Does 'Espérer' Need the Subjunctive?

The French verb espérer means "to hope," and espérer may require the subjunctive, depending on whether it is used affirmatively, negatively or interrogatively. If you're using espérer affirmatively, it does not require the subjunctive.

Example

J'espère qu'il viendra.
I hope he comes.

(Note: When espérer is used affirmatively, it is normally followed by the future tense, rather than the present tense.) 

But if you're using espérer negatively or interrogatively, the verb requires the subjunctive.

Examples

Je n'espère pas qu'il vienne. 
I don't hope that he's coming.

(Note: "I don't hope he's coming" is not the same as "I hope he's not coming." The latter would be an affirmative use of the term and therefore would not require the subjunctive.)

Espères-tu qu'il vienne ?
Do you hope that he's coming?