Estar Subjunctive Mood in Latin American Spanish

The Subjunctive Mood of Estar is used to express wishes, desires, doubts, or uncertainties about a state or condition, for example: Es importante que estés aquí. (It’s important that you are here.)

Estar is an irregular verb in the Subjunctive Mood, meaning its conjugations do not follow a set pattern and must be memorized individually.

Conjugations

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

Pronoun Conjugation
Yoesté
estés
Él / Ella / Ustedesté
Nosotros / Nosotrasestemos
Ellos / Ellas / Ustedesestén

Boost Your Memorization with Audio!

We’ve included audio recordings of the the conjugations of Estar (to be) in the Subjunctive Mood to help you learn faster.

Pro Tip: Play the audio on a loop as you study the chart. This repetition will solidify the correct conjugations in your memory.

Usage of Estar in the Subjunctive Mood

The present subjunctive of estar is used to express wishes, desires, demands, or situations that are hypothetical, doubtful, or contrary to fact.

To express wishes or desires: For example, Espero que estés bien. (I hope you are well.)

To express demands or recommendations: For example, Es necesario que estés aquí a las 8. (It is necessary that you be here at 8.)

To express hypothetical or contrary-to-fact situations: For example, Si yo estuviera en tu lugar, haría lo mismo. (If I were in your place, I would do the same.)

To express doubt or uncertainty: For example, Dudo que esté listo a tiempo. (I doubt that he will be ready on time.)

Colloquial/idiomatic usage: ¡Que estés bien, güey! (Take care, dude!) is a common informal way to say goodbye to friends.

Examples

Examples of Estar in the Subjunctive Mood

Espero que estés bien preparado para el viaje. (I hope you are well prepared for the trip.)

Es importante que estén atentos durante la presentación. (It’s important that they are attentive during the presentation.)

Aunque esté cansado, tengo que terminar este proyecto. (Even though I’m tired, I have to finish this project.)

Ojalá estemos a tiempo para la fiesta. (Hopefully we’ll be on time for the party.)

No importa dónde estés, siempre puedes contar conmigo. (No matter where you are, you can always count on me.)

Cuando estén listos, podemos irnos. (When you all are ready, we can leave.)

Aunque esté ocupado, haré tiempo para ayudarte. (Even if I’m busy, I’ll make time to help you.)

Espero que estés disfrutando de tus vacaciones. (I hope you’re enjoying your vacation.)

Es crucial que estemos en la misma página. (It’s crucial that we’re on the same page.)

Pase lo que pase, estén preparados. (Whatever happens, be prepared.)

Aunque esté lejos, siempre los tendré presentes. (Even though I’m far away, I’ll always keep you in mind.)

Ojalá estés disfrutando de tu nuevo trabajo. (Hopefully you’re enjoying your new job.)

Es importante que estén al tanto de los cambios. (It’s important that you all are aware of the changes.)

Aunque estemos en desacuerdo, respetemos las opiniones de los demás. (Even if we disagree, let’s respect others’ opinions.)

Pase lo que pase, esté tranquilo. (Whatever happens, stay calm.)

Conjugations with English Translations

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

Spanish English
Yo esté I am
Tú estés You are
Él / Ella / Usted esté He / She / You is
Nosotros / Nosotras estemos We are
Ellos / Ellas / Ustedes estén They / You all are

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.