Present Subjunctive (Irregular Verbs)
The irregular present subjunctive is used for verbs that don't follow standard patterns. Most irregulars use the 'Io-Form Rule' (taking the stem from the 1st person singular indicative) for the three singular persons and the 3rd person plural. Note that the 'io', 'tu', and 'lui/lei' forms are always identical, which helps in becoming confident with these conjugations.
How It Works
The congiuntivo presente is the mood of subjectivity. For irregular verbs, the conjugation often relies on specific patterns.
1. The Io-Form Rule (Singulars & 3rd Plural):
Take the io form of the present indicative and remove the final -o. This stem is used for the three singular persons and the 3rd person plural. Crucially, the io, tu, and lui/lei forms are always identical:
- Venire (vengo) → venga, venga, venga ... vengano
- Dire (dico) → dica, dica, dica ... dicano
- Uscire (esco) → esca, esca, esca ... escano
2. The 'Noi' and 'Voi' Forms:
Unlike the other persons, the noi and voi forms usually revert to the regular stem of the verb (often matching the present indicative):
- Venire: veniamo, veniate (NOT vengiamo)
- Uscire: usciamo, usciate (NOT esciamo)
3. Spelling Changes (-care/-gare):
To maintain the hard sound of the infinitive, verbs ending in -care and -gare add an 'h' before the endings:
- Cercare: cerchi, cerchi, cerchi, cerchiamo, cerchiate, cerchino
- Pagare: paghi, paghi, paghi, paghiamo, paghiate, paghino
4. Major Irregular Exceptions:
Some verbs are completely irregular and do not follow the 'io' rule at all:
- Essere: sia, sia, sia, siamo, siate, siano
- Avere: abbia, abbia, abbia, abbiamo, abbiate, abbiano
- Sapere: sappia, sappia, sappia, sappiamo, sappiate, sappiano
- Dare: dia, dia, dia, diamo, diate, diano
- Stare: stia, stia, stia, stiamo, stiate, stiano
5. The 'Dovere' Variation:
The verb dovere has two acceptable forms: debba (more formal/standard) and deva (more common in Northern Italy and casual speech).
Examples (5)
- Spero che tu stia bene.
I hope that you are well.
Word by Word: I hope that you stay well.
'Stia' is the irregular subjunctive of 'stare', triggered by the verb of hope 'sperare'.
- È probabile che loro vengano domani.
It is likely that they are coming tomorrow.
Word by Word: It is probable that they come tomorrow.
'Vengano' follows the 'io-form' rule (vengo -> venga) and is triggered by an impersonal expression of probability.
- Voglio che lei mi dica la verità.
I want her to tell me the truth.
Word by Word: I want that she to me says the truth.
'Dica' is the irregular subjunctive of 'dire', triggered by the verb of will 'volere'.
- Benché sia tardi, voglio finire il lavoro.
Although it is late, I want to finish the work.
Word by Word: Although it be late, I want to finish the work.
'Sia' is the irregular subjunctive of 'essere', triggered by the conjunction 'benché'.
- Bisogna che voi facciate attenzione.
It is necessary that you (plural) pay attention.
Word by Word: It needs that you do attention.
'Facciate' is the 'voi' form of the irregular verb 'fare'.
Common Mistakes
Using 'venghi' or 'venghino' (The Fantozzi Error).
Spero che lei venghi alla festa.Spero che lei venga alla festa.Learners sometimes use archaic or hyper-corrected forms like 'venghi' popularized by comedic characters. The correct ending for the singular is always '-a' for these irregulars.
Applying the 'io-form' rule to 'sapere'.
Credo che lui sappa tutto.Credo che lui sappia tutto.While many verbs follow the 'io-form' rule (so -> sa), 'sapere' is a major exception and becomes 'sappia'.
Not an error, but the subject is unclear.
Different MeaningÈ meglio che sia pronto.È meglio che tu sia pronto.'È meglio che sia pronto' is correct and means 'it is better that he/she is ready'. Since 'sia' is the same for io, tu and lui/lei, add 'tu' (or 'io') when you mean you.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To learn irregular present subjunctive forms, you first need to understand the basic function and regular endings of the present subjunctive. Additionally, familiarity with the irregular stems of common verbs in the present indicative is crucial, as these stems often carry over into the subjunctive mood.
Related Patterns
- Verbs/Expressions Triggering the Subjunctive
Explains the specific 'triggers' (verbs of emotion, doubt, etc.) that force the use of these irregular forms.
Level 3 - Indicative vs Subjunctive
Helps distinguish when to use the factual indicative versus the subjective subjunctive.
Level 3 - affinché / benché / sebbene + SubjunctiveSubjunctive After Purpose/Concession Conjunctions
Focuses on specific conjunctions that always require the subjunctive mood.
Level 3 - uscire / venire / direIrregular Presente: Uscire, Venire, Dire
These verbs are irregular in the indicative, which directly influences their subjunctive stems.
Level 1
Sources
Practice Present Subjunctive (Irregular Verbs) in Bubblegum
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