In terms of time, we use the present perfect subjunctive when the main verb (in the independent clause) is in the present, future, present perfect or imperative tense and the subjunctive verb (in the dependent clause) refers to an action that has already been completed.
Forming the Spanish present perfect subjunctive
The Spanish present perfect subjunctive has a compound structure that combines the verb "haber" (to have... ) with the past participle of the main verb of the clause.
- subjunctive of the helping verb "haber" + past participle of the main verb
subjunctive of "haber" | + past participle (example: estudiar) | translation | |
| yo | haya | + estudiado | I have studied |
| tú | hayas | You have studied | |
| él, ella | haya | He/she has studied | |
| nosotros/as | hayamos | We have studied | |
| vosotros/as | hayáis | You all have studied | |
| ellos, ellas | hayan | They have studied |
Using the Spanish present perfect subjunctive
As we stated at the top of the page, we use the present perfect subjunctive when:
- the main verb (in the independent clause) is in the present, future, present perfect or imperative tense
- the subjunctive verb (in the dependent clause) refers to an action that has already taken place
Below you can learn about the circumstances that call for the present perfect subjunctive along with a few examples.
| Why subjunctive? | Example |
| Expression of doubt. | Dudo que haya venido. (I doubt that he has come.) |
| Possible non-reality. | Busco un libro que haya tenido buenas críticas. (I'm looking for a book that has gotten good reviews.) |
| Expression of emotion. | Me sorpende que hayas ido a Perú. (I'm surprises me that have gone to Peru.) |
| Expression of a wish. | Espero que hayas comido. (I hope you that have eaten.) |
| Negation. | No es verdad que hayan dicho esto. (It's not true that they have said that.) |