Pareciera que se dan cuenta....

Pareciera que se dan cuenta....
 

"Los nietos juegan tranquilamente sobre la terraza, pareciera que se dan cuenta de la necesidad que tienen sus padres de unos momentos de descanso"

My translation:
"The grandchildren play quietly on the patio, it would appear that they realize that the parents need a few moments of relaxation"

My question is about paracer in the imperfect subjunctive. Could it be said using the indicative "parece que se dan cuenta", or is the subjunctive required?

Thanks

In this case the subjunctive isn't used.

Sorry, I didn't make it clear. The author of the book I'm reading is using the subjunctive "pareciera". I'm just trying to see why he used it in this context.

También quiero saber yo porque el subjuntivo es usado ahí, habría escrito

Parece que se den cuenta de.... (con el subjuntivo en la segunda cláusula) Realmente no estoy seguro :D

From About.com:

• Parece que es un error de computadora. The speaker is indicating that the problem appears to be a computer error. As in this example, forms of parecer are typically followed by a verb in the indicative mood.
• Parece que sea un error de computadora. This sentence could be translated the same as the above one: "It seems that it is a computer error." But by using the subjunctive, the speaker is expressing hesitancy about her conclusion.

In most cases, the use of the subjunctive is mandated by the structure of the sentence. But in some cases, such as these above, the choice of the indicative or subjunctive mood can express a nuance of meaning that may not be evident in the English translation.

But I still don't understand the use of the Imperfect Subjunctive in the example above.

It's a badly written sentence where the tenses don't agree.
The imperfect subjuctive agrees with the conditional and not with the present tense.

You can use the imperfect subjunctive with the present indicative:

Siento que estuvieras enfermo
I'm sorry that you were sick.

Yes, that's a exception to the rule, but using the subjunctive makes it sound insulting--like somehow you doubt the illness.

I can't see any reason for a subjunctive here. It sounds like an attempt at a translation of 'it would appear as if' from English.

...it appeared that they realize of the need their parents have of a few moments of relaxation/rest.

Usa el llamado "imperfecto de subjuntivo literario":

Es llamado «imperfecto de subjuntivo literario» por aparecer con notoria frecuencia en la lengua escrita. Los «puristas» lo consideran arcaizante y vicioso.

http://www.elcastellano.org/consulta...dicativo&Pag=1

(y estoy de acuerdo)

"Pareciera que se dan cuenta" is absolutely correct.

"It would seem that they realize..."

The verb tense is used to express that one doesn't expect the children to be considerate and let their parents have some rest.

¿Es común escribir así?

To me it says "it seemed... as opposed to would seem"

:bad: Siento que + indicative: I feel that / sense that. Siento que + subjunctive: I'm sorry that.

Estan los dos bien

@Bob: It's common when you use a formal language. The most common equivalent sentence would be "parecería que se dan cuenta", but at least around here, in similar cases, both verbal tenses are "universally" understood and interexchangeable.

@Hernán: Discrepo. Tú sabes más inglés que yo, pero "it seemed" no regresa al español como "pareciera" o "parecería", sino como "pareció". "Pareciera" mantiene la posibilidad de que se repita el que los niños tengan esas consideraciones involuntarias hacia los adultos. "Pareció" lo manda a una sola vez. :thinking:

I agree that 'it seemed' is not right. 'It would seem' is more accurate.

I've never seen the word 'interexchangeable' before. 'interchangeable' is usual. :)

I'm sure that "siento que" always triggers the subjunctive in the subordinate clause seeing that "sentir" is a verb of emotion. I don't think it is correct to say "siento que tú estuviste enfermo" under any circumstances.


Verbs of emotion. Expressions such as to be happy (estar alegre, alegrarse de), to be sad (estar triste), to fear, be afraid (temer, tener miedo de) to hope (esperar), to feel sorry, regret (sentir, dar lástima), to like, be pleased, be delighted (gustar, agradar, encantar), to dislike, be displeased (disgustar, desagradar), to be surprised (sorprender, estar sorprendido), etc., likewise require the use of the subjunctive in clauses they govern.

Espero que vengan. I hope they come.
Siento que ella no esté aquí. I'm sorry she's not here.
Me alegro de que vaya a Madrid. I'm glad he's going to Madrid.
Temo que haya muchos problemas. I fear there are many problems.
Tengo miedo de que no llegue. I'm afraid she won't arrive.
¿Te gusta que sea tan fácil? Are you pleased it's so easy?
Le sorprende que vivamos así. He's surprised we live like that.

Me parece que yo lo tomo así:

it seemed that = pareciera que, parecía que, pareció que

It would seem = parecería

Would it seem that I am still wrong?

:)