Wishes and instructions for third parties
The imperative only exists for tu, nous and vous. For the third person, you put que + subjunctive at the start of the sentence. The main clause with je veux drops away, and the sentence becomes shorter and more forceful.
The pattern
With or without a main clause
Unmarked
Dites-lui d'entrer.
Tell him to come in.
Je veux qu'ils se débrouillent seuls.
I want them to manage on their own.
que at the start
Qu'il entre !
Have him come in!
Qu'ils se débrouillent !
Let them sort it out themselves!
In writing and in daily life
Que chacun prenne ses responsabilités.
Let everyone take responsibility.
Speeches, editorials.
Que la fête commence !
Let the party begin!
Formal opening.
Either way
Two possibilities side by side, each with que and the subjunctive, mean: whichever is true, the main clause holds. It corresponds to English “whether … or not”.
Que cela plaise ou non, la décision est prise.
Whether people like it or not, the decision has been made.
Que tu le veuilles ou non, il faudra lui parler.
Whether you like it or not, you'll have to talk to him.
Qu'il pleuve ou qu'il vente, on part demain.
Come rain or shine, we're leaving tomorrow.
The fronted que-clause
When you move a que-clause to the front, it takes the subjunctive, even if it contains a fact and would take the indicative at the end. At the front it's a topic you're commenting on, not a claim. This is typical of commentary and argument.
At the end or at the front
que-clause at the end
Tout le monde sait qu'il a raison.
Everyone knows he's right.
que-clause at the front
Qu'il ait raison, tout le monde le sait.
That he's right, everyone knows.
Que le projet soit en retard n'étonne personne.
The fact that the project is behind schedule surprises no one.
Que tu sois fatigué, je le comprends.
That you're tired, I can understand.
Fixed expressions
Some formulas have become fixed. You use them as a whole.
Le train est annulé ? Qu'à cela ne tienne, on prendra la voiture.
The train's cancelled? Never mind, we'll take the car.
La réunion est avancée à huit heures, qu'on se le dise !
The meeting has been moved up to eight, pass it on!
Que Dieu vous garde.
May God keep you.
