# Me + Verb + Que in Spanish Spanish often expresses reactions and opinions using the structure: **me + verb + que + clause** This structure literally means: **“it [verb] me that…”** Rather than stating feelings directly like English often does, Spanish describes the situation causing the reaction. **Me molesta que llegues tarde.** It annoys me that you arrive late. In this sentence: | Part | Meaning | | ------- | ---------- | | me | to me | | molesta | it bothers | | que | that | | llegues | you arrive | The event (you arriving late) causes the reaction (annoyance). Because these sentences describe reactions or evaluations, they frequently require the **subjunctive** in the clause after **que**. This rule applies to most sentences using this structure in which the main clause expresses emotions or reactions. * **Me alegra que estés aquí.** I'm glad that you're here. * **Me preocupa que no estudies.** I'm worried that you don't study. * **Me sorprende que lo sepas.** I'm surprised that you know it. * **Me molesta que hables así.** It annoys me that you speak like that. These verbs describe how a situation **affects the speaker emotionally**, which is why the subjunctive is used. Common verbs used in this structure include: | Spanish | Literal Meaning | Natural Meaning | | --------------- | ---------------- | ----------------- | | me gusta | it pleases me | I like | | me encanta | it enchants me | I love | | me interesa | it interests me | I'm interested in | | me molesta | it bothers me | it annoys me | | me irrita | it irritates me | it irritates me | | me preocupa | it worries me | I'm worried about | | me sorprende | it surprises me | I'm surprised | | me impresiona | it impresses me | I'm impressed | | me frustra | it frustrates me | it's frustrating | | me enfada | it angers me | it makes me angry | | me alegra | it makes me glad | I'm glad | | me entristece | it saddens me | it makes me sad | | me asusta | it frightens me | it scares me | | me desconcierta | it disorients me | it puzzles me | | me confunde | it confuses me | I'm confused | | me intriga | it intrigues me | I'm intrigued | For example: **Me intriga que digas eso.** I'm intrigued that you say that. **Me confunde que cambie tanto.** It confuses me that he changes so much. Not every me + verb + que sentence uses the subjunctive, however. The key distinction is what the verb expresses. If the verb communicates certainty, belief, or information, the clause after que normally uses the indicative instead. Examples: **Me parece que tienes razón.** I think you're right. **Me consta que trabaja mucho.** I know for a fact he works a lot. **Me dijeron que vendrá mañana.** They told me he will come tomorrow. In these cases the sentence is not describing an emotional reaction. It is reporting a belief, observation, or known fact. Do not use the subjunctive after verbs expressing **certainty or known information**. Example: ❌ **Me consta que venga mañana** ✔ **Me consta que viene mañana** Another important feature of these constructions is that the subject of the two clauses can sometimes be the same person. When that happens, Spanish often avoids **que + subjunctive** and uses an **infinitive** instead. Example: **Me alegra estar aquí.** I'm glad to be here. **Me molesta tener que esperar.** It annoys me to have to wait. If the same person performs both actions in the sentence, Spanish usually replaces **que + subjunctive** with an **infinitive**. The **me** in these constructions represents the person experiencing the reaction. It can change depending on who feels the emotion. | Spanish | Meaning | | ----------- | ----------------- | | me molesta | it annoys me | | te molesta | it annoys you | | le molesta | it annoys him/her | | nos molesta | it annoys us | | les molesta | it annoys them | Example: **Le sorprende la noticia.** The news surprises him. A reliable rule for exams and writing is: If the main clause expresses a **reaction or emotion**, use the **subjunctive** after **que**. If it expresses **belief, perception, or certainty**, use the **indicative**. These structures are extremely useful in essays and conversation because they allow you to express reactions naturally without repeating **“yo pienso”** or **“yo creo.”**

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