optar Present Subjunctive Conjugation
optar — to opt for
The present subjunctive of 'optar' (opte, optes, etc.) is used after expressions of doubt, desire, emotion, or uncertainty.
optar Present Subjunctive Forms
When to Use the Present Subjunctive
Use this when you're not stating a fact, but rather expressing a wish, doubt, emotion, or a non-certain possibility related to choosing something. For example, 'I hope you opt for this' or 'It's unlikely they will opt for that'.
Notes on optar in the Present Subjunctive
Optar is regular in the present subjunctive. The forms are derived from the 'yo' form of the present indicative ('opto').
Example Sentences
Espero que tú optes por la opción A.
I hope you opt for option A.
tú
Dudo que él opte por el camino más largo.
I doubt he will opt for the longer path.
él/ella/usted
Queremos que nosotros optemos por la calma.
We want us to opt for calm.
nosotros
Es importante que ustedes opten por la verdad.
It's important that you all opt for the truth.
ellos/ellas/ustedes
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using the present indicative instead of subjunctive.
Correct: After 'espero que', use 'optes', not 'optas'.
Why: Expressions of hope, doubt, or emotion trigger the subjunctive mood.
Mistake: Incorrectly conjugating the 'vosotros' form.
Correct: The 'vosotros' form is 'optéis', not 'optes'.
Why: The '-éis' ending is specific to the 'vosotros' present subjunctive for -ar verbs.
Master Spanish verbs in context
Memorizing tables only gets you so far. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see verbs like 'optar' used naturally — in the tenses you're learning.
Related Tenses
Present
yo: opto
The present tense of 'optar' (opto, optas, opta, etc.) describes current or habitual choices.
Preterite
yo: opté
The preterite of 'optar' (opté, optaste, optó, etc.) marks completed past choices or decisions.
Imperfect
yo: optaba
The imperfect of 'optar' (optaba, optabas, etc.) describes habitual or ongoing past choices.
Future
yo: optaré
The future tense of 'optar' (optaré, optarás, etc.) indicates choices that will be made.
Conditional
yo: optaría
The conditional of 'optar' (optaría, optarías, etc.) expresses hypothetical choices or polite suggestions.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: optara
The imperfect subjunctive of 'optar' (optara, optaras, etc.) is used for past hypotheticals, wishes, or polite requests.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: opta
Opta, optemos, optad, opten are the affirmative commands for 'optar'.
Negative Imperative
yo: no optes
Negative commands for 'optar' use the present subjunctive: no optes, no optemos, no optéis, no opten.