Introduction
One of the most common challenges Spanish learners face is understanding when to use the subjunctive mood versus the infinitive form. A perfect example of this confusion appears when giving advice: should you say Te aconsejo que descanses or Te aconsejo descansar? Both sentences mean similar things, but they follow different grammatical rules and have subtle distinctions in meaning and usage. This article explores these two structures, explaining the mood differences, grammatical rules, and practical examples to help you master this essential aspect of Spanish grammar.
Understanding the Two Structures
The Subjunctive Structure: Te aconsejo que descanses
The first structure uses the subjunctive mood. Let’s break down Te aconsejo que descanses:
- Te = indirect object pronoun (you)
- aconsejo = first person singular present indicative of aconsejar (to advise)
- que = connector that introduces a subordinate clause
- descanses = second person singular present subjunctive of descansar (to rest)
This structure literally translates to I advise you that you rest. The presence of que signals the beginning of a dependent clause that requires the subjunctive mood.
The Infinitive Structure: Te aconsejo descansar
The second structure uses the infinitive form. Let’s examine Te aconsejo descansar:
- Te = indirect object pronoun (you)
- aconsejo = first person singular present indicative of aconsejar (to advise)
- descansar = infinitive form of the verb (to rest)
This structure translates to I advise you to rest. Notice there is no que and no subjunctive mood. Instead, we have a direct infinitive that follows the main verb.
Grammar Rules and When to Use Each Structure
Using the Subjunctive: Te aconsejo que descanses
The subjunctive mood in Spanish appears in dependent clauses when certain conditions are met. With verbs of advice, recommendation, suggestion, and similar expressions, you must use the subjunctive when the subject of the main clause differs from the subject of the dependent clause.
In the sentence Te aconsejo que descanses, the main subject is yo (I), and the subject of the dependent clause is tú (you). Because these subjects are different, the subjunctive mood is required after que.
Additional examples of this pattern include:
Mi médico me aconseja que beba más agua.
(My doctor advises me that I drink more water.)
Te recomiendo que estudies más para el examen.
(I recommend to you that you study more for the exam.)
Le sugiero que viaje a España en verano.
(I suggest to him that he travel to Spain in summer.)
Using the Infinitive: Te aconsejo descansar
The infinitive structure is used when the subject of the main clause and the subject of the dependent clause would be the same person. Instead of creating a dependent clause with que and the subjunctive, Spanish uses the simpler infinitive form.
When you give advice to someone about themselves, you can use either structure, but the infinitive version is more direct and concise:
Te aconsejo descansar.
(I advise you to rest.) – You and you are the same person
Me aconseja descansar más.
(He/She advises me to rest more.)
Nos recomiendan estudiar juntos.
(They recommend to us that we study together.)
Key Verbs That Follow These Patterns
Many Spanish verbs expressing advice, recommendation, suggestion, request, and similar concepts follow these same patterns. Understanding which verbs trigger these structures will help you use them correctly.
Common Verbs Using Both Structures
These verbs can take either the subjunctive or the infinitive depending on whether subjects match:
- Aconsejar (to advise)
- Recomendar (to recommend)
- Sugerir (to suggest)
- Proponer (to propose)
- Pedir (to ask, to request)
- Ordenar (to order)
- Permitir (to allow)
- Prohibir (to forbid)
- Insistir en (to insist on)
Examples with recomendar:
Te recomiendo que leas este libro.
(I recommend that you read this book.) – Different subjects
Te recomiendo leer este libro.
(I recommend reading this book to you.) – Same action, infinitive form
Subtle Differences in Meaning and Emphasis
Formality and Directness
The subjunctive structure with que tends to feel slightly more formal and creates a clearer separation between the person giving advice and the person receiving it. The que clause emphasizes that this is a separate action or condition.
The infinitive structure feels more direct and personal. It presents the action as a simple recommendation without emphasizing the separation between subjects.
Emphasis on the Action Versus the Person
When you use the subjunctive with que, there is slightly more emphasis on the person performing the action and their agency in completing it. When you use the infinitive, there is more focus on the action itself.
Te aconsejo que descanses.
(I advise that YOU rest – emphasis on the person)
Te aconsejo descansar.
(I advise resting to you – emphasis on the action)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Using the Infinitive When Subjects Differ
One common error is using the infinitive when the subjects of the main and dependent clauses are different:
INCORRECT: Te aconsejo estudiar. (when you mean for someone else to study)
CORRECT: Te aconsejo que estudies.
Remember: if you are advising someone to do something, and that someone is the direct object or indirect object of your advice, use the infinitive. If you are advising that a third party do something, use the subjunctive.
Using the Subjunctive When Subjects are the Same
While using the subjunctive with the same subject is not technically incorrect in all cases, it is often considered redundant or overly formal:
LESS COMMON: Me aconseja que descanse.
MORE COMMON: Me aconseja descansar.
Forgetting the Indirect Object Pronoun
Students sometimes forget to include the indirect object pronoun in these constructions:
INCORRECT: Aconsejo que descanses. (without te or me)
CORRECT: Te aconsejo que descanses. (with the indirect object pronoun)
Practical Examples in Context
In a Doctor’s Office
DOCTOR: Te aconsejo que hagas más ejercicio.
(I advise you to do more exercise.)
Or alternatively:
DOCTOR: Te aconsejo hacer más ejercicio.
(I advise you to do more exercise.)
Between Friends
FRIEND: Te recomiendo que veas esa película.
(I recommend that you watch that movie.)
Or:
FRIEND: Te recomiendo ver esa película.
(I recommend watching that movie to you.)
At Work
BOSS: Les sugiero que terminen el proyecto antes del viernes.
(I suggest that you finish the project before Friday.)
COLLEAGUE: Me propone estudiar el nuevo software mañana.
(He proposes to me studying the new software tomorrow.)
Conclusion
Mastering the difference between Te aconsejo que descanses and Te aconsejo descansar opens up a deeper understanding of Spanish mood usage. The key is recognizing whether the subject of the advice-giver and the person receiving advice are the same or different. When they differ, use the subjunctive with que. When they are the same, use the infinitive. While both structures can sometimes work, understanding these nuances will help you sound more natural and grammatically precise in Spanish. Practice these patterns with different verbs of advice and recommendation, and soon distinguishing between these structures will become second nature in your Spanish conversation and writing.
