Ojalá
B1Grammar path · Lesson 49 of 86 · Stage B1 · The subjunctive
Use ojalá to say what you hope will happen or wish were different: good weather tomorrow, more free time, a better choice yesterday. It works like 'I hope' or 'if only', but it is one fixed word with no subject and no conjugation. The verb after it is always in the subjunctive: ojalá + presente de subjuntivo for real hopes, ojalá + imperfecto de subjuntivo for unlikely wishes, and ojalá + hubiera + participio for past regrets. Adding que is optional. Learners often confuse it with quiero que, which needs a main verb and a change of subject, while ojalá needs neither.
Practise this lesson · 10 sentences
Form
Ojalá (que) + presente de subjuntivoOjalá (que) no + presente de subjuntivoOjalá (que) + imperfecto de subjuntivoOjalá (que) + pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivoWhen to use it
Hopes for now or the future
When the wish can really come true, use ojalá with the present subjunctive.
Unlikely or impossible wishes
Use the imperfect subjunctive when you know the wish is unlikely or goes against the present reality.
Regrets about the past
Use the pluperfect subjunctive (hubiera + participle) for something that did not happen and you regret.
Signal words
Don't confuse it with
Frequently asked questions
Does ojalá always take the subjunctive?
Yes. Never use the indicative after ojalá: say Ojalá venga, not Ojalá viene.
Do I need que after ojalá?
No, it is optional. Ojalá llueva and Ojalá que llueva mean the same; the version with que sounds a bit more conversational.
What is the difference between ojalá venga and ojalá viniera?
Ojalá venga means you think it may well happen. Ojalá viniera means you see it as unlikely or contrary to reality.
Can I use ¡Ojalá! on its own?
Yes, as a short reply meaning 'I hope so'. If someone says it will be sunny tomorrow, you can answer ¡Ojalá!.
Do I conjugate ojalá?
No. Ojalá never changes; the subject shows in the verb after it, as in ojalá vengan for 'I hope they come'.