B2 · فوق المتوسط فصل 15

Setting Conditions and Time Limits

5 القواعد الإجمالية
52 أمثلة
6 دقيقة
القواعد في هذا الفصل تدريب سريع

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of setting conditions and time limits to sound like a native Portuguese speaker.

  • Connect sentences using advanced conjunctions like 'antes que' and 'caso'.
  • Apply the subjunctive mood to express conditions, limitations, and future possibilities.
  • Construct complex sentences that convey nuance and precision in professional or casual settings.
Command the conversation with precision and elegant conditions.

ما ستتعلمه

Get ready to level up your Portuguese! This chapter isn't just about simple sentences; it's about adding precision and nuance to your conversations, making you sound much more like a native speaker. Imagine you're making plans with a friend and want to say, 'I can't come unless I have money' or 'We're going for a picnic, unless it rains.' Here, you'll master how to express these exact conditions and time limits using powerful conjunctions. You'll dive into phrases like 'antes que' (before), 'a não ser que' (unless), 'contanto que' (as long as), 'sem que' (without/unless), 'caso' (in case), and 'a menos que' (unless). These aren't just words; they're your secret weapons for expressing complex ideas. Crucially, you'll learn how these conjunctions act as triggers, always pulling the next verb into the subjunctive mood – a hallmark of advanced Portuguese. Discover how 'antes que' helps you set clear deadlines, especially when different subjects are involved, or how 'caso' allows you to articulate 'in case' scenarios with elegance. And with 'sem que', you'll effortlessly express actions that happen 'without' something else occurring. By the end of this chapter, you won't just be understood; you'll be able to communicate your plans, express nuanced proposals, and set conditions with the confidence and accuracy of a true B2 speaker. Your conversations will gain depth, impressing everyone with your mastery of Portuguese. Ready to fine-tune your expression?

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use subjunctive triggers to create conditional sentences in both Brazilian and European Portuguese.

دليل الفصل

نظرة عامة

Welcome to an exciting chapter designed to significantly boost your Portuguese grammar B2 skills! As you progress in your language journey, moving beyond basic sentences becomes crucial. This guide is your key to unlocking more complex and nuanced expressions, helping you sound more natural and sophisticated.
We’re diving deep into how to set conditions and time limits in Portuguese, equipping you with the tools to express ideas like "I can't go unless I finish my work or Let's meet before it gets dark."
This chapter focuses on powerful conjunctions that act as triggers for the subjunctive mood, a hallmark of advanced Portuguese. You’ll master phrases such as antes que (before), a não ser que (unless), contanto que (as long as), sem que (without/unless), caso (in case), and a menos que (unless). Understanding these isn't just about memorizing words; it's about learning how to structure your thoughts to convey specific conditions, possibilities, and restrictions.
By the end, you'll be able to communicate your plans, express detailed proposals, and set conditions with the precision expected of a CEFR B2 speaker. Get ready to elevate your conversations and impress with your command of Portuguese!

كيف تعمل هذه القاعدة

At the heart of this chapter is the subjunctive mood. The conjunctions we're exploring are classic subjunctive triggers, meaning the verb immediately following them must be in the subjunctive. This is essential for expressing hypothetical situations, desires, doubts, and conditions.
Let's break down these powerful connectors:
* Subjunctive Triggers: The 'A' List (Antes que, A não ser que, A menos que)
* Antes que (before): This conjunction is used to set a time limit or a deadline, particularly when the subject of the main clause is different from the subject of the subordinate clause.
* Vou sair antes que chova. (I will leave before it rains.)
* A não ser que and A menos que (unless): Both convey a negative condition, meaning if not or except if. They are largely interchangeable in most contexts.
* Não vou viajar a não ser que tenhas dinheiro. (I won't travel unless you have money.)
* Não vamos a menos que ele venha. (We're not going unless he comes.)
* Portuguese Conditionals: 'As long as' (contanto que)
* Contanto que (as long as / provided that): This phrase introduces a condition that must be met for something else to happen. It's perfect for expressing agreement or setting a prerequisite.
* Eu ajudo-te, contanto que me ajudes também. (I'll help you, as long as you help me too.)
* Using 'Sem que': Without/Unless with Subjunctive
* Sem que (without / unless): This conjunction often means without something happening or can sometimes be used similarly to unless in specific contexts, emphasizing the absence of a condition.
* Ele saiu sem que ninguém o visse. (He left without anyone seeing him.)
* Não posso terminar o projeto sem que me dês os dados. (I can't finish the project unless you give me the data.)
* Portuguese: How to say 'In case' (Caso + Subjunctive)
* Caso (in case): This is used to introduce a potential future event or situation, suggesting a precaution or a contingency plan.
* Leva um casaco caso faça frio. (Take a jacket in case it gets cold.)
Mastering these structures will significantly enhance your ability to express complex ideas and conditions in Portuguese grammar.

الأخطاء الشائعة

  1. 1✗ Wrong:
    Vou sair antes que chove.
✓ Correct:
Vou sair antes que chova.
*Explanation:* The conjunction antes que always triggers the subjunctive mood in the following verb. Chove is indicative, while chova is subjunctive.
  1. 1✗ Wrong:
    Não te empresto dinheiro a menos que tu me devolves.
✓ Correct:
Não te empresto dinheiro a menos que tu me devolvas.
*Explanation:* Similar to antes que, a menos que (and a não ser que) require the subjunctive. Devolves is indicative, devolvas is subjunctive.
  1. 1✗ Wrong:
    Leva um guarda-chuva caso vai chover.
✓ Correct:
Leva um guarda-chuva caso chova.
*Explanation:* Caso always introduces a clause where the verb must be in the subjunctive mood. Vai chover (or chove) is indicative; chova is subjunctive.

محادثات حقيقية

A

A

Vamos jantar fora hoje à noite, a não ser que estejamos muito cansados. (Let's eat out tonight, unless we're too tired.)
B

B

Boa ideia! Contanto que não seja demasiado caro, estou dentro. (Good idea! As long as it's not too expensive, I'm in.)
A

A

Devíamos reservar os bilhetes antes que esgotem. (We should book the tickets before they sell out.)
B

B

Sim, caso haja algum problema com a reserva, podemos ligar para lá. (Yes, in case there's any problem with the reservation, we can call them.)
A

A

Ele nunca faz nada sem que eu lhe peça. (He never does anything without me asking him.)
B

B

É verdade, a menos que seja algo que lhe interesse muito. (That's true, unless it's something that really interests him.)

أسئلة شائعة

Q

What's the main difference between a não ser que and a menos que?

A: In most contexts, a não ser que and a menos que are interchangeable, both meaning unless and requiring the subjunctive. There might be subtle regional preferences, but grammatically, they function the same.

Q

Does caso always require the subjunctive?

A: Yes, when caso means in case or if (introducing a hypothetical condition), the verb that follows it must always be in the subjunctive mood.

Q

Can I use antes que if the subject is the same in both clauses?

A: While possible, it's more common and often more natural to use antes de + infinitive when the subject is the same. For example,

Vou sair antes de chover
(I will leave before it rains) is less common than
Vou sair antes que chova
when the subject of chover is implicit (it). If the subjects are explicitly different, antes que + subjunctive is the only option.

السياق الثقافي

In Portuguese conversations, these conditional and time-limiting conjunctions are vital for expressing politeness, making plans, and conveying nuances. Native speakers use them constantly to soften requests, propose alternatives, or state clear boundaries without sounding abrupt. For instance, using contanto que allows for a polite way to set a condition for agreement, while caso is indispensable for preparing for contingencies, showing foresight and care.
Mastering these structures not only improves your Portuguese grammar but also enhances your ability to engage in more sophisticated and socially appropriate interactions.

أمثلة رئيسية (6)

1

Vou sair antes que a chuva comece.

سأخرج قبل أن يبدأ المطر.

Antes que: رابط 'سباق الزمن' (Subjunctive)
2

Apaga a foto antes que tua mãe veja!

امسح الصورة قبل أن تراها أمك!

Antes que: رابط 'سباق الزمن' (Subjunctive)
3

Ele entrou na sala sem que ninguém percebesse.

He entered the room without anyone noticing.

استخدام 'Sem que': بدون/إلا مع صيغة المنصوب
4

Não posto nada no Instagram sem que você aprove primeiro.

I don't post anything on Instagram without you approving it first.

استخدام 'Sem que': بدون/إلا مع صيغة المنصوب
5

Caso você `precise` de ajuda, me avise.

في حال احتجت لمساعدة، أخبرني.

البرتغالية: كيف تقول 'في حال' (Caso + Subjunctive)
6

Caso `chova`, o evento será cancelado.

في حال هطل المطر، سيتم إلغاء الفعالية.

البرتغالية: كيف تقول 'في حال' (Caso + Subjunctive)

نصائح وحيل (4)

💡

مفتاح 'Que' السحري

أول ما تلمح 'que' بعد أداة ربط، خلّي رادارات الـ Subjunctive تشتغل فوراً، هي العلامة الأقوى دائماً:
Espero que você entenda.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: محفزات صيغة الشك: قائمة الـ 'A' (Antes que, A não ser que)
🎯

خدعة الـ SS للماضي

لو بدأت جملتك في الماضي، الفعل اللي بعد antes que لازم ينتهي بـ SS (صيغة الماضي الناقص للمنصوب)، زي:
Eu saí antes que ela chegasse.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Antes que: رابط 'سباق الزمن' (Subjunctive)
💡

Subject Check

Always check if the subject is the same. If yes, use the infinitive to sound more natural.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: استخدام 'Sem que': بدون/إلا مع صيغة المنصوب
🎯

بديل 'Se' الذكي

لو حاسس إن المضارع المنصوب صعب، ممكن تستخدم 'Se' مع المستقبل المنصوب، بس 'Caso' بتخلي لغتك تبان أرقى وأكثر استعداداً! مثلاً:
Caso você queira participar.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: البرتغالية: كيف تقول 'في حال' (Caso + Subjunctive)

المفردات الرئيسية (6)

antes que before a não ser que unless contanto que as long as sem que without caso in case a menos que unless

Real-World Preview

sun

Planning a Picnic

Review Summary

  • Conjunction + Subjunctive Verb
  • Antes que + Subjunctive
  • Sem que + Subjunctive
  • Caso + Subjunctive
  • A menos que + Subjunctive

أخطاء شائعة

'Antes que' requires the subjunctive. 'Chega' is indicative.

Wrong: Eu vou antes que ele chega.
صحيح: Eu vou antes que ele chegue.

After 'caso', always use the present subjunctive form 'precise'.

Wrong: Caso você precisa de ajuda, me avise.
صحيح: Caso você precise de ajuda, me avise.

'A menos que' triggers the subjunctive 'venha'.

Wrong: Iremos a menos que ele vem.
صحيح: Iremos a menos que ele venha.

القواعد في هذا الفصل (5)

1

محفزات صيغة الشك: قائمة الـ 'A' (Antes que, A não ser que)

B2
عبارات مثل
a não ser que
و antes que هي مفاتيح سحرية تحول الفعل الذي يليها فوراً إلى صيغة الـ Subjunctive.
Vou cancelar o Uber, a não ser que você esteja pro...
10 أمثلة
2

Antes que: رابط 'سباق الزمن' (Subjunctive)

B2
بنستخدم antes que مع صيغة المنصوب (Subjunctive) لما يكون فيه فعلين بفاعلين مختلفين، والهدف إننا «نسبق» الفعل التاني قبل ما يحصل.
Vou sair antes que a chuva comece.
10 أمثلة
3

استخدام 'Sem que': بدون/إلا مع صيغة المنصوب

B2
Always follow sem que with a conjugated verb in the subjunctive to express 'without' or 'unless'.
Ele entrou na sala sem que ninguém percebesse.
10 أمثلة
4

البرتغالية: كيف تقول 'في حال' (Caso + Subjunctive)

B2
استخدم Caso عشان تعبر عن احتمالات «في حال» وفعل وراها دايماً Present Subjunctive عشان تبان متمكن من اللغة.
Caso você `precise` de ajuda, me avise.
10 أمثلة
5

الشروط السلبية: إلا إذا (A menos que)

B2
استعمل a menos que وبعدها فعل في صيغة الـ Subjunctive عشان تحط استثناء يمنع حدوث الفعل. الأدوات الأساسية: a menos que للربط، و subjuntivo للحالة المزاجية للفعل.
Eu não vou sair de casa a menos que pare de chover...
12 أمثلة

Next Steps

You have done an amazing job today! Keep practicing these structures in your daily speaking.

Write 5 sentences about your future plans using the new conjunctions.

Continue to: Dreaming with the Imperfect Subjunctive

تدريب سريع (10)

املأ الفراغ بالتصريف الصحيح للفعل بين القوسين.

Não vamos à praia a menos que ___ sol. (fazer)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: faça
محتاجين مضارع المنصوب من فعل 'fazer' بسبب وجود 'a menos que'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: الشروط السلبية: إلا إذا (A menos que)

املأ الفراغ بالصيغة الصحيحة للفعل

Nós vamos à festa, a não ser que _____ (chover).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: chova
أداة 'A não ser que' تحفز دائماً الـ Present Subjunctive. 'Chova' هي الصيغة الصحيحة.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: محفزات صيغة الشك: قائمة الـ 'A' (Antes que, A não ser que)

جد الخطأ في التصريف وصححه.

Find and fix the mistake:

Compre o ingresso antes que acaba.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Compre o ingresso antes que acabe.
'Acaba' هي صيغة إخبارية. 'Antes que' تتطلب صيغة المنصوب 'acabe'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Antes que: رابط 'سباق الزمن' (Subjunctive)

املأ الفراغ بصيغة المنصوب الصحيحة.

Vou terminar o relatório antes que o chefe ___ (chegar).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: chegue
بما أن الفعل الرئيسي 'Vou terminar' (فكرة مستقبلية)، نستخدم مضارع المنصوب 'chegue'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Antes que: رابط 'سباق الزمن' (Subjunctive)

اختر الجملة الصحيحة نحوياً.

أي جملة تستخدم سياق الماضي بشكل صحيح؟

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu saí antes que ela chegasse.
لأن 'saí' في الماضي، الفعل اللي بعده لازم يكون في الماضي الناقص للمنصوب 'chegasse'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Antes que: رابط 'سباق الزمن' (Subjunctive)

Correct the error in the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Ela fez o bolo sem que ninguém pede.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pedisse
Imperfect subjunctive required.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: استخدام 'Sem que': بدون/إلا مع صيغة المنصوب

جد الخطأ في الرسالة النصية التالية

Eu vou comprar, a menos que está muito caro.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu vou comprar, a menos que esteja muito caro.
لا يمكن استخدام الصيغة الإخبارية 'está' بعد 'a menos que'. يجب استخدام 'esteja'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: محفزات صيغة الشك: قائمة الـ 'A' (Antes que, A não ser que)

جد الخطأ في الجملة وقم بتصحيحه.

Eu compraria a camisa a menos que custa muito caro.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu compraria a camisa a menos que custasse muito caro.
بما إن الفعل الأساسي 'compraria' في صيغة الشرط (would buy)، جملة 'unless' لازم تكون في ماضي المنصوب 'custasse'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: الشروط السلبية: إلا إذا (A menos que)

أكمل الجملة بالصيغة الصحيحة للفعل بين القوسين في المضارع المنصوب.

Caso ele ________ (chegar) cedo, peça para ele esperar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: chegue
بعد 'Caso' لازم نستخدم المضارع المنصوب. لفعل 'chegar'، التصريف هو 'chegue'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: البرتغالية: كيف تقول 'في حال' (Caso + Subjunctive)

أي جملة تستخدم الصيغة الصحيحة؟

اختر الجملة الصحيحة قواعدياً:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Não vou a menos que você vá.
'Vá' هي صيغة المنصوب الصحيحة لفعل 'ir' بعد 'a menos que'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: الشروط السلبية: إلا إذا (A menos que)

Score: /10

أسئلة شائعة (6)

نعم، هي شائعة جداً في المحادثات والكتابة على حد سواء، خاصة عند وضع الخطط:
Vamos, a não ser que você esteja cansado.
لا، هذه الأدوات تحديداً تتطلب الحاضر (Present Subjunctive). المستقبل محجوز لـ 'se' و 'quando':
Antes que ele saia.
أيوه، بنسبة 100%. لأن الحدث اللي بيجي بعد 'قبل' لسه محصلش بالنسبة للفعل الرئيسي، فبيعتبر دايمًا حدث متوقع أو افتراضي.
Vou sair antes que chova.
لأ، حتى لو كنت بتتكلم عن المستقبل، 'antes que' بتطلب مضارع المنصوب حصراً. مستقبل المنصوب محجوز لـ 'quando' أو 'se'.
Antes que ele venha.
It introduces a negative or hypothetical event, which is a classic trigger for the subjunctive mood in Portuguese.
Grammatically, no. While some native speakers do it in very casual speech, it is considered incorrect in standard Portuguese.
الفصل السابق
Triggers: Doubt and Impersonal Opinions
الفصل التالي
Dreaming with the Imperfect Subjunctive
العودة إلى خارطة الطريق