
interpretar Present Subjunctive Conjugation
interpretar — to interpret
Use the present subjunctive for wishes, doubts, emotions, and uncertainty: interprete, interpretes, interpretemos, interpreten.
interpretar Present Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Present Subjunctive
The present subjunctive is used after expressions of desire, doubt, emotion, or uncertainty, especially when the subject changes between the main clause and the subordinate clause.
Notes on interpretar in the Present Subjunctive
Interpretar is regular in the present subjunctive. All forms are derived from the 'yo' form of the present indicative ('interpreto').
Example Sentences
Espero que interpretes mi gesto como una disculpa.
I hope you interpret my gesture as an apology.
tú
Dudo que él interprete la obra correctamente.
I doubt he will interpret the play correctly.
él/ella/usted
Es importante que interpretemos las señales a tiempo.
It's important that we interpret the signs on time.
nosotros
No creo que interpreten la ley de esa manera.
I don't think they interpret the law that way.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Me alegra que interpretéis bien el mensaje.
I'm happy that you all (Spain) interpret the message well.
vosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the present indicative instead of the present subjunctive after expressions of doubt or desire.
Correct: Use subjunctive: 'Dudo que interprete', not 'Dudo que interpreta'.
Why: Expressions of doubt, desire, and emotion trigger the subjunctive mood.
Mistake: Forgetting the subjunctive for the 'yo', 'él/ella/usted' forms.
Correct: Remember that 'interprete' is used for yo, él, ella, and usted.
Why: These forms are identical to the usted imperative and the él/ella/usted present indicative, so they require careful attention.
Master Spanish verbs in context
Memorizing tables only gets you so far. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see verbs like 'interpretar' used naturally — in the tenses you're learning.
Related Tenses
Present
yo: interpreto
The present tense of 'interpretar' describes current actions or habits: interpreto, interpretas, interpreta, interpretamos, interpretáis, interpretan.
Preterite
yo: interpreté
The preterite of interpretar is regular: interpreté, interpretaste, interpretó, interpretamos, interpretasteis, interpretaron.
Imperfect
yo: interpretaba
The imperfect of 'interpretar' describes past habits or ongoing interpretations: interpretaba, interpretabas, interpretaba, interpretábamos, interpretabais, interpretaban.
Future
yo: interpretaré
The future tense of 'interpretar' indicates future actions: interpretaré, interpretarás, interpretará, interpretaremos, interpretaréis, interpretarán.
Conditional
yo: interpretaría
The conditional of 'interpretar' expresses hypotheticals ('would interpret'): interpretaría, interpretarías, interpretaría, interpretaríamos, interpretaríais, interpretarían.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: interpretara
The imperfect subjunctive (interpretara/interpretase) is for past hypothetical situations or wishes.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: interpreta
Interpret commands using the imperative: interpreta, interprete, interpretemos, interpreten, interpretad.
Negative Imperative
yo: no interpretes
Use 'no' + present subjunctive for negative commands: no interpretes, no interprete, no interpretemos, no interpreten, no interpretéis.