The subjunctive and the conditional
il faut que, je veux que — and si j'avais…
15 minutes · A free lesson from B1 : Indépendant (independent) · Roman and Urdu pronunciation guides and English meanings are shown under each phrase
The subjunctive follows expressions of necessity, wish, emotion and doubt: il faut que, je veux que, je suis content que, je ne pense pas que. Il faut que tu viennes.
| il faut que, je veux que, je suis content que, je ne pense pas que | Say eel foh kuh, zhuh voe kuh, zhuh swee koh(n)tah(n) kuh, zhuh nuh pah(n)s pa kuh | ایل فو کَ, ژَ ووے کَ, ژَ سوی کوںتاں کَ, ژَ نَ پاںس پا کَ | Means: it is necessary that, I want … to, I am glad that, I don't think that |
| Il faut que tu viennes. | Say eel foh kuh tue vyehn. | ایل فو کَ تیُ ویےن. | Means: You have to come. |
The conditional makes requests polite and describes what would happen: Je voudrais un café. · Si j'avais le temps, je voyagerais.
| Je voudrais un café. | Say zhuh voodrehz uh(n) kafeh. | ژَ وُودغےز اں کافے. | Means: I would like a coffee. |
| Si j'avais le temps, je voyagerais. | Say see zhaveh luh tah(n), zhuh vwayazhreh. | سی ژاوے لَ تاں, ژَ ووایاژغے. | Means: If I had the time, I would travel. |
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: Choose the correct sentence.
- Si j'avais le temps, je voyagerais.
- Si j'aurais le temps, je voyagerais.
- Si j'avais le temps, je voyagerai.
Show the answer
A: Si j'avais le temps, je voyagerais. — si + imparfait is followed by the conditional. Never put the conditional after si.
Quick check: Which expression is followed by the subjunctive?
- parce que
- il faut que
- je pense que
Show the answer
B: il faut que — il faut que expresses necessity: il faut que tu viennes. je pense que takes the ordinary present.
Quick check: Choose the right form: “Il faut que tu ___.” (venir)
- viens
- viendras
- viennes
Show the answer
C: viennes — After il faut que, use the subjunctive: que tu viennes.
Quick check: What does “Je voudrais un café” mean?
- I want a coffee now!
- I had a coffee.
- I would like a coffee.
Show the answer
C: I would like a coffee. — The conditional makes a request polite: je voudrais.
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