B2 · Intermédiaire supérieur Chapitre 17

Advanced Hypotheticals and Polite Requests

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Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of 'what if' and elegant requests to sound like a native professional.

  • Construct complex hypothetical scenarios using the imperfect subjunctive.
  • Describe unrealistic behaviors using the 'como se' structure.
  • Softened direct commands into high-level polite requests.
Dream big and ask politely in perfect Portuguese.

Ce que tu vas apprendre

Ready to take your Portuguese to an exciting new level? In this chapter, we're diving deep into B2 territory to help you express your dreams, wishes, and complex 'what if' scenarios with native-like precision. This isn't just about everyday chat; it's about mastering the nuances that make your Portuguese truly shine. We'll kick things off by exploring hypothetical 'if' clauses using 'Se... fosse/tivesse.' This magical structure allows you to talk about things that aren't currently real, like

If I were a bird...
or
If I had more time...
You'll then master the irregular imperfect subjunctive forms, especially 'tivesse' and 'fosse,' turning your 'if onlys' and 'I wish' statements into grammatically perfect Portuguese daydreams. Imagine casually telling a friend,
I wish you could have come yesterday!
and sounding perfectly natural. Next, we'll conquer 'como se,' meaning 'as if.' This lets you describe things that aren't actually true, like saying someone acts
as if they were the boss.
Crucially, this chapter will also equip you with the power to make incredibly polite requests. Instead of direct commands, you'll learn to soften your language using these hypothetical structures, making your suggestions respectful and easy to accept. Think
If it were possible that...
or
Would it be possible to...
By the end, you won't just know the grammar; you'll wield it to communicate with subtle elegance and confidence, expressing your deepest dreams and making requests like a true Portuguese speaker. Are you ready?

Learning Objectives

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

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to describe five hypothetical life changes using 'Se eu tivesse' and the conditional tense.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to critique behavior using 'como se' in a natural conversation.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to transform three direct orders into formal, polite requests suitable for an office environment.

Guide du chapitre

Overview

Ready to take your Portuguese grammar to an exciting new level? This chapter is your gateway to mastering B2 Portuguese communication, allowing you to express complex ideas, dreams, and incredibly polite requests with native-like finesse. We're moving beyond basic conversation to equip you with the tools to navigate nuanced social interactions and articulate hypothetical scenarios that aren't currently real.
Understanding these structures is crucial for anyone aiming for advanced fluency, as they are ubiquitous in both spoken and written Portuguese. You'll learn to confidently use the Imperfect Subjunctive in contexts like If I were... or
I wish I had...
, transforming your language from functional to truly elegant.
This guide will focus on key structures such as Se... fosse/tivesse for hypothetical 'if' clauses, allowing you to build intricate 'what if' statements. We'll also delve into como se (as if), a powerful expression for describing untrue situations.
Crucially, you'll discover how these advanced grammatical patterns are not just for expressing abstract ideas, but are also essential for making polite requests and suggestions, making your interactions smoother and more respectful. By the end of this chapter, you won't just understand the rules; you'll be able to wield them to communicate with subtle elegance and confidence, making your Portuguese truly shine.

How This Grammar Works

This chapter unlocks the power of the Imperfect Subjunctive to express advanced hypotheticals and polite requests. At its core, we're dealing with situations that are contrary to fact, unlikely, or simply wished for.
First, let's master Hypothetical Situations (Se... fosse/tivesse). This is the classic If I were... or If I had... structure.
You use se (if) followed by the Imperfect Subjunctive (e.g., fosse, tivesse) to set up the condition, and then the Conditional tense in the main clause to state the consequence.
* Se eu fosse rico, compraria uma casa grande. (If I were rich, I would buy a big house.)
* Se ele tivesse tempo, visitaria o Brasil. (If he had time, he would visit Brazil.)
* Notice the Imperfect Subjunctive forms fosse (from *ser* - to be) and tivesse (from *ter* - to have) are key here. These are part of the Portuguese Irregular Imperfect Subjunctive: Dreams & 'What Ifs'. Most verbs form the Imperfect Subjunctive by taking the *eles/elas/vocês* form of the Pretérito Perfeito Simples (past simple), dropping the -ram, and adding -sse, -sses, -sse, -ssemos, -sseis, -ssem.
However, *ser* and *ter* are irregular but follow this pattern:
* Ser: *eu fosse, tu fosses, ele/ela/você fosse, nós fôssemos, vós fôsseis, eles/elas/vocês fossem*
* Ter: *eu tivesse, tu tivesses, ele/ela/você tivesse, nós tivéssemos, vós tivésseis, eles/elas/vocês tivessem*
Next, we encounter Como Se + Subjunctive: The 'As If' Game. This phrase means as if or as though and is always followed by the Imperfect Subjunctive (or sometimes the Plusquamperfect Subjunctive for past unreal situations). It describes something that appears to be true but isn't.
* Ele age como se fosse o chefe. (He acts as if he were the boss.)
* Ela fala como se soubesse tudo. (She talks as if she knew everything.)
Finally, these structures are invaluable for Polite Requests: Using the If Subjunctive (Imperfeito do Conjuntivo). By framing a request as a hypothetical, you soften it significantly, making it much more courteous.
* Se pudesses ajudar-me, ficaria muito grato. (If you could help me, I would be very grateful.)
* Seria possível que me enviasses o documento? (Would it be possible for you to send me the document?)
* This If I Were Formula using Se + Imperfect Subjunctive allows you to make suggestions or requests without sounding demanding.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong:
    Se eu era rico, comprava uma casa grande.
✓ Correct:
Se eu fosse rico, compraria uma casa grande.
*Explanation:* For hypothetical 'if' clauses, you must use the Imperfect Subjunctive (fosse) in the 'if' clause and the Conditional tense (compraria) in the main clause. Using the indicative past tenses (era, comprava) implies a past habit or a real past condition, not a hypothetical one.
  1. 1✗ Wrong:
    Ele age como se ele é o chefe.
✓ Correct:
Ele age como se fosse o chefe.
*Explanation:* The phrase como se (as if) *always* requires the Imperfect Subjunctive (or Plusquamperfect Subjunctive for past actions) immediately after it. Using the present indicative (é) is incorrect here because the statement describes an unreal or hypothetical situation.
  1. 1✗ Wrong:
    Se você pode me ajudar, eu agradeceria.
✓ Correct:
Se você pudesse me ajudar, eu agradeceria.
*Explanation:* Even for polite requests, the hypothetical structure demands the Imperfect Subjunctive (pudesse from *poder* - to be able to) in the 'if' clause, followed by the Conditional (agradeceria from *agradecer* - to thank) in the main clause. Using the present indicative (pode) makes it sound like a direct, less polite question about current ability.

Real Conversations

A

A

Se eu tivesse mais dinheiro, viajaria pelo mundo. (If I had more money, I would travel the world.)
B

B

Eu também! Se eu fosse tu, começaria a poupar agora. (Me too! If I were you, I would start saving now.)
A

A

Por que ele fala como se soubesse a resposta para tudo? (Why does he talk as if he knew the answer to everything?)
B

B

Não sei, mas às vezes age como se fosse o único inteligente na sala. (I don't know, but sometimes he acts as if he were the only intelligent one in the room.)
A

A

Seria possível que me emprestasses o teu carro amanhã? (Would it be possible for you to lend me your car tomorrow?)
B

B

Se não tivesse de trabalhar, emprestaria com certeza. (If I didn't have to work, I would lend it for sure.)

Quick FAQ

Q

When do I use 'se eu fosse' instead of 'se eu era' in Portuguese?

You use 'se eu fosse' for hypothetical or unreal conditions (If I were...), while 'se eu era' is used for real past conditions or habits (

If I used to be...
).

Q

Can I use the future tense in a 'se' clause in Portuguese?

No, for hypothetical 'if' clauses, you never use the future tense directly after 'se'. You typically use the Imperfect Subjunctive (e.g., 'se eu fizesse') followed by the Conditional.

Q

What's the difference between 'como se' and 'parece que' in Portuguese?

'Como se' (as if) implies something is *not* true and requires the subjunctive. 'Parece que' (it seems that) implies something *might* be true and is followed by the indicative.

Q

How do I make a request sound super polite in Portuguese using these structures?

Frame your request as a hypothetical condition using 'Se pudesses...' (If you could...), 'Seria possível que...' (Would it be possible that...), or 'Gostaria que...' (I would like that...), always followed by the Imperfect Subjunctive.

Cultural Context

These advanced hypothetical structures are deeply embedded in the Portuguese language, reflecting a cultural tendency towards indirectness and politeness. Using the Imperfect Subjunctive for requests or suggestions, instead of direct commands, is a hallmark of respectful communication, especially in formal settings or when addressing someone you don't know well. In Brazil, these forms are very common, and mastering them demonstrates not just grammatical proficiency but also cultural sensitivity, allowing you to navigate social interactions with grace and elegance.

Exemples clés (2)

1

Ele gasta dinheiro como se fosse milionário.

Il dépense de l'argent comme s'il était millionnaire.

Como se + Subjonctif : L'art du 'Comme Si'
2

Você me olha como se não me conhecesse.

Tu me regardes comme si tu ne me connaissais pas.

Como se + Subjonctif : L'art du 'Comme Si'

Conseils et astuces (3)

🎯

La règle du 'S'

C'est un super moyen mémo-technique : le 'Se' appelle toujours le son 'S' du subjonctif. Ne mets jamais le '-ria' juste après le 'se'. On dit :
Se eu fizesse isso, eu ganharia.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Les clauses hypothétiques avec « Si » : Rêver en portugais (Se eu fosse...)
🎯

Le son 'SS' est la clé

Pour bien marquer ce temps, insiste sur le double 'ss' final. C'est la signature du subjonctif imparfait :
Eu queria que ele falasse mais.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Como se + Subjonctif : L'art du 'Comme Si'
🎯

Le duo dynamique

Pour une politesse parfaite, combine toujours le Subjonctif Imparfait (la condition) avec le Conditionnel (le résultat) :
Se pudesse, eu agradeceria.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Requêtes polies : Utiliser le subjonctif avec "Si" (Imperfeito do Conjuntivo)

Vocabulaire clé (6)

gentileza kindness/courtesy hipótese hypothesis/scenario agir to act/behave disponibilidade availability realidade reality sonhar to dream

Real-World Preview

briefcase

The Job Interview

Review Summary

  • Se + [Imperfect Subjunctive], [Conditional]
  • [Verb] + como se + [Imperfect Subjunctive]
  • Se + [pudesse/fosse possível] + ...

Erreurs courantes

Do not use the present indicative after 'Se' when the result is conditional. You must use the imperfect subjunctive.

Wrong: Se eu tenho tempo, eu viajaria.
Correct: Se eu tivesse tempo, eu viajaria. (If I had time, I would travel.)

'Como se' always implies a comparison to something that isn't necessarily true, requiring the subjunctive, never the indicative.

Wrong: Ele fala como se é rico.
Correct: Ele fala como se fosse rico. (He talks as if he were rich.)

To make it a polite 'request' structure, you must use the subjunctive 'pudesse' rather than the present 'pode'.

Wrong: Se você pode me ajudar?
Correct: Se você pudesse me ajudar... (If you could help me...)

Next Steps

You've just unlocked one of the most sophisticated layers of the Portuguese language. Using these structures shows you aren't just translating words—you're understanding the culture of politeness and imagination. Keep practicing!

Write 5 'Se eu fosse...' sentences about being a millionaire.

Roleplay a polite request with an AI tutor or friend.

Continue to: Planning for the Future and Past Regrets

Pratique rapide (7)

Corrige l'erreur de concordance des temps

Se eu tivesse tempo, eu vou ao cinema.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se eu tivesse tempo, eu iria ao cinema.
Le subjonctif imparfait 'tivesse' doit être appairé avec le conditionnel 'iria'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Requêtes polies : Utiliser le subjonctif avec "Si" (Imperfeito do Conjuntivo)

Quelle phrase est la plus polie pour un entretien d'embauche ?

Choisis la meilleure option :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se a empresa pudesse aumentar o salário, seria ideal.
La structure 'Se + pudesse' adoucit la demande, la rendant plus professionnelle.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Requêtes polies : Utiliser le subjonctif avec "Si" (Imperfeito do Conjuntivo)

Complète avec le verbe 'estar' (état temporaire).

O jogo roda como se a internet ___ ruim.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: estivesse
Après 'como se', on utilise la forme en -sse. 'Estar' devient 'estivesse'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Como se + Subjonctif : L'art du 'Comme Si'

Complète avec la forme correcte de 'poder'

Se você ____ me emprestar o carro, eu ficaria muito feliz.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pudesse
On utilise le subjonctif imparfait 'pudesse' dans les propositions avec 'se' pour faire des requêtes polies.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Requêtes polies : Utiliser le subjonctif avec "Si" (Imperfeito do Conjuntivo)

Trouve l'erreur dans cette phrase.

Você age como se tem 10 anos.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Você age como se tivesse 10 anos.
Le verbe 'ter' doit être au subjonctif imparfait : 'tivesse'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Como se + Subjonctif : L'art du 'Comme Si'

Laquelle de ces phrases est grammaticalement correcte ?

Choisis la bonne option :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ela fala como se soubesse tudo.
'Como se' demande le subjonctif imparfait (soubesse), pas l'indicatif présent (sabe).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Como se + Subjonctif : L'art du 'Comme Si'

Complète la phrase avec la forme correcte du verbe 'ser'.

Ele gasta dinheiro como se ___ rico.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: fosse
Après 'como se', on utilise le subjonctif imparfait. Pour 'ele', la forme est 'fosse'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Como se + Subjonctif : L'art du 'Comme Si'

Score: /7

Questions fréquentes (6)

Cette structure est pour le présent ou le futur. Pour des regrets passés, on utilise le subjonctif composé :
Se eu tivesse ido.
Parce qu'il décrit un état ou une condition imaginaire continue, pas une action terminée :
Se eu fosse mais alto.
Non, c'est une règle stricte. 'Como se' déclenche presque toujours le subjonctif imparfait (la forme en -sse). Dire
como se ele seja
sonne très faux car on est dans l'irréel :
Como se ele fosse.
On garde quand même le subjonctif imparfait ! Par exemple :
Ele vai gastar o dinheiro como se fosse rico.
L'aspect hypothétique l'emporte sur le temps réel.
C'est un temps qui exprime des souhaits, des hypothèses ou des conditions imaginaires, comme dans :
Se eu tivesse dinheiro...
Il transforme un ordre direct en une possibilité hypothétique, ce qui enlève la pression sur ton interlocuteur : Se você pudesse...
Chapitre précédent
Dreaming with the Imperfect Subjunctive
Chapitre suivant
Planning for the Future and Past Regrets
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