La felicidad no consiste en cuánto posees.

Sentence Discussions Spanish
#1
English Translation

Happiness does not consist of how much you own.

I wonder if this sentence could equally well use the subjunctive: “en cuánto poseas”.

#2

Unless I mistaken, and my confidence is limited:

  • if en cuánto = how much => indicative

  • if en cuánto = as soon as => subjunctive

#3

That would be without the accent: “en cuanto”. :slightly_smiling_face:

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#4

Either the subjunctive, poseas, can be used or the indicative, posees, can be used. It depends on the speakers point of view.
Personally, I believe that statements such as these are philosophical or metaphorical in nature and therefore, the subjunctive is appropriate.
However, if, for example one were conversing about the high cost of living (la vivienda) in a city and speaking about the possesions you will have to do without to be able to afford your apartment, a friendly comment to that person would use the indicative because you are speaking of concrete, real objects.

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