French Conditional vs Subjunctive

The conditional and the subjunctive can both express uncertainty, which is why they are often confusing. But they are used for different reasons.

The conditional is used to talk about something imagined, possible, or dependent on a condition.
It is often similar to “would” in English, and it is also used to be polite, especially in situations like ordering at a restaurant.
Examples:
Je partirais en France si j’avais le temps. (I would go to France if I had time.)
Il pourrait venir demain. (He could come tomorrow.)
Je voudrais un café, s’il vous plaît. (I would like a coffee, please.)
Je prendrais un verre de vin rouge. (I’ll have a glass of red wine / I would take a glass of red wine.)
Key idea:
→ The conditional = an imagined or possible situation + polite requests (very common in real life)
The subjunctive is used to express a personal reaction: doubt, emotion, desire, or necessity.
It is usually introduced by “que” in French.
Examples:
Il faut que tu viennes. (It’s necessary that you come.)
Je veux que tu fasses tes devoirs. (I want you to do your homework.)
Je ne pense pas qu’il soit là. (I don’t think he is there.)
Key idea:
→ The subjunctive = how the speaker feels or reacts (not certain, subjective)
Main difference:
Conditional → imagining a situation OR being polite
Subjunctive → reacting to a situation (emotion, doubt, opinion)
Helpful comparison:
Je pense qu’il viendra. (I think he will come.)
Je ne pense pas qu’il vienne. (I don’t think he will come.)
Il viendrait s’il pouvait. (He would come if he could.)
Very simple summary:
Conditional → “in another situation” (imagined, possible, polite — especially in restaurants)
Subjunctive → “in my mind” (doubt, emotion, desire)