Using the wrong mood after emotion

'Trabaje' is used when expressing Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal expressions, Requests, Doubt, or 'Ojalá.' If the main part of the sentence expresses one of these, the action of working ('trabaje') changes form.

The 'WEIRDO' Mood

Even though this form is called 'Present Subjunctive,' it often translates to the English future tense: 'Espero que él trabaje mañana' (I hope he works/will work tomorrow).

Tense Shift

If you see a sentence structure like: [Person 1 verb] + 'que' + [Person 2 verb], the second verb (like 'trabaje') often needs to be in this special form.

The 'Que' Trigger

Extremely common, used daily in conversation, especially when expressing wishes, desires, or doubt.

Using the informal command formally

To give a formal order to a boss, an elder, or someone you don't know well (usted), you use the same verb form as the 'yo' and 'él/ella' present subjunctive: 'trabaje'.

The Formal Command

To tell someone formally *not* to work, simply add 'no' before the command: 'No trabaje mañana' (Don't work tomorrow).

Negative Commands

Very common, used whenever giving a polite or formal instruction to a single person (usted).

'Trabaje' is a conjugation of the Spanish verb 'trabajar' (to work). It functions as the Present Subjunctive form for 'yo,' 'él/ella,' and 'usted,' and also as the formal command ('Usted') meaning 'Work!'

trabaje

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

imperfect

preterite

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations