“Mood” refers to the way in which we express ourselves in a language. It reflects the speaker’s perspective or stance towards the action that is being carried out.

 

First of all, it is crucial to understand that a tense is not the same as a mood. Tenses refer to the time frame in which the action of a verb occurs－this could be in the present, past, or future. On the other hand, moods denote a manner of expression, an attitude reflected in the way a verb is used, not a specific moment in time. In Spanish, we have indicative, subjunctive and imperative moods. 

 

Let’s look at each one of them in more detail.

 

Indicative Mood

It is used to express assertion, facts and objective statements. It is employed to talk about actions, events and states that are believed to be true or factual. In Spanish, it can be used in all the tenses, including present, past, future, and conditional. Here are some examples:

 

Nosotros vivimos muy cerca del centro de la ciudad. – Presente de indicativo

(We live very close to the city center)

 

Ayer los niños estuvieron en el parque toda la tarde. – Pretérito indefinido

(Yesterday the children were at the park all afternoon)

 

Seguramente en el futuro trabajaremos menos horas. – Futuro 

(Surely in the future we will work fewer hours)

 

Me gustaría tomar unos días libres del trabajo para poder descansar. – Condicional 

(I would like to take a few days off work to be able to rest)

 

Despite the fact that some of the actions mentioned here in these examples may not have occurred, they are presented as objective, true, and/or factual. Pay attention to how words like “seguramente” (surely) and “me gustaría” (I would like to) convey the speaker’s objective intention or point of view.

 

Subjunctive Mood

It is used to convey wishes, doubts, desires, hopes, and possibilities. Basically, all things we do not have evidence about. When we are uncertain about something, when the information is not specific, verified or experienced, we turn into the subjunctive. Let’s look at some examples:

 

Cuando llegues a casa, toma dos aspirinas. – Presente de subjuntivo 

(When you get home, take two aspirins)

 

Nos encantaría que mi tía viniera mañana a la fiesta. – Pretérito imperfecto de subjuntivo 

(We would love for our aunt to come to the party tomorrow)

 

Si lo hubiera sabido, no compraba toda esta comida. – Pretérito pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo

(If I had known, I would not have bought all this food)

 

Aunque no hayamos hecho mucho este fin de semana, tenemos que descansar. – Pretérito perfecto de subjuntivo

(Even though we have not done much this weekend, we have to rest)

 

In the previous examples, pay attention to how different speakers express their wishes or desires, such as “Nos encantaría que…” (We would love…), as well as possibilities: “Cuando llegues a casa…” (When you get home…). In these instances, it is uncertain whether the desired outcome will be fulfilled or expected actions will, in fact, occur. Additionally, the subjunctive mood is used to refer to past events that could have happened differently, as seen in phrases like “Si lo hubiera sabido…” (If I had known…) and “Aunque no hayamos hecho mucho…” (Even though we have not done much).

 

Imperative Mood

It is used to give direct orders, instructions, ask a favor and give advice. Here are some examples:

In the previous examples, we can observe the different functions of the imperative mood. Firstly, it is used to give direct orders or commands, as seen in phrases like “Pon las cosas sobre la mesa…” (Put the things on the table…). Secondly, it is used to offer advice or warnings, as evidenced by “No vayas a la escuela…” (Do not go to school…) and “Estudien mucho…” (Study hard…). Additionally, the imperative mood can convey a friendly gesture or invitation, exemplified by “Siéntase como en su casa” (Make yourself at home), which welcomes someone warmly. 

 

In this lesson, we explored the three moods in Spanish: the indicative, subjunctive, and imperative. Understanding these is essential for effective communication in Spanish. Unlike English, Spanish verbs change their form depending on the mood. We offered a brief description of each mood and also looked at examples of each one. To learn a bit more, take a look at our lessons on “Introduction to Spanish Conjugations”, “Spanish Imperative” and “The Present Tense of the Subjunctive Mood”.