professor suggested that the students attack the essay from different angles.)

Quiero que ataques tus metas con determinación este año. (I want you to attack your goals with determination this year.)

Dudo que el equipo contrario ataque desde el inicio del partido. (I doubt that the opposing team will attack from the start of the match.)

Es fundamental que ataquéis el problema con un enfoque innovador. (It’s essential that you all attack the problem with an innovative approach.)

Tal vez sería mejor que ataquen por la derecha, donde la defensa es más débil. (Maybe it would be better if they attack from the right, where the defense is weaker.)

El jefe ordenó que ataquemos el mercado con una nueva campaña publicitaria. (The boss ordered that we attack the market with a new advertising campaign.)

Aunque cueste, es necesario que ataques tus miedos de frente. (Even if it’s difficult, it’s necessary that you attack your fears head-on.)

Insistieron en que ataquemos el tema con cautela para no ofender a nadie. (They insisted that we attack the topic cautiously so as not to offend anyone.)

Sería ideal que ataquen el problema desde varios frentes a la vez. (It would be ideal if they attack the problem from several fronts at once.)

El líder sugirió que ataquemos las injusticias sociales con acciones concretas. (The leader suggested that we attack social injustices with concrete actions.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Atacar (to attack) 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.