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Expressing Opinions with the Subjunctive

In Italian, when you express what you think or believe about someone else's actions or feelings, you must often use the subjunctive mood (congiuntivo). Phrases like penso che (I think that) and credo che (I believe that) trigger this shift.

The Golden Rule

If the subject of the main clause is different from the subject of the dependent clause, use the subjunctive!

Penso che tu abbia ragione. (I think that you are right.)
Credo che Marco sia felice. (I believe that Marco is happy.)

Common Subjunctive Endings (-are verbs like parlare)

io/tu/lui/lei: -i | noi: -iamo | voi: -iate | loro: -ino

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't do this: *Penso che tu hai ragione.* (Using the indicative instead of the subjunctive after penso che).

Do this: Penso che tu abbia ragione.

Words

penso che

I think that

Penso che sia importante.I think that it is important.

credo che

I believe that

Credo che tu abbia ragione.I believe that you are right.

dubito che

I doubt that

Dubito che lui venga.I doubt that he is coming.

immagino che

I imagine that

Immagino che sia difficile.I imagine that it is difficult.

spero che

I hope that

Spero che tu stia bene.I hope that you are well.

sia

be (3rd person subjunctive of essere)

Penso che la città sia bella.I think the city is beautiful.

abbia

have (3rd person subjunctive of avere)

Credo che lui abbia tempo.I believe he has time.

faccia

do/make (3rd person subjunctive of fare)

Penso che faccia freddo.I think it is cold.

venga

come (3rd person subjunctive of venire)

Credo che Maria venga domani.I believe Maria is coming tomorrow.

sia stanco

he is tired (subjunctive)

Penso che Marco sia stanco.I think Marco is tired.

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Patterns

Penso che ___ sia ___

I think that ___ is ___ (used for expressing opinions about states or qualities)

Penso che il viaggio sia interessante.I think that the trip is interesting.

Credo che tu abbia ___

I believe that you have ___ (used to express belief about someone's possessions or traits)