⇒ The subjunctive (el subjuntivo) is one of three moods in Spanish, and it is often used to talk about emotions.
⇒ It is always used after the word ojalá, which means I hope or I wish.
⇒ Many of the verbs and phrases that require the subjunctive fit into the acronym WEIRDO: Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal expressions, Recommendations, Doubt/Denial, and Ojalá
⇒ In these notes, we're going to take a look at the word ojalá.
⇒ Ojalá is a Spanish word of Arabic origin. Originally, it meant something like Oh, Allah and may have been used in prayers.
⇒ In modern times, it has taken on several more general meanings, such as I hope/pray to God, God willing, I hope, I wish or if only.
⇒ Ojalá is followed by a verb in the subjunctive whether or not it is used with the relative pronoun que.
⇒ Check out these examples with ojalá:
| ¡Ojalá que recuerde nuestro aniversario!I hope to God he remembers our anniversary. |
| ¡Ojalá no llueva!I hope it doesn't rain! |
| ¡Ojalá que venga mi primo a visitarnos.I hope my cousin comes to visit us. |
| Ojalá mis papás me compren un cachorro.I hope my parents buy me a puppy. |
⇒ You can find more on the differences between the subjunctive and the indicative here!