Spanish verbs ending in -car replace the -c- with a -qu- in El Presente de Subjuntivo. This is to preserve the sound from the infinitive.
As an example, the verb buscar (to look for) is affected by this change.
Conjugate buscar in El Presente de Subjuntivo in Spanish
| yo | busque |
| tú | busques |
| él / ella / Ud. | busque |
| nosotros / nosotras | busquemos |
| vosotros/vosotras | busquéis |
| ellos / ellas / Uds. | busquen |
Read and listen to these examples:
There are other useful verbs that have the same c > qu spelling change. For example: aparcar (to park), modificar (to modify), explicar (to explain) or equivocarse (to get something wrong).
Look at and listen to these examples:
Será mejor que aparques lejos del centro.It'd be better if you park far from the town centre. [you=tú]
Es necesario que nos expliquen bien la situación.It is vital that they explain the situation clearly.
Aunque yo me equivoque a veces, casi siempre tengo razón.Despite getting things wrong sometimes, I am right most of the time.
See List of Spanish -car verbs that change c > qu in the present of subjunctive
Want to make sure your Spanish sounds confident? We’ll map your knowledge and give you free lessons to focus on your gaps and mistakes. Start your Braimap today »
Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics
Examples and resources
Aunque yo me equivoque a veces, casi siempre tengo razón.Despite getting things wrong sometimes, I am right most of the time.
Los alumnos quieren que el profesor explique de nuevo la lección.The pupils want the teacher to explain the lesson again.
Es necesario que nos expliquen bien la situación.It is vital that they explain the situation clearly.
Prefiero que ustedes busquen información en el folleto.I prefer that you look for information on the brochure.
