Indicative vs subjunctive in relatives
someone who knows vs someone who might
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someone who knows vs someone who might
A known or existing referent takes indicative: Tengo un amigo que habla francés. An unknown, wanted, or negated referent takes subjunctive: Busco a alguien que hable francés. No hay nadie que sepa.
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Known or Existing Referent
Use indicative for facts and real things.
Conozco un restaurante que sirve comida tailandesa.
I know a restaurant that serves Thai food.
Unknown or Wanted Referent
Use subjunctive for things not yet found.
Busco un restaurante que sirva comida tailandesa.
I'm looking for a restaurant that serves Thai food.
Negated or Non-Existent Referent
Use subjunctive when the antecedent is absent.
No hay nadie aquí que hable inglés.
There is nobody here who speaks English.
Common mix-ups
Tenga agrees with singular casa. The subjunctive presents a desired house that has not been identified; an identified house can take the indicative.
I am looking for a house with a garden.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in Spanish before opening the example.
You have no particular person in mind. Say: I am looking for someone who speaks Italian.
Show one possible answer
Busco a alguien que hable italiano.
Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.
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