Conditional Provisions: 'As Long As' (Contanto Que)
contanto que + Subjunctive to set a firm condition for an action to take place.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'contanto que' to express a condition, and always follow it with the subjunctive mood to show uncertainty or requirement.
- Use 'contanto que' for conditions: 'Contanto que você estude, passará.'
- Always trigger the subjunctive: 'Contanto que ele chegue a tempo.'
- Match the tense: Present subjunctive follows present indicative.
Overview
In Portuguese, expressing conditionality is a fundamental skill, but at the C1 level, precision becomes paramount. While se (if) handles general possibilities, contanto que is the specific tool for establishing a binding prerequisite. It translates to 'as long as' or 'provided that' and signals a non-negotiable condition that must be fulfilled for the main action to occur.
Think of it not as a suggestion, but as the terms of an agreement. Its use elevates your speech and writing from simple statements to structured, logical propositions, common in professional, legal, and academic contexts.
The core principle behind contanto que is its connection to the subjunctive mood. Because the condition it introduces is not a statement of fact but a requirement, a hypothetical necessity, or a desired outcome, the verb that follows it must be in the subjunctive. This mood, o subjuntivo, is the grammatical space for unreality, desire, and dependency.
Using contanto que is a clear signal that you are operating in this space. It tells your listener, "The action of my main clause is entirely dependent on the fulfillment of this other, currently non-factual, condition." Mastering this conjunction is a hallmark of advanced fluency, demonstrating control over complex sentence structures and a nuanced understanding of semantic weight.
While it carries a more formal and definitive tone than its common cousin desde que, contanto que is not exclusively for written documents. It is frequently used in spoken Portuguese when a speaker wishes to be unequivocally clear about their terms. It adds a layer of seriousness and precision, effectively communicating, "This will happen only on this condition." Its function is less about exploring possibilities and more about defining the absolute terms of engagement, making it an indispensable tool for negotiation, setting boundaries, and formal instruction.
How This Grammar Works
contanto que functions as a conjunção subordinativa condicional (conditional subordinating conjunction). Its job is to link a main (independent) clause with a subordinate (dependent) clause. The main clause states the potential result or action, while the subordinate clause, introduced by contanto que, specifies the mandatory condition that enables that result.- Main Clause: The outcome, permission, or primary action. (e.g.,
Você pode usar meu carro...) - Subordinate Clause: The condition that must be met, with its verb in the subjunctive. (
...contanto que você o abasteça depois.)
contanto que, you are framing the content of the subordinate clause as a prerequisite that exists in a hypothetical space. The indicative mood, which reports facts (você abastece - you refuel), would create a logical contradiction. The subjunctive (você abasteça - you refuel) correctly marks the condition as a requirement, not a certainty.Eu te ajudo com a mudança, contanto que você pague o almoço (I'll help you with the move, as long as you pay for lunch), the act of paying for lunch has not happened. It is a stipulation. The subjunctive pague reflects this non-factual status.- Standard Order:
A reunião pode ser cancelada, contanto que todos os membros concordem por e-mail.(The meeting can be canceled, provided that all members agree via email.) - Inverted Order (for emphasis):
Contanto que todos os membros concordem por e-mail, a reunião pode ser cancelada.(Provided that all members agree via email, the meeting can be canceled.)
Formation Pattern
contanto que follows a strict but predictable sequence of tenses, known as sequence de tempos. The tense of the main clause dictates the required tense of the subjunctive verb in the subordinate clause.
[Main Clause: Present / Future / Imperative] + contanto que + [Subordinate Clause: Present Subjunctive]
contanto que.
Pode ficar com o livro. (You can keep the book.) | contanto que | o leia com cuidado. (you read it carefully.) |
Nós faremos o investimento. (We will make the investment.) | contanto que | os riscos sejam calculados. (the risks are calculated.) |
Assine o contrato. (Sign the contract.) | contanto que | você entenda todas as cláusulas. (you understand all the clauses.) |
Empresto-te o meu casaco. (I'll lend you my coat.) | contanto que | me devolvas amanhã. (you give it back to me tomorrow.) |
[Main Clause: Past Tense] + contanto que + [Subordinate Clause: Imperfect Subjunctive]
Ele disse que nos pagaria. (He said he would pay us.) | contanto que | entregássemos o projeto no prazo. (we delivered the project on time.) |
A empresa permitia o trabalho remoto. (The company allowed remote work.) | contanto que | os funcionários comparecessem a uma reunião mensal. (the employees attended a monthly meeting.) |
Eu teria aceitado a proposta. (I would have accepted the proposal.) | contanto que | o salário fosse mais alto. (the salary had been higher.) |
Podíamos usar a piscina do hotel. (We could use the hotel pool.) | contanto que | não fizéssemos barulho. (we didn't make noise.) |
When To Use It
contanto que over simpler forms like se is a matter of style, tone, and intent. You should deploy it when your primary goal is to emphasize the condition as a strict requirement.contanto que. In contracts, regulations, and official documents, its precision leaves no room for ambiguity. It clearly establishes that one party's obligation is contingent upon another's action.O locatário poderá sublocar o imóvel, contanto que obtenha consentimento prévio e por escrito do locador.(The lessee may sublet the property, provided that they obtain prior written consent from the lessor.)
contanto que is a powerful tool for setting clear expectations and managing responsibilities. It allows you to agree to a request while simultaneously defining your own necessary conditions.Posso adiantar a entrega do relatório para sexta-feira, contanto que a equipe de análise forneça os dados brutos até amanhã.(I can move up the report's delivery to Friday, as long as the analytics team provides the raw data by tomorrow.)
contanto que provides a firm but polite way to state your limits. It is less of a negotiation and more of a declaration of what you require to be comfortable or willing to do something.Você pode trazer seus amigos para o jantar, contanto que me avise com um dia de antecedência.(You can bring your friends to dinner, as long as you let me know one day in advance.)
Podes jogar videojogos, contanto que tenhas feito os teus trabalhos de casa primeiro.(You can play video games, as long as you have done your homework first.)
contanto que is inherently more emphatic than se. Using it signals that the condition is not just a passing thought but the pivotal point of the entire statement. It often implies that without the condition being met, the proposed action is impossible or will be refused.- Compare:
Se você me ajudar, eu termino mais rápido.(If you help me, I'll finish faster. - An open possibility.) - With:
Eu termino mais rápido, contanto que você me ajude.(I'll finish faster, provided that you help me. - A stronger implication that your help is the only way to achieve the speed.)
Common Mistakes
contanto que correctly and effectively.- ✗ Errado:
Vou à festa, contanto que você vem comigo.(Uses Present Indicativevem) - ✓ Certo:
Vou à festa, contanto que você venha comigo.(Uses Present Subjunctivevenha)
- ✗ Errado:
Eu comprava o carro, contanto que o preço era bom.(Uses Imperfect Indicativeera) - ✓ Certo:
Eu comprava o carro, contanto que o preço fosse bom.(Uses Imperfect Subjunctivefosse)
contanto que você vem literally means "provided that you (as a fact) are coming." This creates a logical clash with the conditional nature of the phrase. The subjunctive is non-negotiable here.- ✗ Errado:
Ele me autorizou a continuar, contanto que eu mantenha a discrição.(Past main verb with Present Subjunctive) - ✓ Certo:
Ele me autorizou a continuar, contanto que eu mantivesse a discrição.(Past main verb with Imperfect Subjunctive)
desde queDesde que is often used interchangeably with contanto que in conditional sentences, especially in colloquial Brazilian Portuguese. However, desde que has a second, temporal meaning: "since". Contanto que is exclusively conditional, making it more precise.contanto que | Conditional: 'as long as' | None | Unambiguous, often slightly more formal. |desde que | Conditional: 'as long as' | Temporal: 'since' | Ambiguity is resolved by verb mood. |- Temporal use:
Desde que ele se mudou, não o vejo mais.(Since he moved, I don't see him anymore.) - Verb is in the indicative. - Conditional use:
Pode vir, desde que não se atrase.(You can come, as long as you aren't late.) - Verb is in the subjunctive.
desde que, using contanto que preemptively avoids any possible confusion, which is why it is preferred in legal and technical writing.contanto que with conquanto or por tanto.Conquanto: An archaic, literary conjunction meaning 'although' or 'even though' (uma conjunção concessiva). It introduces an obstacle, not a condition. Example:Conquanto estivesse exausto, ele continuou a trabalhar.(Although he was exhausted, he kept working.)Por tanto: An adverbial phrase meaning 'therefore' or 'for that reason'. It indicates a conclusion, not a condition. Example:Ele estudou muito e, por tanto, foi aprovado.(He studied a lot and, therefore, he was approved.)
Real Conversations
Here is how contanto que appears in natural, modern contexts, from formal emails to informal chats.
Context 1: Professional Email (Brazilian Portuguese)
Assunto: Re: Proposta de Cronograma
Prezada Ana,
Obrigado por enviar a proposta. A equipe concorda com a aceleração do projeto.
Podemos nos comprometer com a entrega final em 15 de julho, contanto que o feedback da fase beta seja recebido até o dia 30 de junho. Isso nos dará o tempo necessário para os ajustes.
Atenciosamente,
Marcos
Context 2: WhatsApp Chat Between Friends (Planning a trip)
- Maria: Gente, podemos alugar aquela casa na praia que eu mandei! Fica mais barato pra todo mundo.
- João: Eu topo! Mas só posso confirmar minha parte do dinheiro na semana que vem.
- Sofia: Por mim tudo bem, contanto que a gente reserve logo. Tenho medo de perder a data.
- Maria: Ok, Sofia. Eu adianto o sinal, contanto que o João pague a parte dele até sexta que vem. Combinado?
- João: Combinadíssimo!
Context 3: Spoken Dialogue (European Portuguese - Setting household rules)
- Pai: Inês, podes ir à festa da tua amiga no sábado.
- Inês: A sério? Obrigada!
- Pai: Sim, contanto que não chegues a casa depois da uma da manhã. E quero que me telefones quando lá chegares.
- Inês: Está bem, pai. Ligo, sim.
Context 4: Academic Regulation
O estudante poderá solicitar a revisão da nota, contanto que o pedido seja formalizado junto à secretaria académica no prazo de 48 horas após a publicação dos resultados. (The student may request a grade review, provided that the request is formalized with the academic registrar within 48 hours of the results being published.)
These examples show the versatility of contanto que. It enforces a condition with clarity and a degree of formality, whether negotiating project deadlines, planning a holiday with friends, setting parental rules, or defining academic procedures.
Quick FAQ
contanto que only for formal situations?Not exclusively. It belongs to a more educated register but is perfectly normal in everyday speech when a speaker wants to be precise and firm about a condition. Its formality stems from its unambiguous nature, not from being archaic. While you might use desde que more casually in Brazil, contanto que is always a correct and clear option.
contanto que and desde que?Precision. Contanto que is only conditional ('as long as'). Desde que can be either conditional ('as long as', with the subjunctive) or temporal ('since', with the indicative). To avoid any potential ambiguity, especially in writing, contanto que is the safer and more formal choice.
Contanto que...?Yes, and doing so is a common stylistic choice to give immediate emphasis to the condition. It signals to the listener that the condition is the most important piece of information in the sentence. Contanto que você seja honesto comigo, sempre te apoiarei. (As long as you are honest with me, I will always support you.)
contanto que?The rule is simple and follows standard Portuguese punctuation for subordinate clauses:
- When the
contanto queclause comes first, a comma is mandatory to separate it from the main clause. Example:Contanto que chova, o evento será cancelado. - When the
contanto queclause comes after the main clause, a comma is generally not used. Example:O evento será cancelado contanto que chova.
Yes. The most direct equivalents are "provided that" and "on the condition that," which carry a similar formal weight. "As long as" is also a very common translation, though it can sometimes be slightly more informal than contanto que. The key grammatical difference is that modern English does not consistently use a distinct subjunctive verb form in these structures in the way Portuguese does (e.g., "as long as you are careful" vs. the more archaic "as long as you be careful"). In Portuguese, the subjunctive is not optional.
Subjunctive Verb Formation
| Person | AR Verb (falar) | ER Verb (comer) | IR Verb (partir) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Eu
|
fale
|
coma
|
parta
|
|
Você/Ele
|
fale
|
coma
|
parta
|
|
Nós
|
falemos
|
comamos
|
partamos
|
|
Eles
|
falem
|
comam
|
partam
|
Meanings
This phrase introduces a condition that must be met for the main clause to occur. It functions as a synonym for 'provided that' or 'on the condition that'.
Conditional Requirement
Setting a prerequisite for an action.
“Contanto que chova, a planta crescerá.”
“Eu aceito o emprego, contanto que o salário seja bom.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Contanto que + Subj
|
Contanto que você venha.
|
|
Negative
|
Contanto que não + Subj
|
Contanto que não chova.
|
|
Question
|
Main + Contanto que + Subj?
|
Você vai, contanto que ele vá?
|
|
Short Answer
|
Contanto que + Subj
|
Contanto que seja cedo.
|
Formality Spectrum
Eu comparecerei, contanto que você também compareça. (Social invitation)
Eu vou, contanto que você vá. (Social invitation)
Vou, contanto que você vá. (Social invitation)
Vou, contanto que você encoste lá. (Social invitation)
The Subjunctive Gate
Mood
- Subjuntivo Subjunctive
Meaning
- Provided that Condition
Examples by Level
Eu vou, contanto que você vá.
I go, provided you go.
Coma, contanto que tenha fome.
Eat, provided you are hungry.
Estude, contanto que queira aprender.
Study, provided you want to learn.
Saia, contanto que volte cedo.
Go out, provided you return early.
Eu compro, contanto que seja barato.
I'll buy it, provided it's cheap.
Nós vamos, contanto que não chova.
We'll go, provided it doesn't rain.
Eu ajudo, contanto que você peça.
I'll help, provided you ask.
Faça, contanto que seja rápido.
Do it, provided it's fast.
Aceito o convite, contanto que todos venham.
I accept the invite, provided everyone comes.
O projeto será aprovado, contanto que haja verba.
The project will be approved, provided there is funding.
Eu viajo, contanto que o voo seja direto.
I'll travel, provided the flight is direct.
Eles pagam, contanto que o serviço seja bom.
They pay, provided the service is good.
A empresa contratará, contanto que o candidato tenha experiência.
The company will hire, provided the candidate has experience.
Podemos negociar, contanto que as condições sejam justas.
We can negotiate, provided the conditions are fair.
Eu escrevo, contanto que o tema seja interessante.
I'll write, provided the topic is interesting.
Eles aceitam, contanto que você assine o contrato.
They accept, provided you sign the contract.
A paz será mantida, contanto que ambas as partes colaborem.
Peace will be maintained, provided both parties collaborate.
O sistema funcionará, contanto que a atualização seja feita.
The system will work, provided the update is done.
Eu reconsidero, contanto que haja uma explicação plausível.
I'll reconsider, provided there is a plausible explanation.
O acordo é válido, contanto que as cláusulas sejam respeitadas.
The agreement is valid, provided the clauses are respected.
A soberania será preservada, contanto que o tratado seja ratificado.
Sovereignty will be preserved, provided the treaty is ratified.
A teoria é sustentável, contanto que os dados sejam verificáveis.
The theory is sustainable, provided the data is verifiable.
O legado perdurará, contanto que a memória seja honrada.
The legacy will endure, provided the memory is honored.
A mudança é possível, contanto que a vontade política exista.
Change is possible, provided political will exists.
Easily Confused
Both are conditional.
Both mean 'provided that'.
Both are conditional.
Common Mistakes
Contanto que você vai.
Contanto que você vá.
Contanto que ele fala.
Contanto que ele fale.
Contanto que teremos tempo.
Contanto que tenhamos tempo.
Contanto que ele teria ido.
Contanto que ele tivesse ido.
Sentence Patterns
Eu farei ___, contanto que você ___.
Contanto que ___, tudo ficará bem.
Aceito, contanto que ___.
Contanto que ___ não ___, eu vou.
Real World Usage
O contrato é válido, contanto que assinado.
Vou, contanto que você me busque.
Aceito, contanto que haja flexibilidade.
Reservamos, contanto que o preço seja bom.
Aceito, contanto que venha sem cebola.
Compartilho, contanto que me marquem.
Subjunctive Trigger
Don't use Indicative
Formal usage
Regional preference
Smart Tips
Use 'contanto que' to sound professional.
Use it to set clear boundaries.
Use it to add a condition.
Use it to show you are following rules.
Pronunciation
Flow
The 'que' should link smoothly to the next word.
Conditional rise
Contanto que você vá (rise) -> eu vou (fall).
Sets the condition before the result.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Contanto que: 'Count on the condition that'.
Visual Association
Imagine a gatekeeper holding a sign that says 'Contanto que'. You can only pass through the gate if you have the 'Subjunctive Key'.
Rhyme
Contanto que, use o subjuntivo, para manter o sentido vivo.
Story
Maria wants to go to the beach. Her mom says, 'You can go, contanto que you clean your room.' Maria cleans the room. The condition is met, and she goes.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences today using 'contanto que' about your plans for the weekend.
Cultural Notes
Very common in casual speech, though often replaced by 'desde que'.
Used more formally in professional settings.
Used in formal education and media.
Derived from 'contar' (to count/rely) + 'que'.
Conversation Starters
O que você faria, contanto que tivesse dinheiro?
Você aceitaria um emprego, contanto que fosse longe?
Você viaja, contanto que o hotel seja bom?
Você estuda, contanto que tenha tempo?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Eu vou, contanto que você ___ (vir).
Find and fix the mistake:
Contanto que ele estuda, ele passa.
Which is correct?
Eu como (se) você comer.
Contanto que nós ___ (fazer) o trabalho.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Order: que / contanto / você / venha.
Contanto que always triggers the subjunctive.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesEu vou, contanto que você ___ (vir).
Find and fix the mistake:
Contanto que ele estuda, ele passa.
Which is correct?
Eu como (se) você comer.
Contanto que nós ___ (fazer) o trabalho.
Contanto que...
Order: que / contanto / você / venha.
Contanto que always triggers the subjunctive.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesI will go to the beach provided it doesn't rain.
você | contanto | eu | que | aceito | venha | o | emprego
Match the pairs:
Eu teria ido à festa, contanto que ele ________ (estar) lá.
Which sentence means the same as 'Contanto que você estude, passará'?
Fico aqui contanto que você fica também.
Translate to Portuguese.
Which one is most suitable for a legal contract?
Vou no seu aniversário, contanto que ________ (ter) bolo de chocolate!
que | contanto | não | chova | sairemos
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
No, it must be followed by the subjunctive.
Yes, it is more formal than 'se'.
Yes, use the imperfect subjunctive.
They are similar, but 'desde que' can also mean 'since'.
Use the imperfect subjunctive.
Yes, very commonly.
Yes, just use a comma.
Using the indicative mood.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
con tal de que
None.
pourvu que
None.
vorausgesetzt dass
No subjunctive requirement.
～さえすれば
Different syntax.
بشرط أن
Different verb mood.
只要
No verb conjugation.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Grammar Rules
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