B2 · 中上級 チャプター 15

Setting Conditions and Time Limits

5 トータルルール
52 例文
6 分
このチャプターのルール クイック練習

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.

学べること

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.

チャプターガイド

Overview

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!

How This Grammar Works

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.

Common Mistakes

  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.

Real Conversations

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.)

Quick FAQ

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.

Cultural Context

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.

重要な例文 (8)

1

Vou cancelar o Uber, a não ser que você esteja pronta.

君の準備ができていない限り、Uberをキャンセルするよ。

接続法のトリガー：「A」で始まる必須ワード (Antes que, A não ser que)
2

Posta a foto antes que a gente mude de ideia.

気が変わる前にその写真を投稿して。

接続法のトリガー：「A」で始まる必須ワード (Antes que, A não ser que)
3

Vou sair antes que a chuva comece.

雨が降り出す前に出発します。

Antes que：「時間との戦い」の接続詞（接続法）
4

Apaga a foto antes que tua mãe veja!

お母さんに見られる前に写真を消して！

Antes que：「時間との戦い」の接続詞（接続法）
5

Caso você `precise` de ajuda, me avise.

もし助けが必要なら、教えてください。

ポルトガル語：「念のため・〜の場合」の言い方 (Caso + 接続法)
6

Caso `chova`, o evento será cancelado.

万が一雨が降った場合、イベントは中止になります。

ポルトガル語：「念のため・〜の場合」の言い方 (Caso + 接続法)
7

Eu não vou sair de casa a menos que pare de chover.

雨が止まない限り、家を出ません。

否定的条件：～しない限り (A menos que)
8

O download não vai terminar a menos que você conecte o Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fiに接続しない限り、ダウンロードは終わりません。

否定的条件：～しない限り (A menos que)

ヒントとコツ (4)

💡

「Que」は接続法のサイン

接続詞の後に「que」が見えたら、接続法アラートを鳴らしましょう。ほぼ確実に動詞の形が変わります。例えば：「A menos que você queira.」
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 接続法のトリガー：「A」で始まる必須ワード (Antes que, A não ser que)
🎯

「SS」の法則で覚えよう

文の始まりが過去形なら、接続法も「SS」がつく形（接続法過去：fizesse, falasse）を使います。見た目が揃うので覚えやすいですよ！
Eu saí antes que ela chegasse.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Antes que：「時間との戦い」の接続詞（接続法）
💡

主語が同じならショートカット！

もし主語が自分一人だけなら、sem + 不定詞（動詞の原形）を使う方が自然でスピーディーですよ。 Saí sem falar. （何も言わずに出た）のように言います。
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 「Sem que」の使い方：接続法を伴う「〜なしで／〜しない限り」
🎯

「Se」との切り替え術

接続法現在が難しいと感じたら「Se + 未来接続法」に逃げることもできますが、Caso を使うと「準備ができている大人」という洗練された印象を与えます。
Caso você queira, podemos sair.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ポルトガル語：「念のため・〜の場合」の言い方 (Caso + 接続法)

重要な語彙 (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

よくある間違い

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

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

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

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

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

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

このチャプターのルール (5)

1

接続法のトリガー：「A」で始まる必須ワード (Antes que, A não ser que)

B2
「a não ser que」や「antes que」は、後ろの動詞を強制的に「接続法」へ変える強力なトリガーです。«接続法のスイッチ» «条件» «未来の予測» を意識しましょう。
Vou cancelar o Uber, a não ser que você esteja pro...
10 例文
2

Antes que：「時間との戦い」の接続詞（接続法）

B2
「主語が異なる2つのアクション」を繋いで、何かが起こる前に先回りする時は antes que + «接続法» を使いましょう。まさに「時間との戦い」を表すツールです。
Vou sair antes que a chuva comece.
10 例文
3

「Sem que」の使い方：接続法を伴う「〜なしで／〜しない限り」

B2
「〜することなく」「〜しない限り」と言いたい時は、sem que の後に「接続法」の動詞を置くのが鉄則です。
Ele entrou na sala sem que ninguém percebesse.
10 例文
4

ポルトガル語：「念のため・〜の場合」の言い方 (Caso + 接続法)

B2
「万が一〜の場合」というニュアンスを出すなら Caso を使いましょう。後ろには必ず「接続法現在」を置くのがルールです。 Caso «接続法現在»
Caso você `precise` de ajuda, me avise.
10 例文
5

否定的条件：～しない限り (A menos que)

B2
「a menos que」の後は必ず「接続法」を使うのが鉄則です。例外を作る魔法の言葉 a menos que と «接続法» をセットで使いこなしましょう。
Eu não vou sair de casa a menos que pare de chover...
12 例文

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

クイック練習 (10)

動詞 'ver' (見る) を正しい形にして空欄を埋めてください。

Ele saiu da festa sem que ninguém o ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: visse
主節が 'saiu' (過去形) なので、接続法過去の 'visse' が正解です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 「Sem que」の使い方：接続法を伴う「〜なしで／〜しない限り」

活用の間違いを見つけて直してください。

Find and fix the mistake:

Compre o ingresso antes que acaba.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Compre o ingresso antes que acabe.
'acaba' は直説法です。'antes que' の後は接続法の 'acabe' が必要です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Antes que：「時間との戦い」の接続詞（接続法）

空欄に適切な接続法の形を入れてください。

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: chegue
メインの動詞が 'Vou terminar'（未来の意図）なので、接続法現在の 'chegue' を使います。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Antes que：「時間との戦い」の接続詞（接続法）

このWhatsAppメッセージの間違いを見つけて直してください。

Caso você tem tempo hoje, vamos ao cinema?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Caso você tenha tempo hoje, vamos ao cinema?
動詞「ter」は「Caso」の後では接続法現在の「tenha」にする必要があります。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: ポルトガル語：「念のため・〜の場合」の言い方 (Caso + 接続法)

仮定のニュアンスが含まれる文はどれですか？

「彼が去る前に話しなさい」の正しい訳を選んでください。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Fala antes que ele saia.
「Antes que」には接続法「saia」が必要です。3番目も文法的には可能ですが、2番目は完全に間違いです。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 接続法のトリガー：「A」で始まる必須ワード (Antes que, A não ser que)

文中の間違いを見つけて修正してください。

Find and fix the mistake:

Eu li o livro sem que você me disse o final.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu li o livro sem que você me dissesse o final.
'disse' は直説法です。過去の文脈で 'sem que' を使うなら、接続法過去の 'dissesse' にする必要があります。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 「Sem que」の使い方：接続法を伴う「〜なしで／〜しない限り」

文の中の間違いを見つけて直してください。

Find and fix the mistake:

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.
主節の動詞 'compraria' が条件法（〜だろうに）なので、'a menos que' の節は接続法過去の 'custasse' にする必要があります。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 否定的条件：～しない限り (A menos que)

動詞を正しい形に変えて空欄を埋めてください。

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: faça
'a menos que' があるので、fazer の接続法現在形である 'faça' が必要です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 否定的条件：～しない限り (A menos que)

文法的に正しい文を選んでください。

過去の文脈として正しいのはどれ？

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu saí antes que ela chegasse.
'saí' が過去形なので、続く動詞は接続法過去の 'chegasse' になります。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Antes que：「時間との戦い」の接続詞（接続法）

メッセージ内の間違いを見つけてください

Find and fix the mistake:

Eu vou comprar, a menos que está muito caro.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu vou comprar, a menos que esteja muito caro.
「a menos que」の後に直説法の「está」は使えません。接続法の「esteja」にする必要があります。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 接続法のトリガー：「A」で始まる必須ワード (Antes que, A não ser que)

Score: /10

よくある質問 (6)

はい、話し言葉でも書き言葉でも非常に一般的です。予定を立てる時のカジュアルな会話でよく耳にします。例えば：「Vou, a não ser que eu tenha que trabalhar.」
いいえ。これらの特定のトリガー（antes que, a não ser que）は通常、接続法現在をとります。接続法未来は主に「se（もし）」や「quando（〜する時）」で使われます。例えば：「Antes que ele vá.」
はい、100%接続法です！「〜する前に」という内容は、メインの動作の時点ではまだ実現していない「想定」の話だからです。
Vou antes que ele saiba.
いいえ、使いません。未来のことでも「antes que」の後は接続法現在を使います。未来接続法は「quando（〜する時）」や「se（もし〜なら）」で使われます。
Faça antes que ele chegue.
はい、標準的なポルトガル語では sem que は必ず接続法を伴います。直説法を使うと文法ミスとみなされます。
後ろに「主語＋動詞」の塊が続くなら sem que を使います。特に主語が入れ替わる時に必須です。単純な動作なら sem + 不定詞でOKです。
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Triggers: Doubt and Impersonal Opinions
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Dreaming with the Imperfect Subjunctive
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