Venir is one of the most common and useful verbs in the French language. Meaning “to come,” you’ll hear and use it constantly in everyday conversation.
But like many French verbs, venir can be tricky to master, especially when you throw the subjunctive mood into the mix.
The subjunctive in French expresses subjectivity. Think doubt, possibility, necessity, or emotion. It’s used in specific situations and after certain conjunctions and expressions.
This guide will give you a comprehensive overview of how to conjugate and use venir in the present subjunctive. Venir is an irregular verb, which is why so many learners struggle with this particular conjugation. But with a little practice, you’ll be using venir in the subjunctive like a pro!
Understanding the Subjunctive Mood and Its Triggers
The subjunctive mood can be tricky for language learners, so let’s take a closer look.
What is the Subjunctive Mood?
The subjunctive mood expresses all those subjective ideas that live in our heads: doubts, wishes, emotions, possibilities, and necessities. It’s different from the indicative mood, which is used to talk about facts and certainties.
Certain phrases, called “trigger phrases,” almost always require the subjunctive. These include:
- “Il faut que…” (It is necessary that…)
- “Il est important que…” (It is important that…)
- “Bien que…” (Although…)
- “Afin que…” (So that…)
Why is the Subjunctive Important?
Using the subjunctive correctly shows that you have a strong grasp of French grammar and allows you to communicate with nuance and precision.
Incorrect use of the subjunctive can significantly change the meaning of a sentence, so it’s worth taking the time to learn how to use it properly.
Conjugating “Venir” in the Present Subjunctive
Alright, let’s dive into how to whip “venir” into shape when you need it in the present subjunctive. It’s not as scary as it sounds, promise!
The Present Subjunctive Forms of “Venir”
Here’s the full rundown:
- que je vienne (that I come)
- que tu viennes (that you come)
- qu’il/elle/on vienne (that he/she/one comes)
- que nous venions (that we come)
- que vous veniez (that you come – formal/plural)
- qu’ils/elles viennent (that they come)
Notice anything funky? Yeah, “venir” likes to throw a little curveball with some stem changes. Check it out: the stem morphs from “venir” to “vienn-” in the singular forms (je, tu, il/elle/on) and the third-person plural (ils/elles). Then, it switches to “veni-” for “nous” and “vous.” Gotta love those irregular verbs!
Forming the Present Subjunctive: A Step-by-Step Guide
Okay, so how do you actually make these forms? Here’s a neat trick to get you started:
- Start with the “ils/elles” form in the present indicative. For “venir,” that’s “ils viennent.”
- Chop off the “-ent” ending. Now you’ve got “vienn-.”
- Add the subjunctive endings: -e, -es, -e, -ions, -iez, -ent.
Easy peasy, right? Well, mostly. Remember that “venir” is a bit of a rebel. While that rule works as a general guideline, you still need to remember those stem irregularities, especially for “nous” and “vous.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a couple of pitfalls to watch out for:
- Confusing the subjunctive with the indicative. The biggest hurdle is remembering to use the subjunctive in the first place. Make sure you’re on the lookout for those trigger phrases that signal you need the subjunctive.
- Messing up the “nous” and “vous” forms. Don’t forget that these forms keep the “i” from the infinitive. It’s “veni-,” not “vien-.”
Practice makes perfect, so keep conjugating and using “venir” in context. Before you know it, you’ll be a subjunctive pro!
Using “Venir” in the Subjunctive: Example Sentences and Context
Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks. How does “venir” actually work in the subjunctive? Here are some examples that’ll hopefully make it click.
Expressing Doubt and Uncertainty
The subjunctive often pops up when you’re expressing doubt or uncertainty about something. Think of it as the “maybe” mood.
- “Je doute qu’il vienne à la fête.” (I doubt that he will come to the party.)
See how the subjunctive “vienne” signals that the speaker isn’t sure if he’ll actually show up? It’s not a definite thing; it’s just a possibility.
- “Il n’est pas certain qu’elle vienne.” (It is not certain that she will come.)
Notice how the negative “Il n’est pas certain” (It is not certain) triggers the subjunctive. Anything that casts doubt or uncertainty usually does.
Expressing Wishes and Desires
The subjunctive is also your go-to when you’re talking about wishes, desires, or hopes.
- “Je souhaite que tu viennes nous voir.” (I wish that you would come to see us.)
Here, “Je souhaite que” (I wish that) sets the stage for the subjunctive. You’re expressing a longing for something to happen.
- “J’aimerais qu’ils viennent avec nous.” (I would like them to come with us.)
“J’aimerais que” (I would like that) is another common phrase that requires the subjunctive. It’s a polite way of expressing a desire.
Expressing Necessity and Obligation
When something needs to happen, or there’s an obligation, the subjunctive often steps in.
- “Il faut que je vienne à la réunion.” (It is necessary that I come to the meeting.)
“Il faut que” (It is necessary that) is practically a subjunctive bat-signal. It’s one of the most common phrases that requires it.
- “Il est essentiel que vous veniez à l’heure.” (It is essential that you come on time.)
Emphasizing the importance of something, like punctuality, also calls for the subjunctive.
Subjunctive after Conjunctions
Certain conjunctions (connecting words) are notorious for dragging the subjunctive along with them.
- “Bien qu’il vienne souvent, je suis toujours surpris.” (Although he comes often, I am always surprised.)
“Bien que” (Although) is a prime example. It expresses a contrast or concession, which often leads to the subjunctive.
- “Afin qu’il vienne, nous devons l’inviter.” (So that he comes, we must invite him.)
“Afin que” (So that) expresses a purpose or goal, and it’s another trigger for the subjunctive. We need to invite him in order for him to come.
Related Verbs and Expressions with “Venir” in the Subjunctive
The verb venir isn’t the only one that takes the subjunctive. A few other verbs derived from venir also use the subjunctive in certain contexts.
Verbs Derived from “Venir”
- Revenir (to come back): Think of the sentence, “Il est important qu’il revienne demain.” In English, that’s, “It is important that he come back tomorrow.”
- Devenir (to become): Like this: “Je suis content qu’il devienne médecin.” Or, “I am happy that he is becoming a doctor.”
- Parvenir (to manage to): For example, “Je ne crois pas qu’il parvienne à finir à temps.” Which translates to, “I don’t believe he will manage to finish on time.”
Expressions Using “Venir” in the Subjunctive
French also has a few handy expressions that use venir in the subjunctive.
- Quoi qu’il vienne. This translates to, “Whatever may come.” It’s often used to express a sense of resignation or acceptance of whatever happens. You might say it when you know something is inevitable and you’re preparing yourself for it.
- Advienne que pourra. This one means, “Come what may.” It’s a common saying that expresses a similar sentiment to quoi qu’il vienne—a willingness to face whatever the future holds. It’s often used when making a decision where the outcome is uncertain.
How to master venir in the subjunctive
The subjunctive can be tricky, even for native speakers. Here are some strategies to help you master using venir in the subjunctive mood:
- Practice Conjugation: Drill yourself on venir’s present subjunctive conjugations until they become second nature.
- Learn Subjunctive Triggers: Make a list of common phrases that signal the subjunctive and practice using them in sentences. Think “Il faut que…” or “Je doute que…“
- Immerse Yourself: Read French books, watch French movies and TV shows, and listen to French music. Pay attention to how the subjunctive is used in context.
- Get Feedback: Ask native French speakers to review your writing and point out any errors in your subjunctive usage.
- Use Language Tools: Language learning apps and websites can provide practice exercises and quizzes to help you improve. Tandem is a great platform for finding conversation partners.
Key Takeaways
Using the subjunctive mood correctly is essential for speaking and writing fluent French. Knowing how to conjugate venir in the subjunctive is an important step in mastering this aspect of French grammar.
As you now know, the present subjunctive of venir is irregular, so memorizing the conjugations is key. It’s also important to recognize the trigger phrases that signal when to use the subjunctive mood.
Keep practicing and immersing yourself in the French language. The more you read, listen to, and speak French, the easier it will be to use the subjunctive mood correctly and naturally. With consistent effort and exposure, you’ll master this aspect of French grammar and improve your overall fluency.