чтобы

Conjunction
(+ subjunctive or the infinitive)


 * 1) that...should
 * 2) so that, in order that; in order to
 * 3) lest
 * 1) lest
 * 1) lest

Usage notes

 * After чтобы, an infinitive is used if a subject is not specified. Он позвонил мне, чтобы сказать, что любит меня. (He phoned me in order to say that he loves me).
 * The subjunctive mood is used when a subject is specified. Я хочу, чтобы ты позвонил мне. (I want you to phone me). Even though the verb is in the past tense, it still refers to the future.
 * To put the construction in past tense, the first clause is changed to past tense. Я хотел, чтобы ты позвонил мне вчера. (I wanted you to phone me yesterday).
 * Чтобы is normally used with perfective verbs, but imperfective verbs will be used if there is a request not to do something.