Spanish Present Perfect Subjunctive
Language Resources

In terms of time, we use the present perfect subjunctive when the main verb (in the independent clause) is in the present, future, present perfect or imperative tense and the subjunctive verb (in the dependent clause) refers to an action that has already been completed.

Forming the Spanish present perfect subjunctive

The Spanish present perfect subjunctive has a compound structure that combines the verb "haber" (to have... ) with the past participle of the main verb of the clause.

  • subjunctive of the helping verb "haber" + past participle of the main verb
subjunctive of "haber"
+ past participle
(example: estudiar)
translation
yo
haya
+ estudiado
I have studied
hayas
You have studied
él, ella
haya
He/she has studied
nosotros/as
hayamos
We have studied
vosotros/as
hayáis
You all have studied
ellos, ellas
hayan
They have studied

Using the Spanish present perfect subjunctive

As we stated at the top of the page, we use the present perfect subjunctive when:

  • the main verb (in the independent clause) is in the present, future, present perfect or imperative tense
  • the subjunctive verb (in the dependent clause) refers to an action that has already taken place

Below you can learn about the circumstances that call for the present perfect subjunctive along with a few examples.

Why subjunctive? Example
Expression of doubt. Dudo que haya venido.
(I doubt that he has come.)
Possible non-reality. Busco un libro que haya tenido buenas críticas.
(I'm looking for a book that has gotten good reviews.)
Expression of emotion. Me sorpende que hayas ido a Perú.
(I'm surprises me that have gone to Peru.)
Expression of a wish.Espero que hayas comido.
(I hope you that have eaten.)
Negation.No es verdad que hayan dicho esto.
(It's not true that they have said that.)
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