
emplear Present Subjunctive Conjugation
emplear — to use
The present subjunctive of emplear (emplee, emplees, empleemos, etc.) follows expressions of doubt, desire, emotion, and uncertainty.
emplear Present Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Present Subjunctive
Use this when expressing wishes, doubts, emotions, or giving impersonal commands. It's for situations that aren't stated as facts.
Notes on emplear in the Present Subjunctive
Emplear is regular in the present subjunctive. The forms are derived from the 'yo' form of the present indicative ('empleo') by changing the ending to '-e' for -ar verbs.
Example Sentences
Espero que emplees este consejo.
I hope you use this advice.
tú
Dudo que él emplee los recursos eficientemente.
I doubt he uses the resources efficiently.
él/ella/usted
Es importante que empleemos buenas prácticas.
It's important that we use good practices.
nosotros
Quiero que ustedes empleen el tiempo libre de forma productiva.
I want you all to use your free time productively.
Me alegra que vosotros empleéis vuestro tiempo así.
I'm happy that you all use your time like this.
vosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the present indicative instead of the present subjunctive after verbs of doubt or desire.
Correct: After 'dudo que' or 'espero que', use the subjunctive: 'Dudo que emplee...' not 'Dudo que emplea...'.
Why: These trigger phrases signal uncertainty or desire, requiring the subjunctive mood.
Mistake: Forgetting the 'no' when the subject changes between the main and subordinate clauses for negative commands.
Correct: Use 'No emplees...' for a direct command, but 'Quiero que no emplees...' when expressing a desire about someone else's action.
Why: The structure 'verb of desire/influence + que + subjunctive' is needed when the subject changes.
Master Spanish verbs in context
Memorizing tables only gets you so far. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see verbs like 'emplear' used naturally — in the tenses you're learning.
Related Tenses
Present
yo: empleo
The present tense of emplear (empleo, empleas, emplea...) is used for current actions, habits, and general truths.
Preterite
yo: empleé
The preterite of emplear is regular: empleé, empleaste, empleó, empleamos, empleasteis, emplearon.
Imperfect
yo: empleaba
The imperfect of emplear (empleaba, empleabas...) describes past habits or ongoing situations.
Future
yo: emplearé
The future tense of emplear (emplearé, emplearás...) indicates actions that will happen.
Conditional
yo: emplearía
The conditional of emplear (emplearía, emplearías...) expresses hypotheticals, polite requests, and future-in-the-past.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: empleara
The imperfect subjunctive of emplear (empleara/emplease) expresses past hypotheticals or wishes.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: emplea
Use the imperative of emplear for direct commands: ¡emplea!, ¡emplee!, ¡empleemos!, ¡empleen!, ¡emplead!
Negative Imperative
yo: no emplees
Negative commands use 'no' plus the present subjunctive: ¡no emplees!, ¡no emplee!, ¡no empleemos!, ¡no empleen!, ¡no empleéis!