para que + Subjunctive
So That (Purpose)
'Para que' means 'so that' or 'in order that' and is followed by a verb in the subjunctive when there are two different subjects.
How It Works
The conjunction para que introduces a clause of purpose. It answers the question 'Why?' or 'For what purpose?'.
A key rule governs its use: if the subject of the main verb (the action) is different from the subject of the purpose verb, you must use the subjunctive mood after para que.
Structure:
- Main Clause (Subject 1 + Verb 1)
- para que
- Subordinate Clause (Subject 2 + Verb 2 in Subjunctive)
For example: Yo cocino (Subject 1) para que tú comas (Subject 2).
This is different from para + infinitive, which is used when the subject of both actions is the same.
- Same Subject: Estudio para aprobar el examen. (I study in order to pass the exam.)
- Different Subjects: Mi profesor explica bien para que nosotros aprobemos el examen. (My teacher explains well so that we pass the exam.)
Remember to use the correct present subjunctive conjugations for the verb that follows para que.
Examples (4)
- Te doy las llaves para que abras la puerta.
I'm giving you the keys so that you can open the door.
Word by Word: To you I give the keys so that you open the door.
The subject changes from 'yo' (I) to 'tú' (you), so 'abrir' becomes 'abras' in the subjunctive.
- Hablamos en voz baja para que el bebé no se despierte.
We are speaking quietly so that the baby doesn't wake up.
Word by Word: We speak in a low voice so that the baby not wake up.
- El gobierno crea nuevas leyes para que la gente viva mejor.
The government creates new laws so that the people live better.
Word by Word: The government creates new laws so that the people live better.
- Voy a explicarlo otra vez para que todos lo entiendan.
I'm going to explain it again so that everyone understands it.
Word by Word: I go to explain it another time so that everyone it understand.
Common Mistakes
Using the indicative mood instead of the subjunctive.
Te presto mi paraguas para que no te mojas.Te presto mi paraguas para que no te mojes.After 'para que' with a change of subject, the verb must be in the subjunctive ('mojes'), not the indicative ('mojas').
Using 'para que' when the subject is the same.
Trabajo mucho para que yo gane más dinero.Trabajo mucho para ganar más dinero.When the subject does not change (I work... so that I earn...), use 'para' followed by the infinitive ('ganar').
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'para que' correctly, you need to understand how to express purpose in Spanish. While 'para + infinitive' is used when the subject remains the same, 'para que' is used when there is a change of subject, which requires the use of the present subjunctive mood. Therefore, learning the basic subjunctive conjugations is essential.
- para + InfinitiveIn Order to
Learners must first understand the basic use of 'para' to express purpose with the same subject before moving to 'para que' which requires a change of subject.
Level 1 - -a/-as/-a/-amos/-áis/-anPresent Subjunctive -ER/-IR
The 'para que' construction triggers the present subjunctive, so the learner must know how to conjugate regular -ER and -IR verbs in this mood.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- por / paraPor vs. Para
'Para que' is a specific use of 'para' to indicate purpose or a goal. Understanding the broader uses of 'para' helps clarify why it's used here.
Level 2 - -e/-es/-e/-emos/-éis/-enPresent Subjunctive -AR
This is the conjugation pattern for -AR verbs in the present subjunctive, which is required for the verb following 'para que'.
Level 3 - antes de que + SubjunctiveBefore (Subjunctive)
Like 'para que', 'antes de que' (before) is another conjunction that introduces a subordinate clause and requires the subjunctive when referring to an anticipated or hypothetical event.
Level 3 - es necesario que + SubjunctiveSubjunctive with Necessity
This is another common structure that triggers the subjunctive. Both patterns involve a main clause influencing or stating something about a subordinate clause with a different subject.
Level 3
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice para que + Subjunctive in Bubblegum
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