What does subjonctif in French mean?

What is the meaning of the word subjonctif in French? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use subjonctif in French.

The word subjonctif in French means subjunctive, subjunctive mood, subjunctive, provided + [indicative], provided that + [indicative], unless, so + [indicative], so that + [indicative], like to do , like doing, before + [indicative], have high hopes + [indicative], have high hopes that + [indicative], be afraid + [indicative], be afraid that + [indicative], although + [indicative], even though + [indicative], How come + [indicative]?, be worried + [indicative], be worried that + [indicative], in the hope that, in such a way that, so that, for fear of + [gerund], for fear + [indicative], out of fear that + [indicative], hate it when does, it is a shame + [indicative], it is a shame that + [indicative], doubt + [indicative], doubt that + [indicative], doubt + [indicative], doubt that + [indicative], supposing + [indicative], supposing that + [indicative], think it best that + [indicative], be careful to ensure , take care to ensure, be happy + [indicative], be happy that + [indicative], it is high time did , it is high time that did, it is important + [indicative], it is important that + [indicative], it is essential + [indicative], it is essential that + [indicative], it is necessary that + [indicative], it is natural that + [indicative], it is normal that + [indicative], it is unlikely + [indicative], it is unlikely that + [indicative], it is possible + [indicative], it is possible that + [indicative], it is rare + [indicative], it is rare that + [indicative], it is regrettable that + [indicative], it is time + [preterite], it is time that + [preterite], you would need to + [infinitive], we would need to + [infinitive], I can't wait for + [noun + infinitive], I can't wait until + [indicative], not a day goes by without + [noun + present participle], it may be that + [indicative], it may well be that + [indicative], it may be that + [indicative], it could be that + [indicative], it seems that + [indicative], it appears that + [indicative], it would seem that + [indicative], all you have to do is + [infinitive], you only have to + [infinitive], it would be better if + [indicative], it is better to + [infinitive], it would be better to + [infinitive], imperfect subjunctive, until, just before + [indicative], the fact that + [indicative], so that + [indicative], provided, provided that, let's hope, let's hope that, let's hope + [indicative], let's hope that + [indicative], present subjunctive, pray + [indicative], pray that + [indicative], although + [indicative], dream + [indicative], dream that + [indicative], without + [present participle], however ... + [indicative], on the condition that + [indicative], on condition that + [indicative], imperfect subjunctive, pluperfect subjunctive, present subjunctive. To learn more, please see the details below.

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Meaning of the word subjonctif

subjunctive, subjunctive mood

nom masculin (mode verbal)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

On utilise le subjonctif pour exprimer sentiments, incertitude et nécessité entre autres.

We use the subjunctive to express, among other things, feelings, uncertainty and necessity.

subjunctive

adjectif (relatif au mode subjonctif)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Fassions est une conjugaison subjonctive de faire.

'Fassions' is a subjunctive conjugation of 'faire'.

provided + [indicative], provided that + [indicative]

(seulement si)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

Je viendrai à condition que Paul ne soit pas là.

I'll come provided Paul isn't there.

unless

locution conjonction (sauf si)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

Je serai là à 18 h, à moins que ma réunion s'éternise.

I will be there at six o'clock unless my meeting overruns.

so + [indicative], so that + [indicative]

conjonction (pour que)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

Afin que tu comprennes bien, je vais répéter.

I will repeat it so that you understand properly.

like to do , like doing

verbe transitif (apprécier)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Mon petit chat aime que je le caresse. J'aime qu'on m'obéisse.

My little cat likes it when I stroke him.

before + [indicative]

locution conjonction (plus tôt que)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

Le train est parti avant que je n'aie eu le temps d'acheter un billet.

The train left before I had the time to buy a ticket.

have high hopes + [indicative], have high hopes that + [indicative]

locution verbale (être optimiste quant à [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

J'ai bon espoir que les ouvriers finissent les travaux avant l'automne.

be afraid + [indicative], be afraid that + [indicative]

locution verbale (craindre que)

La jeune maman avait peur que son fils se fasse mal dans le bac à sable. J'ai peur qu'il ne soit trop tard.

I fear it is too late.

although + [indicative], even though + [indicative]

locution conjonction (en dépit du fait que)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

Bien que son four soit cassé, ce cuisinier arrive à préparer de succulents repas.

Even though his oven is broken this chef still manages to make delicious meals.

How come + [indicative]?

(comment expliquer que ?) (informal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

be worried + [indicative], be worried that + [indicative]

(redouter)

Je crains qu'ils n'arrivent trop tard à la gare.

I'm worried they'll get to the station too late.

in the hope that

locution conjonction (en espérant que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Le petit garçon avait préparé un gâteau à sa mère dans l'espoir qu'elle lui pardonne sa bêtise de la veille.

in such a way that, so that

locution conjonction (pour que)

Il faut battre la mayonnaise énergiquement, de manière à ce qu'elle ne retombe pas.

for fear of + [gerund], for fear + [indicative], out of fear that + [indicative]

locution adverbiale (de crainte que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

De peur qu'elle n'arrive en retard à l'examen, sa mère l'a déposée une bonne heure avant.

Lest she be late for the exam, her mother took her there a good hour in advance.

hate it when does

locution verbale (exécrer que [qqn/qch] fasse [qch]) (UK)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Mon chat déteste qu'on le caresse. Je déteste qu'une grille de mots croisés me résiste !

I hate being defeated by a crossword puzzle!

it is a shame + [indicative], it is a shame that + [indicative]

(il est regrettable de faire [qch])

C'est dommage que tu ne puisses pas venir à la fête de Sophie demain ! Ça va être moins sympa sans toi.

Too bad he can't make it today.

doubt + [indicative], doubt that + [indicative]

verbe transitif indirect (ne pas être sûr de)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

Les spécialistes doutent que ce projet soit faisable. // Je doute que tu puisses m'aider.

Experts doubt whether the project is feasible.

doubt + [indicative], doubt that + [indicative]

verbe transitif indirect (penser ne pas pouvoir)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

Le professeur doutait que Jason puisse changer.

The teacher doubted that Jason could change.

supposing + [indicative], supposing that + [indicative]

locution conjonction (dans le cas où)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. Supposing I leave at 3 pm, I should be home by 6, right?

think it best that + [indicative]

locution conjonction (penser préférable que)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

be careful to ensure , take care to ensure

locution verbale (veiller à [qch])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Elle a fait attention à ce que la date limite ne soit pas dépassée.

be happy + [indicative], be happy that + [indicative]

locution verbale (se réjouir de [qch])

Raymond est heureux que sa fille puisse intégrer l'école de son choix.

it is high time did , it is high time that did

locution verbale (il est urgent de faire [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il est grand temps que vous partiez si vous voulez arriver à l'heure.

It is high time you left if you want to get there on time.

it is important + [indicative], it is important that + [indicative]

locution conjonction (Ne pas oublier que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is essential + [indicative], it is essential that + [indicative]

locution conjonction (Il faut que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is necessary that + [indicative]

locution conjonction (utilité de faire [qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is natural that + [indicative], it is normal that + [indicative]

locution conjonction (la logique est suivie)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is unlikely + [indicative], it is unlikely that + [indicative]

(cela serait étonnant que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is possible + [indicative], it is possible that + [indicative]

(ce qui peut se faire)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is rare + [indicative], it is rare that + [indicative]

(il n'est pas courant que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is regrettable that + [indicative]

(il est dommageable que) (formal)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is time + [preterite], it is time that + [preterite]

(c'est le moment que [qch] se fasse)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

you would need to + [infinitive], we would need to + [infinitive]

(il serait bien que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il faudrait que tu arrives 30 minutes à l'avance pour que tu aies le temps de retirer tes billets. Il faudrait que je parte plus tôt ce soir car j'ai rendez-vous chez le dentiste à 17 h 30.

I can't wait for + [noun + infinitive], I can't wait until + [indicative]

(j'ai hâte que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

not a day goes by without + [noun + present participle]

(c'est quotidien)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. This stretch of road is really dangerous. Not a day goes by without an accident occurring.

it may be that + [indicative]

(il est possible que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it may well be that + [indicative]

(il est possible que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it may be that + [indicative], it could be that + [indicative]

(il est possible que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it seems that + [indicative], it appears that + [indicative]

(apparemment)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it would seem that + [indicative]

(apparemment)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

all you have to do is + [infinitive]

locution conjonction (n'avoir qu’à + infinitif)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il suffit que tu visses ces deux bouts pour que cela tienne.

you only have to + [infinitive]

locution conjonction (Dès que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il suffit que je m'allonge 5 minutes pour que les enfants fassent la foire.

I only have to lie down for five minutes for the children to cause mayhem.

it would be better if + [indicative]

(il serait plus judicieux que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it is better to + [infinitive], it would be better to + [infinitive]

(c'est préférable de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Il vaut mieux que je sois en avance.

imperfect subjunctive

nom masculin (conjugaison : temps)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

until

locution conjonction (en attendant que)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

Tu resteras dans ta chambre jusqu’à ce que tu aies fait tes devoirs.

You'll stay in your room until you've done your homework.

just before + [indicative]

(peu de temps avant de faire [qch])

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Ma voisine est passée me voir juste avant que je ne parte.

My neighbour came to see me just before I left.

the fact that + [indicative]

nom masculin (parce que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Le fait que vous n'ayez pas répondu à la convocation ne plaide pas en votre faveur.

so that + [indicative]

locution conjonction (afin que)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

Il faut bien appuyer pour que la colle fasse effet.

You have to press hard for the glue to stick.

provided, provided that

locution conjonction (du moment que)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

Nous pourrons aller pique-niquer pourvu qu'il ne pleuve pas.

We will be able to go on a picnic provided that it doesn't rain.

let's hope, let's hope that

locution conjonction (indique le souhait)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Pourvu qu'il ne pleuve pas !

Let's hope it doesn't rain!

let's hope + [indicative], let's hope that + [indicative]

locution conjonction (en espérant que)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Pourvu qu'il neige en montagne !

Let's hope that it is snowing in the mountains!

present subjunctive

nom masculin (conjugaison : temps de l'irréel)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

pray + [indicative], pray that + [indicative]

locution verbale (espérer que)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

J'ai prié pour que mon père ne nous voie pas en train de fumer.

I prayed my father wouldn't see us smoking.

although + [indicative]

conjonction (bien que)

(conjunction: Connects words, clauses, and sentences--for example, "and," "but," "because," "in order that.")

Quoique nous soyons en automne, il fait très chaud.

Although it is autumn, it's very warm.

dream + [indicative], dream that + [indicative]

(espérer, souhaiter)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

Je rêve qu'un jour, il n'y ait plus de guerre.

without + [present participle]

conjonction (indique une circonstance non réalisée)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Il est venu sans que je le sache.

ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. Unknown to me, she had already done it.

however ... + [indicative]

locution conjonction (aussi ... que)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Si belle que tu sois, je ne vois qu'elle.

However beautiful you are, I see only her.

on the condition that + [indicative], on condition that + [indicative]

locution conjonction (seulement si)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Les visiteurs pourront se déplacer dans l'usine sous condition qu'un chef de service les accompagne.

imperfect subjunctive

nom masculin (Grammaire : temps d'hypothèses)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

pluperfect subjunctive

nom masculin (temps et mode verbal)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Le subjonctif plus-que-parfait est littéraire et couramment remplacé par le subjonctif passé.

present subjunctive

nom masculin (Grammaire : temps des hypothèses)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

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