Subjunctive in Indefinite Relative Clauses
In Italian, relative clauses (sentences starting with che, cui, or il quale) usually take the indicative. However, if you are describing a 'requirement' for something you haven't found yet, or something that doesn't exist, you normally use the subjunctive.
How It Works
This pattern is essential to become proficient in Italian at the B2 level. It occurs when the relative clause describes a person or thing that is not yet identified or whose existence is being questioned. In Italian grammar, these are often categorized as relative clauses with a 'valore finale, consecutivo o limitativo' (final, consecutive, or limiting value).
1. The 'Filter' Function
When you use the subjunctive, you are setting a condition for a hypothetical entity. For example, 'Cerco un libro che sia interessante' implies you are looking for any book that fits that description. If you use the indicative ('Ho un libro che è interessante'), you are referring to a specific, existing object.
2. Common Triggers
The subjunctive is triggered by verbs of searching, wanting, or needing in the main clause:
- Cercare (To look for)
- Volere / Desiderare (To want / To desire)
- Avere bisogno di (To need)
3. Negative and Interrogative Contexts
The verbs esserci (there is) and mancare (to be missing) trigger the subjunctive primarily when the existence of the antecedent is denied or questioned: 'Non c'è niente che mi piaccia' (There is nothing I like) or 'C'è qualcuno che sappia l'ora?' (Is there anyone who knows the time?).
4. Superlatives and Exclusive Terms
The subjunctive is usually preferred when the relative clause follows a relative superlative (e.g., il più grande che...) or exclusive adjectives like unico, solo, or ultimo. This adds a layer of subjectivity or emphasis to the statement: 'È l'ultimo uomo di cui mi fidi' (He is the last man I trust).
5. Register
While the indicative is sometimes heard in very casual speech, using the subjunctive is the mark of a proficient speaker and is expected in formal and written Italian.
Examples (6)
- Cerchiamo un tecnico che conosca bene il programma.
We are looking for a technician who knows the program well.
Word by Word: We look for a technician that knows (subj.) well the program.
The technician is not a specific person yet; we are looking for anyone who meets this requirement.
- È il film più bello che io abbia mai visto.
It is the most beautiful movie I have ever seen.
Word by Word: It is the movie most beautiful that I have (subj.) ever seen.
The subjunctive is used here because the relative clause follows a relative superlative ('il più bello').
- Non conosco nessuno che sappia la verità.
I don't know anyone who knows the truth.
Word by Word: Not I know anyone that knows (subj.) the truth.
After a negative like 'nessuno', the subjunctive is used because the person described is non-existent in the speaker's circle.
- C'è qualcuno che mi possa aiutare?
Is there anyone who can help me?
Word by Word: There is someone that me can (subj.) help?
In questions where the existence of the person is being verified, the subjunctive is preferred.
- Avete un vestito che non sia troppo caro?
Do you have a dress that isn't too expensive?
Word by Word: Have you a dress that not be (subj.) too expensive?
The speaker is looking for any dress that fits the 'not expensive' criteria.
- È l'unica persona che mi capisca veramente.
She is the only person who truly understands me.
Word by Word: She is the only person that me understands (subj.) truly.
Words like 'unico', 'solo', or 'ultimo' often trigger the subjunctive in the following relative clause to emphasize the exclusive nature of the description.
Common Mistakes
Using the indicative when any candidate will do.
Different MeaningCerco una segretaria che parla inglese.Cerco una segretaria che parli inglese.'Cerco una segretaria che parla inglese' is correct when you mean one particular secretary who already speaks English. When you describe a requirement and any candidate who fits will do, use the subjunctive: 'che parli inglese'.
Using the subjunctive for a specific, known object.
Ho visto il film che sia bello.Ho visto il film che è bello.If you have already seen the film, it is a specific reality. You must use the indicative 'è'.
Tense mismatch between the main clause and the relative clause.
Cercavo un uomo che sappia cucinare.Cercavo un uomo che sapesse cucinare.Usually, when the main verb is in the past, the relative clause follows the sequence of tenses and uses the imperfect subjunctive (sapesse). The present subjunctive is possible only if the wish still holds now.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To learn the use of the subjunctive in indefinite relative clauses, you first need to be comfortable forming standard relative clauses with 'che'. You also need to know how to conjugate verbs in the present subjunctive and understand the functional shift from the indicative (used for known, specific entities) to the subjunctive (used for desired or unidentified entities).
- che / cuiRelative Pronouns 'Che' and 'Cui'
The learner must understand how to form basic relative clauses using 'che' before applying the subjunctive within them.
Level 2 - Present Subjunctive
Knowledge of subjunctive verb forms is necessary to conjugate the verb in the relative clause correctly.
Level 3 - Indicative vs Subjunctive
Understanding the conceptual difference between certainty (indicative) and desire/hypothetical situations (subjunctive) is essential for choosing the correct mood in relative clauses.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- Imperfect Subjunctive
Used in relative clauses when the main verb is in a past tense (e.g., 'Cercavo una casa che avesse...').
Level 4 - chiunque / qualunque / dovunque + SubjunctiveSubjunctive After Chiunque, Qualunque, Dovunque
A similar pattern where indefinite pronouns like 'chiunque' often trigger the subjunctive.
Level 5 - avere bisogno di + Infinitive / Noun'Avere Bisogno Di' + Infinitive/Noun
One of the primary triggers for indefinite relative clauses expressing a need.
Level 4
Sources
Practice Subjunctive in Indefinite Relative Clauses in Bubblegum
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