The Subjunctive Mood of Estar is used to express wishes, desires, or situations that are doubtful or hypothetical, for example: Es importante que estés aquí a tiempo. (It’s important that you are here on time.)

Estar is an irregular verb in the Subjunctive Mood, meaning its conjugations do not follow a set pattern like regular verbs.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Estar (to be) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Castilian Spanish):

Estar generally means “to be” in a temporary state or condition, but has several different meanings in the Subjunctive Mood, some of which might surprise you.

Location: For example, Ojalá que estés en casa (I hope you are at home).

Condition or state: For example, Que estés bien (That you are well/okay).

Emotion or feeling: For example, Aunque estés enojado, no lo demuestres (Even if you are angry, don’t show it).

Idiomatic usage: For example, Que estés al tanto (That you are aware/keeping track of something).

Slang/Rude usage: For example, Que estés hasta la madre (That you are fed up with something, informal).

Examples

Examples of Estar in the Subjunctive Mood

Espero que estés bien y que tu familia también esté sana. (I hope you are well and that your family is also healthy.)

Es importante que todos estemos preparados para la reunión de mañana. (It’s important that we are all prepared for tomorrow’s meeting.)

Aunque no estén de acuerdo con la decisión, necesitamos seguir adelante. (Even if they are not in agreement with the decision, we need to move forward.)

Ojalá que cuando regreses, todo esté en orden. (Hopefully when you return, everything will be in order.)

Mientras estemos de vacaciones, disfrutemos al máximo. (While we are on vacation, let’s enjoy it to the fullest.)

El jefe quiere que todos estén presentes en la junta semanal. (The boss wants everyone to be present at the weekly meeting.)

Voy a pedir que estés más atento en clase. (I’m going to ask that you be more attentive in class.)

Aunque no estén de acuerdo, respeten la opinión de los demás. (Even if they don’t agree, respect others’ opinions.)

Es una lástima que estés enfermo y no puedas venir a la fiesta. (It’s a shame that you are sick and can’t come to the party.)

Independientemente de dónde estemos, siempre seremos amigos. (No matter where we are, we will always be friends.)

Tal vez estén cansados, pero aún queda mucho por hacer. (Maybe they are tired, but there’s still a lot to do.)

Aunque estés ocupado, intenta tomarte un descanso de vez en cuando. (Even if you are busy, try to take a break every now and then.)

Quiero asegurarme de que todos estén cómodos antes de comenzar. (I want to make sure everyone is comfortable before we start.)

Es fundamental que estemos atentos a las señales de peligro. (It’s crucial that we are attentive to the warning signs.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Estar (to be) 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.