B1 · Intermediate Chapter 33

The Subjunctive Mood

6 Total Rules
62 examples
9 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of expressing what you wish, doubt, and hope for in Portuguese.

  • Identify triggers for the subjunctive mood.
  • Conjugate regular verbs in the present and future subjunctive.
  • Apply the subjunctive to express hypothetical future conditions.
Unlock the world of possibilities and dreams.

What You'll Learn

Express wishes, doubts, and emotions using the present and future subjunctive in Portuguese.

Learning Objectives

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

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use 'talvez' and 'duvido que' to express uncertainty about current events.

Chapter Guide

Overview

The subjunctive mood in Portuguese is a fascinating and crucial aspect of the language, allowing speakers to express a world beyond simple facts. Unlike the indicative mood, which states what is real or certain, the subjunctive steps into the realm of wishes, doubts, emotions, possibilities, and hypothetical situations. Mastering the present and future subjunctive is vital for B1 learners to articulate complex thoughts, engage in nuanced conversations, and truly sound like a native speaker. This chapter will empower you to express desires with "Quero que...", articulate doubts with "Talvez" or "Duvido que", convey emotions using the present subjunctive, and talk about future conditions with phrases like "se eu for" or "quando você tiver."
This guide will walk you through the mechanics of forming both present and future subjunctive tenses for regular and some key irregular verbs. You'll learn to identify the trigger phrases that demand the subjunctive mood, such as those related to hopes, uncertainties, and personal feelings. By the end, you'll be confident in constructing sentences that go beyond stating facts, allowing you to express a rich spectrum of human experience in Portuguese, making your communication much more authentic and expressive.

How This Grammar Works

The subjunctive mood is typically used in dependent clauses introduced by a conjunction like 'que' (that), or by adverbs like 'talvez' (maybe). It signals that the action or state described in the dependent clause is not a certainty, but rather a wish, doubt, emotion, or possibility.
The Present Subjunctive (Presente do Subjuntivo)
This tense is used to express wishes, doubts, emotions, desires, recommendations, and uncertainty about present or future actions.
Formation for Regular Verbs:
  1. 1Take the 'eu' form of the verb in the present indicative.
  2. 2Remove the '-o' ending.
  3. 3Add the appropriate subjunctive endings:
* For -AR verbs: -e, -es, -e, -emos, -eis, -em (e.g., falar -> eu falo -> fal- -> que eu fale, que você fale, que ele/ela fale, que nós falemos, que vocês falem, que eles/elas falem)
* For -ER verbs: -a, -as, -a, -amos, -ais, -am (e.g., comer -> eu como -> com- -> que eu coma, que você coma, que ele/ela coma, que nós comamos, que vocês comam, que eles/elas comam)
* For -IR verbs: -a, -as, -a, -amos, -ais, -am (e.g., partir -> eu parto -> part- -> que eu parta, que você parta, que ele/ela parta, que nós partamos, que vocês partam, que eles/elas partam)
Key Triggers and Examples:
* Wishes/Desires: Verbs like querer (to want), desejar (to wish), esperar (to hope).
* Eu quero que você estude mais. (I want you to study more.)
* Espero que ele chegue a tempo. (I hope he arrives on time.)
* Doubts/Uncertainty: Phrases like duvidar que (to doubt that), é possível que (it's possible that), talvez (maybe).
* Duvido que você saiba a verdade. (I doubt you know the truth.)
* Talvez chova amanhã. (Maybe it will rain tomorrow.)
* É possível que ele venha à festa. (It's possible he comes to the party.)
* Emotions: Verbs/expressions conveying feelings, like ficar feliz que (to be happy that), sentir que (to feel that, in an emotional sense), é uma pena que (it's a pity that).
* Fico feliz que você esteja aqui. (I'm happy that you are here.)
* É uma pena que ele não possa vir. (It's a pity he can't come.)
* Impersonal Expressions: Phrases like é importante que (it's important that), é necessário que (it's necessary that).
* É importante que você leia o livro. (It's important that you read the book.)
Irregular Verbs in the Present Subjunctive:
Some common verbs are irregular. It's often helpful to memorize their forms.
* Ser (to be): que eu seja, que você seja, que ele/ela seja, que nós sejamos, que vocês sejam, que eles/elas sejam
* Estar (to be): que eu esteja, que você esteja, que ele/ela esteja, que nós estejamos, que vocês estejam, que eles/elas estejam
* Ter (to have): que eu tenha, que você tenha, que ele/ela tenha, que nós tenhamos, que vocês tenham, que eles/elas tenham
* Ir (to go): que eu vá, que você vá, que ele/ela vá, que nós vamos, que vocês vão, que eles/elas vão
The Future Subjunctive (Futuro do Subjuntivo)
This tense is used for hypothetical or conditional situations that refer to the future. It's often found in 'if' clauses (se) or temporal clauses (quando, assim que).
Formation:
  1. 1Take the infinitive form of the verb.
  2. 2For most regular verbs, the future subjunctive forms are similar to the personal infinitive, but for irregular verbs, they derive from the past participle or a specific irregular stem.
* eu: same as infinitive (or irregular stem + -Ø)
* você/ele/ela: same as infinitive (or irregular stem + -Ø)
* nós: infinitive + -mos (or irregular stem + -mos)
* vocês/eles/elas: infinitive + -em (or irregular stem + -em)
Key Triggers and Examples:
* Conditional Clauses (Se):
* Se você for ao mercado, compre pão. (If you go to the market, buy bread.) (from ir)
* Se eu tiver tempo, eu te ajudo. (If I have time, I'll help you.) (from ter)
* Se ele fizer o trabalho, ele passará. (If he does the work, he will pass.) (from fazer)
* Temporal Clauses (Quando, Assim que, Enquanto):
* Quando você voltar, me ligue. (When you return, call me.)
* Assim que eles chegarem, começamos a reunião. (As soon as they arrive, we start the meeting.)

Common Mistakes

✗ Eu quero que você estuda mais.
✓ Eu quero que você estude mais.
Why: Querer que (to want that) is a common trigger for the present subjunctive, indicating a desire rather than a fact.
✗ Talvez ele está em casa.
✓ Talvez ele esteja em casa.
Why: Talvez (maybe) when expressing doubt or possibility typically requires the present subjunctive.
✗ Se eu tenho tempo, eu te aviso.
✓ Se eu tiver tempo, eu te aviso.
Why: When se introduces a future hypothetical condition, the future subjunctive is required for the verb in the se clause.
✗ É importante que vocês fala português.
✓ É importante que vocês falem português.
Why: É importante que is an impersonal expression demanding the present subjunctive. The ending for vocês for an -AR verb is -em.
✗ Fico feliz que você é aqui.
✓ Fico feliz que você esteja aqui.
Why: Expressions of emotion (like ficar feliz que) require the present subjunctive for the dependent clause. Estar is irregular in the subjunctive.

Real Conversations

A

A

Eu duvido que ele saiba a resposta para essa pergunta.
B

B

É verdade, talvez seja um mistério para ele também.
A

A

Espero que ele não desista.

Translation:

A

A

I doubt he knows the answer to that question.
B

B

It's true, maybe it's a mystery for him too.
A

A

I hope he doesn't give up.
A

A

Se você tiver um tempo livre amanhã, podemos sair?
B

B

Ah, claro! Quando você for me buscar, me avisa, por favor.
A

A

Combinado. Assim que eu chegar perto, eu te ligo.

Translation:

A

A

If you have some free time tomorrow, can we go out?
B

B

Oh, sure! When you come to pick me up, please let me know.
A

A

Agreed. As soon as I get close, I'll call you.
A

A

É essencial que você preste atenção na aula.
B

B

Eu sei, mas é uma pena que o professor fale tão rápido.
A

A

Fico feliz que você esteja tentando, isso é o mais importante.

Translation:

A

A

It's essential that you pay attention in class.
B

B

I know, but it's a pity that the teacher speaks so fast.
A

A

I'm happy that you are trying, that's the most important thing.

Quick FAQ

Q

When do I use the present subjunctive?

You use the present subjunctive when the main clause expresses a desire, doubt, emotion, hope, command, or an impersonal opinion about the action in the dependent clause. It's about expressing non-factuality or subjective states. Common triggers include quero que, espero que, duvido que, talvez, and é importante que.

Q

When do I use the future subjunctive?

The future subjunctive is used in conditional (se) and temporal (quando, assim que, enquanto) clauses when referring to a hypothetical or uncertain action in the future. It sets up a condition that needs to be met for something else to happen. For example, Se eu tiver tempo... (If I have time...).

Q

Is the future subjunctive really used in everyday Brazilian Portuguese?

Yes, absolutely! While some of its forms might seem complex, the future subjunctive is very common, especially with frequent verbs like ser (seja), ter (tiver), ir (for), and fazer (fizer). You'll hear it constantly in conditional sentences and clauses starting with quando in casual conversation.

Q

How do I know if a verb is irregular in the subjunctive?

For the present subjunctive, many verbs that are irregular in the 'eu' form of the present indicative will also have irregular stems in the present subjunctive. For example, fazer (eu faço) becomes que eu faça. For the future subjunctive, key irregulars like ser, ter, ir, fazer, dizer often have unique stems that you'll encounter frequently and are best memorized through exposure and practice.

Cultural Context

The subjunctive mood is deeply woven into the fabric of Portuguese communication, reflecting a cultural tendency towards nuance, politeness, and the expression of subjective experience. Unlike some languages where the subjunctive might be less frequently used or have simpler forms, Portuguese embraces it as a fundamental tool for expressing a wide range of human perspectives. It allows speakers to convey empathy, uncertainty, or a softer demand, rather than a direct, declarative statement, which can be perceived as more abrupt.
Understanding and correctly using the subjunctive is not just about grammar; it's about appreciating a layer of cultural communication. It enables you to participate in conversations that are rich with wishes, hopes, and subtle indications of doubt or possibility, which are often valued in Portuguese-speaking cultures. Whether expressing a heartfelt desire for someone's well-being or cautiously discussing a future plan, the subjunctive empowers you to navigate social interactions with greater sensitivity and authenticity, bridging the gap between simply understanding words and truly grasping the underlying sentiments.

Key Examples (8)

1

Duvido que ele consiga terminar o trabalho hoje.

I doubt he can finish the work today.

Portuguese Subjunctive: Doubt & Uncertainty (Talvez, Duvido que)
2

Talvez nós viremos tendência no TikTok.

Maybe we will become a trend on TikTok.

Portuguese Subjunctive: Doubt & Uncertainty (Talvez, Duvido que)
3

Se eu for rico um dia, viajo o mundo.

If I am rich one day, I will travel the world.

Portuguese Future Subjunctive: if I am... (se eu for)
4

Me avise quando for a hora certa.

Let me know when it is the right time.

Portuguese Future Subjunctive: if I am... (se eu for)
5

Espero que você fale com ele.

I hope you talk to him.

Portuguese Present Subjunctive (Regular Verbs)
6

Talvez ela chegue atrasada hoje.

Maybe she will arrive late today.

Portuguese Present Subjunctive (Regular Verbs)
7

Espero que ele abra o presente logo.

I hope he opens the gift soon.

Expressing Hopes & Doubts: Regular -ir Verbs (Subjuntivo)
8

Duvido que eles partam antes das nove.

I doubt they leave before nine.

Expressing Hopes & Doubts: Regular -ir Verbs (Subjuntivo)

Tips & Tricks (4)

💡

The 'Que' Rule

Whenever you see 'que' after a verb of doubt, the next verb is almost certainly subjunctive.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Portuguese Subjunctive: Doubt & Uncertainty (Talvez, Duvido que)
💡

The 'Se' Rule

Always use the future subjunctive after 'se' when talking about the future.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Portuguese Future Subjunctive: if I am... (se eu for)
💡

The Vowel Swap

Always remember: -ar to -e, -er/-ir to -a. It works for almost every regular verb!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Portuguese Present Subjunctive (Regular Verbs)
💡

The 'que' rule

The subjunctive is almost always preceded by 'que'. If you don't see 'que', you probably don't need the subjunctive.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressing Hopes & Doubts: Regular -ir Verbs (Subjuntivo)

Key Vocabulary (5)

Duvidar to doubt Talvez maybe Querer to want Se if Ter to have

Real-World Preview

map

Planning a Trip

Review Summary

  • Duvido que + Subjunctive
  • Se + Future Subjunctive

Common Mistakes

After 'quero que', you must use the subjunctive. 'Vá' is the subjunctive form of 'ir'.

Wrong: Eu quero que você vai.
Correct: Eu quero que você vá.

When talking about a hypothetical future, use the future subjunctive, not the indicative.

Wrong: Se eu tenho tempo...
Correct: Se eu tiver tempo...

Doubt triggers the subjunctive. For -ar verbs, change the 'a' to 'e'.

Wrong: Duvido que ele fala.
Correct: Duvido que ele fale.

Next Steps

You have conquered one of the most challenging aspects of Portuguese grammar! Keep practicing, and it will become second nature.

Write 5 sentences about your future goals using 'se eu tiver'.

Continue to: Future, Conditional, and Polite Forms

Quick Practice (10)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Ir in subjunctive is vá.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressing Desires: The Present Subjunctive (Quero que...)

Correct the error in the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Espero que você partas.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Espero que você parta.
Agreement error.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressing Hopes & Doubts: Regular -ir Verbs (Subjuntivo)

Find the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

Se eu tenho tempo, eu vou.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Should be 'tiver'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Portuguese Future Subjunctive: if I am... (se eu for)

Choose the correct form.

É importante que eles ___ (chegar).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Correct subjunctive form.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Portuguese Present Subjunctive (Regular Verbs)

Find the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

Talvez eles falam a verdade.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: falam
Should be 'falem'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Portuguese Subjunctive: Doubt & Uncertainty (Talvez, Duvido que)

Fill in the blank with the correct subjunctive form.

Eu quero que você ___ (falar) a verdade.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Subjunctive of falar is fale.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressing Desires: The Present Subjunctive (Quero que...)

Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'ter'.

Se eu ___ tempo, vou ao cinema.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tiver
Future subjunctive is required after 'se'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: If I Have Time: The Future Subjunctive of 'Ter' (tiver)

Choose the correct form.

Duvido que ele ___ (comer).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Correct vowel swap for -er verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Portuguese Present Subjunctive (Regular Verbs)

Fill in the blank.

Talvez ela ___ (saber).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Correct subjunctive form.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Portuguese Present Subjunctive (Regular Verbs)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Duvido que ele parta.
Subjunctive after 'duvidar'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Expressing Hopes & Doubts: Regular -ir Verbs (Subjuntivo)

Score: /10

Common Questions (6)

To express doubt and uncertainty, which is essential for natural communication.
Only when there is a trigger like 'talvez' or 'duvido que'.
Yes, it is used in both, though usage frequency and register vary slightly.
No, it will sound incorrect to native speakers.
It allows you to express feelings, doubts, and wishes, which are essential for natural communication.
Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
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Future, Conditional, and Polite Forms
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