Take the fastest path to fluent Spanish
Learn how to use the Spanish que for purpose
The Spanish conjunction que is sometimes used to express a purpose. Generally the subordinate clause using que comes after a main clause using the imperative.
Here are some examples:
Deja los documentos encima de mi escritorio, que yo los pueda firmar mañana a primera hora.Leave the documents on my desk, so that I can sign them first thing tomorrow.
Habla más alto, que te escuchen los de la última fila.Speak louder, so that those on the back row can hear you.
Notice how the clause with que expresses the finality of the command expressed previously. This construction is used colloquially.
Also notice how the subjunctive is always used with que in this context. It's incorrect to use the indicative because essentially this is a shorter version of the conjunction para que, which always takes the subjunctive.
- Cierra la ventana, que no entran las moscas. (incorrect with the indicative)
- Cierra la ventana para que no entran las moscas. (incorrect with the indicative)
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 Brainmap today »
Learn more about these related Spanish grammar topics
Examples and resources
Deja los documentos encima de mi escritorio, que yo los pueda firmar mañana a primera hora.Leave the documents on my desk, so that I can sign them first thing tomorrow.
Habla más alto, que te escuchen los de la última fila.Speak louder, so that those on the back row can hear you.
