affinché / perché + Subjunctive
Subjunctive of Purpose (Affinché, Perché)
Italian uses affinché and perché to mean 'so that' or 'in order that'. These conjunctions always require the subjunctive mood and are used when the person doing the main action is different from the person intended to benefit from the purpose.
How It Works
Purpose clauses explain the goal of an action. In Italian, there are two ways to express this depending on the subjects involved:
1. Different Subjects (Explicit): When the subject of the main verb is different from the subject of the purpose verb, you must use affinché, perché, or in modo che followed by the subjunctive.
Example: Io parlo perché tu capisca (I speak so that you understand).
2. Same Subject (Implicit): If the subjects are the same, Italian prefers per + infinitive.
Example: Studio per imparare (I study [in order] to learn).
Key Distinctions:
- Perché: This is the most common choice. Be careful: when it means 'because', it takes the indicative; when it means 'so that', it must take the subjunctive.
- Affinché: This is strictly for purpose and is slightly more formal. It is common in writing and professional settings.
- In modo che: A very common alternative meaning 'so that' or 'in such a way that'.
- Negation: To form a negative purpose clause, simply add non before the subjunctive verb (e.g., ...affinché tu non cada).
Tense Agreement:
To become proficient in these clauses, note the relationship between the main verb and the purpose:
- If the main verb is in the present or future, use the present subjunctive.
- If the main verb is in a past tense (like the imperfetto or passato remoto), use the imperfect subjunctive.
- Special Case: After the passato prossimo (or passato prossimo with essere), you use the imperfect subjunctive if the purpose is finished, but you can use the present subjunctive if the goal is still relevant or ongoing in the present.
Examples (5)
- Ti presto il libro perché tu lo legga.
I am lending you the book so that you (may) read it.
Word by Word: To you I lend the book so that you it read.
Here, 'perché' introduces a purpose. Since the subjects are different (I lend, you read), we use the present subjunctive 'legga'.
- Il professore spiega chiaramente affinché tutti capiscano.
The professor explains clearly so that everyone understands.
Word by Word: The professor explains clearly so that all understand.
'Affinché' is used here in a slightly more formal educational context, followed by the present subjunctive of 'capire'.
- Ti ho chiamato perché mi aiutassi.
I called you so that you would help me.
Word by Word: You I have called so that me you helped.
Because the main verb 'ho chiamato' is in the past and the action is completed, the purpose clause uses the imperfect subjunctive 'aiutassi'.
- Parla piano perché i bambini non si sveglino.
Speak quietly so that the children don't wake up.
Word by Word: Speak quietly so that the children not themselves wake up.
A common everyday use of 'perché' + subjunctive to express a desired outcome.
- Hanno abbassato i prezzi affinché la gente compri di più.
They lowered the prices so that people buy more.
Word by Word: They have lowered the prices so that the people buy of more.
Even though 'hanno abbassato' is past tense, the present subjunctive 'compri' is used because the goal (people buying more) is still relevant in the present.
Common Mistakes
Using the indicative mood after 'perché' when expressing purpose.
Te lo dico perché capisci.Te lo dico perché tu capisca.If you use the indicative 'capisci', it sounds like you are giving a reason ('I tell you because you understand') rather than a purpose ('I tell you so that you understand').
Using 'affinché' when the subject of both verbs is the same.
Vado in Italia affinché io impari l'italiano.Vado in Italia per imparare l'italiano.When the subject is the same (I go, I learn), Italian uses 'per' + infinitive. Using 'affinché' with the same subject is grammatically possible but sounds very unnatural and stiff.
Confusing 'affinché' (purpose) with 'finché' (time).
Aspetto affinché tu torni.Aspetto finché tu torni.'Affinché' means 'so that'. 'Finché' means 'until'. While both can take the subjunctive, they have completely different meanings.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To learn purpose clauses with 'affinché' and 'perché', you first need a solid grasp of the present subjunctive forms. It is also important to understand the difference between 'perché' meaning 'because' (causal) and 'perché' meaning 'so that' (final), as well as how to coordinate the tenses between the main and subordinate clauses.
Related Patterns
- Present Subjunctive
The present subjunctive is the standard mood used after 'affinché' and 'perché' when the main verb is in the present or future.
Level 3 - Imperfect Subjunctive
The imperfect subjunctive is required for purpose clauses when the main action happened in the past.
Level 4 - per + Destination / Purpose'Per' (Destination, Purpose, Duration)
This is the 'implicit' version of a purpose clause, used when the subject of the main clause and the purpose clause are the same.
Level 1 - e / ma / o / perché / quindiBasic Conjunctions
Basic conjunctions include 'perché' in its causal sense ('because'), which contrasts with the final sense ('so that') taught here.
Level 1 - Indicative vs Subjunctive
Understanding the difference between these moods is crucial for distinguishing between a reason (indicative) and a purpose (subjunctive).
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Sources
Practice affinché / perché + Subjunctive in Bubblegum
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