B2 Subjunctive 16 min read Hard

Imperfect Subjunctive (The "If I Were" Tense)

Use the Imperfect Subjunctive for hypothetical situations, regrets, or 'what if' scenarios that aren't real right now.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use this tense for hypothetical situations, wishes, or polite requests starting with 'if' (se).

  • Use it after 'se' to express a condition: 'Se eu tivesse dinheiro, viajaria.'
  • Use it to express a wish or desire: 'Eu queria que você viesse.'
  • Use it for polite requests: 'Eu gostaria que você me ajudasse.'
Se + [Verb in Imperfect Subjunctive] + , + [Conditional Verb]

Overview

The Imperfect Subjunctive in Portuguese serves as a crucial grammatical tool for expressing actions, states, or events that are hypothetical, uncertain, wished for, or contrary to fact, typically from a past or present perspective. Unlike the Indicative mood, which deals with concrete realities and facts, the Subjunctive mood delves into the realm of subjectivity, possibilities, and desires. The "imperfect" aspect refers not strictly to past time, but rather to the relative timing or conditionality of the action within a broader context, often linked to an unrealized past or a hypothetical present.

This tense is indispensable for forming complex sentences that explore possibilities, regrets, polite suggestions, and conditions that are currently not met. Mastering it allows you to articulate nuanced thoughts and engage in sophisticated discussions about what might be, what could have been, or what one would wish.

The Imperfect Subjunctive operates within the Hypothetical-Conditional System of Portuguese grammar. Its primary function is to establish the if clause of an unreal conditional statement, paving the way for a consequence expressed in the Conditional tense. For instance, Se eu tivesse tempo, viajaria mais (If I had time, I would travel more) presents a situation contrary to your current reality.

It also appears in dependent clauses governed by main clauses expressing emotions, doubts, or desires that are rooted in a past perception or refer to a present unreality. Understanding this tense fundamentally shifts your ability to move beyond factual statements, enabling a more expressive and speculative command of the language.

How This Grammar Works

At its core, the Imperfect Subjunctive functions as a mood-and-tense hybrid that signifies non-actuality, unreality, or dependency within a past frame of reference. Its "imperfect" nature means the action is viewed as ongoing, habitual, or potential, but always from a non-factual standpoint. The mood (Subjunctive) indicates subjective perspective, while the "imperfect" tense indicates an action that is unreal in the present or past, or a wish about the past.
Consider its linguistic function as establishing a counterfactual universe where events are imagined rather than stated as facts. This contrasts sharply with the Indicative mood, which asserts the truth or reality of an action, such as Eu tive tempo (I had time).
The most common structural appearance of the Imperfect Subjunctive is within subordinate clauses, typically introduced by conjunctions like se (if), embora (although), ainda que (even if), para que (so that), or following verbs that express emotion, doubt, will, or necessity. The choice of the Imperfect Subjunctive over, say, the Future Subjunctive, hinges on whether the condition or event is perceived as unlikely, impossible, or contrary to the speaker's reality at the moment of utterance, or from a past perspective. If the condition is genuinely possible in the future, the Future Subjunctive (Se eu tiver tempo...) is used.
If it's a hypothetical situation that doesn't align with current facts, the Imperfect Subjunctive (Se eu tivesse tempo...) is the correct choice. This distinction is crucial for conveying precise shades of meaning regarding possibility and reality.
Linguistically, the Imperfect Subjunctive is often seen as a back-shifted tense. When a main clause verb is in a past tense (e.g., Preterite, Imperfect Indicative, Pluperfect Indicative) and governs a subordinate clause requiring the Subjunctive, the Imperfect Subjunctive is frequently employed in that subordinate clause. For example, Eu queria que você viesse (I wanted you to come).
Here, queria is in the Imperfect Indicative, triggering the Imperfect Subjunctive viesse in the dependent clause, expressing a past desire for an action that may or may not have occurred. This back-shifting mechanism maintains sequence of tenses in complex sentences, ensuring temporal coherence between the main and subordinate actions when the main action is in the past.

Formation Pattern

1
The formation of the Portuguese Imperfect Subjunctive follows a highly regular and predictable pattern, making it one of the more straightforward subjunctive tenses to conjugate once you grasp the foundational step. The key lies in its derivation from the 3rd person plural Preterite (Pretérito Perfeito Simples) form of the verb (eles/elas/vocês). This deep structural link explains why even highly irregular verbs often become regular in the Imperfect Subjunctive once their Preterite form is known.
2
Here's the systematic, three-step process for forming the Imperfect Subjunctive:
3
Step 1: Identify the eles/elas/vocês form of the Preterite Tense.
4
This is your base. For most verbs, this form ends in -aram, -eram, or -iram.
5
falar (to speak) → eles falaram
6
comer (to eat) → eles comeram
7
partir (to leave) → eles partiram
8
ter (to have) → eles tiveram (irregular Preterite)
9
Step 2: Remove the final -am ending.
10
This reveals the subjunctive stem.
11
falaram → falar-
12
comeram → comer-
13
partiram → partir-
14
tiveram → tiver-
15
Step 3: Add the Imperfect Subjunctive Endings.
16
These endings are consistent across all verbs, regardless of their original infinitive conjugation group (-AR, -ER, -IR), once the stem is identified.
17
| Person | Ending (-AR, -ER, -IR verbs) | Example (falar) | Example (comer) | Example (partir) | Example (ter) |
18
| :---------------------- | :--------------------------- | :---------------- | :---------------- | :----------------- | :------------------ |
19
| eu | -asse / -esse / -isse | falasse | comesse | partisse | tivesse |
20
| tu | -asses / -esses / -isses | falasses | comesses | partisses | tivesses |
21
| ele/ela/você | -asse / -esse / -isse | falasse | comesse | partisse | tivesse |
22
| nós | -ássemos / -êssemos / -íssemos | falássemos | comêssemos | partíssemos | tivéssemos |
23
| eles/elas/vocês | -assem / -essem / -issem | falassem | comessem | partissem | tivessem |
24
Crucial Accent Rule for nós: Notice the acute accent on the penultimate vowel of the nós form (-ássemos, -êssemos, -íssemos). This accent is mandatory and indicates that the stress falls on that syllable. Forgetting it is a common error and changes the pronunciation significantly.
25
Irregular Verbs in the Imperfect Subjunctive:
26
The "irregularity" of the Imperfect Subjunctive stems directly from the irregularity of the 3rd person plural Preterite form. Once you have that stem, the endings are always regular.
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| Verb | eles Preterite | Stem | Imperfect Subjunctive (eu/ele/ela/você) |
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| :--- | :--------------- | :--- | :------------------------------------- |
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| ser (to be) | foram | for- | fosse |
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| ir (to go) | foram | for- | fosse |
31
| ter (to have) | tiveram | tiver- | tivesse |
32
| vir (to come) | vieram | vier- | viesse |
33
| dar (to give) | deram | der- | desse |
34
| estar (to be) | estiveram | estiver- | estivesse |
35
| fazer (to do/make) | fizeram | fizer- | fizesse |
36
| poder (to be able to) | puderam | puder- | pudesse |
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| querer (to want) | quiseram | quiser- | quisesse |
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| saber (to know) | souberam | souber- | soubesse |
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| trazer (to bring) | trouxeram | trouxer- | trouxesse |
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| ver (to see) | viram | vir- | visse |
41
As you can see, ser and ir are identical in the Imperfect Subjunctive, just as they are in the Preterite. Context is always key for disambiguation. For example, Se eu fosse rico (If I were rich) vs. Se eu fosse ao Brasil (If I went to Brazil).

When To Use It

The Imperfect Subjunctive is deployed in several specific grammatical contexts, primarily to express unreality, hypothetical situations, or subjective attitudes (desire, doubt, emotion) concerning past or present events. Its usage is highly dependent on the type of main clause it accompanies.
1. Conditional Clauses (The se Clause)
This is the most iconic use, forming the if part of a second-type conditional sentence (Type 2 Conditional). It expresses a hypothetical situation that is contrary to fact in the present or unlikely to happen. The consequence is typically in the Conditional Simple tense.
  • Se eu tivesse mais dinheiro, compraria uma casa. (If I had more money, I would buy a house.) – Implies you don't have enough money now.
  • Se ele soubesse a verdade, ficaria chocado. (If he knew the truth, he would be shocked.) – Suggests he doesn't know the truth.
  • Nós viajaríamos se pudéssemos. (We would travel if we could.) – Implies an inability to travel.
2. Dependent Clauses Following Past Tense Verbs/Expressions of Emotion, Doubt, Will, Request, or Necessity
When the main clause verb expresses subjectivity and is in a past tense (e.g., Preterite, Imperfect Indicative, Pluperfect), the subordinate clause often requires the Imperfect Subjunctive to maintain the correct sequence of tenses.
  • Desire/Will: Eu queria que você viesse à festa. (I wanted you to come to the party.) – The desire was in the past, and the action of coming is subjective.
  • Emotion: Fiquei feliz que ele me ajudasse. (I was happy that he helped me.) – Past emotion regarding a past or present subjective action.
  • Doubt/Uncertainty: Eu duvidava que ela chegasse a tempo. (I doubted that she would arrive on time.) – Past doubt about a potential past or future action.
  • Request/Command (indirect): O professor pediu que os alunos fizessem o trabalho. (The professor asked that the students do the work.) – Past request for a subjective action.
  • Necessity/Impersonality: Era importante que estudássemos mais. (It was important that we studied more.) – Past impersonal statement about a subjective action.
3. Expressing Wishes, Regrets, or Polite Suggestions
Used with expressions like quem dera que (if only/I wish that) or gostaria que (I would like that).
  • Quem dera que eu falasse francês fluente. (If only I spoke fluent French.) – Expresses a regret or an unrealized wish about the present.
  • Gostaria que você me acompanhasse. (I would like you to accompany me.) – A very polite way to make a suggestion or request.
  • Se ao menos ele entendesse. (If only he understood.) – A strong regret about someone's current lack of understanding.
4. Concessive Clauses
Introduced by conjunctions such as ainda que (even though/even if), mesmo que (even if), embora (although), when referring to an action that is hypothetical or contrary to fact.
  • Ainda que chovesse, iríamos ao parque. (Even if it rained, we would go to the park.) – A hypothetical, potentially unreal, condition.
  • Ele continuou a trabalhar, mesmo que estivesse doente. (He continued to work, even though he was sick.) – Describes a past situation where the sickness was a potential or subjective condition.
5. Result Clauses (less common, but important)
Sometimes, following an expression of degree or extent, the Imperfect Subjunctive can express a result that is imagined or desired rather than factual.
  • Havia tão poucas cadeiras que não coubessem todos. (There were so few chairs that not everyone would fit.) – The coubessem expresses an imagined, undesirable result due to the limited chairs.
6. Comparative Clauses of Inequality (literary or formal)
In more formal or literary contexts, it can appear in comparative clauses with como se (as if) or qual se (as though).
  • Ele agia como se não soubesse de nada. (He acted as if he knew nothing.) – A comparison to an unreal situation.

Common Mistakes

Learners frequently encounter specific pitfalls when navigating the Imperfect Subjunctive. These often stem from misinterpreting the nuance of unreality or failing to apply the correct formation rules consistently.
1. Confusing Ver (visse) and Vir (viesse)
This is arguably the most common and persistent error. The root of the confusion lies in their similar-sounding Preterite forms and the resulting subjunctive stems. Remember the Preterite distinction:
Incorrect
✗Ver (to see)
✓eles viram (they saw) → Stem: vir- → Imperfect Subjunctive: visse
✗Vir (to come)
✓eles vieram (they came) → Stem: vier- → Imperfect Subjunctive: viesse
Misuse: Se eu viesse o filme, teria entendido. (If I came the movie, I would have understood.) - Incorrect. It should be Se eu visse o filme... (If I saw the movie...).
2. Omitting the Accent in nós Form
The nós form of the Imperfect Subjunctive always carries a written accent: -ássemos, -êssemos, -íssemos. This accent shifts the stress to the antepenultimate syllable, making it a proparoxytone word. Omitting it results in incorrect pronunciation and can sound jarring to native speakers, as it implies a different stress pattern.
  • Incorrect: Se nós falassemos com ele, resolveríamos.
  • Correct: Se nós falássemos com ele, resolveríamos. (If we spoke with him, we would resolve it.)
3. Using Conditional in the se Clause
An absolute rule in Portuguese conditional sentences is that the Conditional tense can never follow se when expressing a hypothetical condition. The se clause requires the Imperfect Subjunctive.
  • Incorrect: Se eu viajaria, compraria a passagem.
  • Correct: Se eu viajasse, compraria a passagem. (If I traveled, I would buy the ticket.)
This error is a direct transfer from English sentence structure and must be consciously unlearned.
4. Incorrect Preterite Stem for Irregular Verbs
Since the Imperfect Subjunctive derives from the eles Preterite, any error in recalling that initial Preterite form will propagate to the subjunctive. Learners often try to derive irregular subjunctive forms from the infinitive, which is incorrect.
✗Incorrect derivation for fazer: falaram
✓falar- (correct for falar), but incorrectly applying a regular pattern to fazer (e.g., fazesse instead of fizesse).
✗Correct derivation for fazer: eles fizeram
✓fizer- → fizesse.
5. Confusing with Future Subjunctive (Reality vs. Unreality)
The distinction between the Future Subjunctive (-ar, -er, -ir) and the Imperfect Subjunctive (-asse, -esse, -isse) is crucial for conveying certainty. The Future Subjunctive implies a possible future condition, whereas the Imperfect Subjunctive denotes an unreal or hypothetical condition in the present/past.
  • Se você tiver tempo, me ligue. (If you have time [in the future, possibly], call me.) – Future Subjunctive, possible.
  • Se você tivesse tempo, iríamos ao cinema. (If you had time [now, but you don't], we would go to the cinema.) – Imperfect Subjunctive, unreal present.
6. Over-reliance on Direct Translation
While English "if I were" often translates to the Imperfect Subjunctive, not every hypothetical in English will follow this pattern in Portuguese. For instance, the English "I wish I had..." can sometimes be Quem dera que eu tivesse..., but other expressions might require different tenses depending on the nuance of the wish or regret.

Real Conversations

The Imperfect Subjunctive is not confined to formal writing; it is a dynamic component of everyday Portuguese, reflecting how speakers express doubts, wishes, and hypothetical scenarios in various registers.

1. Expressing Wishes and Regrets (Social Media / Casual Chat)

- Quem dera que a internet não caísse no meio do filme! (I wish the internet didn't cut out in the middle of the movie!) – A common lament.

- Se eu tivesse mais tempo, respondia todos os comentários. (If I had more time, I would reply to all comments.) – A polite apology or explanation online.

- Gostaria que o show começasse mais cedo. (I would like the show to start earlier.) – A common thought shared with friends.

2. Offering Polite Suggestions (Work / Professional)

- Seria útil que você enviasse o relatório até amanhã. (It would be useful for you to send the report by tomorrow.) – A polite, indirect request via email.

- Caso houvesse alguma dúvida, por favor, me avise. (Should there be any doubt, please let me know.) – Standard professional phrasing in email correspondence.

- Eu preferiria que a reunião fosse presencial. (I would prefer the meeting to be in person.) – Expressing a preference politely in a professional context.

3. Hypothetical Scenarios (Daily Life / Storytelling)

- Se eu fosse você, não faria isso. (If I were you, I wouldn't do that.) – Classic advice given among friends or family.

- Minha mãe queria que eu estudasse medicina. (My mom wanted me to study medicine.) – Narrating past family expectations.

- Imagina se chovesse amanhã, o piquenique estaria arruinado. (Imagine if it rained tomorrow, the picnic would be ruined.) – Discussing potential negative outcomes.

4. Brazilian Portuguese (BP) vs. European Portuguese (EP) Nuances

While the conjugation and core usage are identical, a notable difference arises in the result clause of conditional sentences. In informal Brazilian Portuguese, the Conditional Simple (iria, faria) is often replaced by the Imperfect Indicative (ia, fazia).

- EP (Standard) / BP (Formal): Se eu tivesse dinheiro, compraria um carro novo. (If I had money, I would buy a new car.)

- BP (Informal): Se eu tivesse dinheiro, comprava um carro novo. (If I had money, I bought a new car.)

This substitution, while grammatically incorrect in prescriptive grammar, is pervasive in spoken BP and acceptable in casual contexts. For learners aiming for formal proficiency, the Conditional Simple remains the correct choice in the main clause.

Quick FAQ

Q: What's the fundamental difference between the Imperfect Subjunctive and the Future Subjunctive?

The core difference lies in the perception of reality and likelihood. The Imperfect Subjunctive (Se eu tivesse...) deals with situations that are unreal, hypothetical, or contrary to fact in the present or past. It's about "what if" scenarios that aren't happening. The Future Subjunctive (Se eu tiver...), conversely, refers to conditions that are genuinely possible or likely to happen in the future. It's about "when/if X happens..." It's the distinction between If I were rich (but I'm not) vs. If I become rich (it's possible). The Portuguese language clearly distinguishes these concepts, unlike English which often uses the simple present tense for both future conditions.

Q: Can I use the Imperfect Subjunctive for very polite requests?

Absolutely. While not a direct command, using the Imperfect Subjunctive in expressions of desire or preference makes a request significantly more polite and less direct. Phrases like Gostaria que você me ajudasse (I would like you to help me) or Eu preferiria que eles esperassem (I would prefer them to wait) soften the request by placing it in a hypothetical, desired realm rather than a factual one. This nuance is crucial for formal and social interactions, allowing for respectful communication.

Q: Why do ser and ir have the exact same Imperfect Subjunctive form (fosse)?

This identity stems from their identical 3rd person plural Preterite forms: eles foram. As the Imperfect Subjunctive is directly derived from this Preterite stem, the forms necessarily merge. This linguistic phenomenon is a historical inheritance from Vulgar Latin, where the forms of esse (to be) and ire (to go) converged in certain tenses. Context is always sufficient to differentiate their meanings, just as it is in the Preterite. For example, Se fosse presidente... (If I were president...) clearly implies ser, while Se fosse à praia... (If I went to the beach...) clearly implies ir.

Q: Does the Imperfect Subjunctive always pair with the Conditional Simple tense?

While pairing with the Conditional Simple (compraria, faria) is its most common and grammatically canonical use in second-type conditional sentences (Se eu tivesse, compraria), it also appears in other constructions. As discussed in the "When To Use It" section, it is frequently governed by past tense verbs of emotion, will, or doubt (Eu queria que viesse). Additionally, in informal Brazilian Portuguese, the Imperfect Indicative can replace the Conditional Simple in the main clause (Se eu tivesse, comprava). Therefore, while the Conditional Simple is a primary partner, it's not the exclusive one.

Q: Are there any situations where the Imperfect Subjunctive is optional?

In highly informal spoken Portuguese, particularly in Brazil, the Imperfect Indicative can sometimes replace the Imperfect Subjunctive in certain contexts, though this is grammatically considered incorrect. For example, instead of Eu queria que você viesse, one might hear Eu queria que você vinha. This substitution is generally avoided in formal speech and writing and should not be emulated by learners aiming for standard proficiency. It's an example of linguistic simplification in very casual registers, but not an acceptable grammatical alternative.

Imperfect Subjunctive Conjugation

Pronoun -AR (Falar) -ER (Comer) -IR (Partir)
Eu
falasse
comesse
partisse
Você/Ele
falasse
comesse
partisse
Nós
falássemos
comêssemos
partíssemos
Vocês/Eles
falassem
comessem
partissem

Meanings

The Imperfect Subjunctive is used to express hypothetical, unreal, or contrary-to-fact situations in the past or present.

1

Hypothetical Condition

Expressing a condition that is unlikely or impossible.

“Se chovesse, não iríamos à praia.”

“Se ele estudasse mais, passaria na prova.”

2

Polite Request

Softening a request or desire.

“Eu gostaria que você me ajudasse.”

“Queria que você viesse jantar conosco.”

3

Past Subjunctive Trigger

Used after verbs of emotion or doubt in the past.

“Eu duvidava que ele viesse.”

“Fiquei feliz que você gostasse do presente.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Imperfect Subjunctive (The "If I Were" Tense)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Se + [Subj]
Se eu pudesse, iria.
Negative
Se + não + [Subj]
Se eu não soubesse, perguntaria.
Question
Você gostaria que...?
Você gostaria que eu fosse?
Polite Request
Eu queria que + [Subj]
Queria que você me ajudasse.
Doubt
Duvidava que + [Subj]
Duvidava que ele viesse.
Concession
Mesmo que + [Subj]
Mesmo que ele quisesse, não daria.
Comparison
Como se + [Subj]
Ele fala como se soubesse tudo.
Wish
Quem me dera que + [Subj]
Quem me dera que estivesses aqui.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Gostaria que Vossa Senhoria me auxiliasse.

Gostaria que Vossa Senhoria me auxiliasse. (Requesting help)

Neutral
Eu gostaria que você me ajudasse.

Eu gostaria que você me ajudasse. (Requesting help)

Informal
Queria que você me desse uma mão.

Queria que você me desse uma mão. (Requesting help)

Slang
Dá uma força aí, vai?

Dá uma força aí, vai? (Requesting help)

The Subjunctive Universe

Pretérito Imperfeito do Subjuntivo

Triggers

  • Se If
  • Gostaria que I would like that

Functions

  • Hypothetical Unreal
  • Politeness Softening
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Examples by Level

1

Se eu fosse rico, viajaria.

If I were rich, I would travel.

2

Se eu tivesse tempo, leria.

If I had time, I would read.

3

Se ele quisesse, viria.

If he wanted, he would come.

4

Se nós pudéssemos, iríamos.

If we could, we would go.

1

Eu queria que você viesse.

I wanted you to come.

2

Eu gostaria que você me ajudasse.

I would like you to help me.

3

Ele pediu que eu fizesse o bolo.

He asked that I make the cake.

4

Eu precisava que você soubesse.

I needed you to know.

1

Se eu tivesse estudado, teria passado.

If I had studied, I would have passed.

2

Mesmo que chovesse, eu iria.

Even if it rained, I would go.

3

Como se ele fosse o dono.

As if he were the owner.

4

Duvidei que ele soubesse a verdade.

I doubted he knew the truth.

1

Caso você precisasse de ajuda, avise-me.

In case you needed help, let me know.

2

Não havia ninguém que soubesse a resposta.

There was no one who knew the answer.

3

Se fosse possível, eu faria.

If it were possible, I would do it.

4

Eu não esperava que eles viessem.

I didn't expect them to come.

1

Fosse eu o responsável, mudaria tudo.

Were I the one in charge, I would change everything.

2

Quem me dera que estivesses aqui.

I wish you were here.

3

Não fosse a chuva, teríamos ido.

Had it not been for the rain, we would have gone.

4

Por mais que ele tentasse, não conseguia.

No matter how much he tried, he couldn't.

1

Se bem que ele soubesse, não disse nada.

Even though he knew, he said nothing.

2

Talvez ele quisesse dizer outra coisa.

Perhaps he meant something else.

3

Se fosse para eu ir, já teria ido.

If it were for me to go, I would have already gone.

4

Que ele viesse ou não, pouco importava.

Whether he came or not, it mattered little.

Easily Confused

Imperfect Subjunctive (The "If I Were" Tense) vs Imperfect Subjunctive vs. Future Subjunctive

Both are used with 'se', but they refer to different timeframes.

Imperfect Subjunctive (The "If I Were" Tense) vs Imperfect Subjunctive vs. Conditional

Learners often use the conditional in the 'if' clause.

Imperfect Subjunctive (The "If I Were" Tense) vs Imperfect Subjunctive vs. Present Subjunctive

Both are used for wishes, but they differ in time.

Common Mistakes

✗

Se eu souber...

✓

Se eu soubesse...

Using future instead of imperfect.
✗

Se eu tenho...

✓

Se eu tivesse...

Using present instead of imperfect.
✗

Se eu faria...

✓

Se eu fizesse...

Using conditional in the 'if' clause.
✗

Se eu fosseis...

✓

Se eu fosse...

Wrong conjugation.
✗

Eu quero que você vai...

✓

Eu queria que você fosse...

Using present instead of imperfect subjunctive.
✗

Eu gostaria que você ajuda...

✓

Eu gostaria que você ajudasse...

Using infinitive instead of subjunctive.
✗

Eu precisava que você faz...

✓

Eu precisava que você fizesse...

Using present indicative.
✗

Se eu teria...

✓

Se eu tivesse...

Using conditional in the 'if' clause.
✗

Mesmo que chove...

✓

Mesmo que chovesse...

Using indicative after 'mesmo que'.
✗

Como se ele era...

✓

Como se ele fosse...

Using indicative after 'como se'.
✗

Se eu tinha sabido...

✓

Se eu tivesse sabido...

Using pluperfect indicative.
✗

Talvez ele quer...

✓

Talvez ele quisesse...

Using indicative after 'talvez'.
✗

Que ele vem ou não...

✓

Que ele viesse ou não...

Using indicative.

Sentence Patterns

Se eu ___ (verb), eu ___ (verb).

Eu gostaria que você ___ (verb).

Como se ele ___ (verb) o dono.

Mesmo que eu ___ (verb), não daria.

Real World Usage

Job Interview common

Eu gostaria que você me desse mais detalhes.

Texting very common

Se você pudesse, vem aqui.

Travel occasional

Se eu soubesse, teria reservado antes.

Social Media common

Quem me dera que estivesses aqui!

Food Delivery occasional

Eu queria que o pedido chegasse rápido.

Professional Email common

Caso precisasse de mais informações, contate-me.

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💡

The 'Eles' Trick

Always find the 'eles' past tense form first. It is the key to the stem.
⚠️

No Conditional in 'Se'

Never use the conditional tense after 'se'. It is a major error.
🎯

Politeness

Use 'Eu gostaria que' to sound professional and polite.
💬

Regional Variation

Brazilians often use the imperfect subjunctive in the result clause instead of the conditional.

Smart Tips

Use 'Eu gostaria que' followed by the imperfect subjunctive.

Eu quero que você me ajude. → Eu gostaria que você me ajudasse.

Check if the situation is real or hypothetical.

Se eu tenho dinheiro, compro. → Se eu tivesse dinheiro, compraria.

Use 'Quem me dera que' + imperfect subjunctive.

Eu desejo que você está aqui. → Quem me dera que estivesses aqui.

Use 'Caso' + imperfect subjunctive.

Se você precisar de algo, me avise. → Caso precisasse de algo, contate-me.

Pronunciation

/ˈfa.la.si/

The 'SS' sound

The 'ss' is always pronounced like a soft 's'.

/fa.ˈla.se.mus/

Nós form accent

The accent on the 'a' or 'e' in the 'nós' form is crucial.

Hypothetical rise

Se eu fosse rico... ↗

The rising intonation signals the condition is not yet complete.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember the 'SSE' sound: 'If I were, I would be' = 'Se eu fosse, eu seria'.

Visual Association

Imagine a cloud floating above your head. Everything inside the cloud is a dream or a wish, and every verb inside that cloud must end in -sse.

Rhyme

Se eu fosse, se eu tivesse, o sonho acontece.

Story

Imagine you are a king. You say: 'If I were a king, I would have a castle.' In Portuguese: 'Se eu fosse rei, teria um castelo.' You then ask your servant: 'I wish you would bring me tea.' In Portuguese: 'Eu queria que você trouxesse chá.'

Word Web

fossetivessequisessepudessesoubessefizesse

Challenge

Write 5 sentences starting with 'Se eu fosse...' describing a fantasy life.

Cultural Notes

In informal Brazilian Portuguese, the imperfect subjunctive is often used in place of the conditional in the result clause.

European Portuguese speakers are more likely to strictly follow the conditional in the result clause.

In formal writing, the imperfect subjunctive is used to maintain a high register.

Derived from the Latin pluperfect subjunctive.

Conversation Starters

“

Se você pudesse viajar para qualquer lugar, para onde iria?

“

O que você faria se ganhasse na loteria?

“

Você gostaria que o mundo fosse diferente?

“

Se você fosse presidente, qual seria sua primeira lei?

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre um sonho que você tem.
Descreva como seria o seu dia perfeito.
Escreva uma carta para um amigo pedindo um favor difícil.
Reflita sobre uma decisão do passado que você mudaria.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

Se eu ___ (ter) tempo, eu iria.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tivesse
Hypothetical condition requires imperfect subjunctive.
Choose the correct form. Multiple Choice

Eu queria que você ___ (vir).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: viesse
Wish in the past requires imperfect subjunctive.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Se eu faria, eu diria.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se eu fizesse, eu diria.
No conditional in 'if' clause.
Change to imperfect subjunctive. Sentence Transformation

Eu quero que você estude. (Past)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu queria que você estudasse.
Past wish triggers imperfect subjunctive.
Match the verb to its form. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: falasse
Correct conjugation.
Conjugate 'comer' for 'nós'. Conjugation Drill

Nós ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: comêssemos
Correct imperfect subjunctive form.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Se / eu / puder / ir / iria.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se eu pudesse ir, eu iria.
Correct structure.
Is this correct? True False Rule

Se eu fosse você, eu faria.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: True
Correct conditional structure.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

Se eu ___ (ter) tempo, eu iria.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tivesse
Hypothetical condition requires imperfect subjunctive.
Choose the correct form. Multiple Choice

Eu queria que você ___ (vir).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: viesse
Wish in the past requires imperfect subjunctive.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Se eu faria, eu diria.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se eu fizesse, eu diria.
No conditional in 'if' clause.
Change to imperfect subjunctive. Sentence Transformation

Eu quero que você estude. (Past)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu queria que você estudasse.
Past wish triggers imperfect subjunctive.
Match the verb to its form. Match Pairs

Falar -> ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: falasse
Correct conjugation.
Conjugate 'comer' for 'nós'. Conjugation Drill

Nós ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: comêssemos
Correct imperfect subjunctive form.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Se / eu / puder / ir / iria.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se eu pudesse ir, eu iria.
Correct structure.
Is this correct? True False Rule

Se eu fosse você, eu faria.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: True
Correct conditional structure.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Complete with the verb 'ter' (to have). Fill in the Blank

Se nós ___ tempo, iríamos ao cinema.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tivéssemos
Complete with the verb 'fazer' (to do). Fill in the Blank

O professor pediu que eles ___ o dever de casa.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: fizessem
Select the correct hypothetical statement. Multiple Choice

Which sentence means 'If I could'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se eu pudesse
Fix the verb 'ver' (to see). Error Correction

Se você visse o que eu vi...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Correct as is
Match the infinitive to its Imperfect Subjunctive (Eu) form. Match Pairs

Match the verbs.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
Arrange to form: 'If I knew, I would tell.' Sentence Reorder

eu / soubesse / contava / Se / ,

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:
Translate 'I wish she were here'. Translation

Eu queria que ela ___ aqui. (estar)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: estivesse
Complete with 'vir' (to come). Fill in the Blank

Eu duvidava que eles ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: viessem
Correct the accentuation. Error Correction

Se nos partissemos agora, chegaríamos a tempo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se nós partíssemos agora...
Which verb fits 'If I had money'? Multiple Choice

Se eu ___ dinheiro.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tivesse
Complete with 'saber' (to know). Fill in the Blank

Ele agiu como se não ___ de nada.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: soubesse
Match the irregular root to the verb. Match Pairs

Connect the root to the infinitive.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

It comes from the imperfect tense stem, which describes ongoing or habitual actions in the past.

Yes, it is used for present hypothetical situations, like 'If I were you'.

No, it is also used for wishes and polite requests.

If the past tense is irregular, the imperfect subjunctive will be too.

Yes, Brazilians use it more flexibly in result clauses.

The sentence will sound incorrect to native speakers.

It can be formal, but it is also used in daily conversation.

Start by writing 'If I were' sentences.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Imperfecto de subjuntivo

Spanish has two forms (-ra/-se), Portuguese only one (-sse).

French moderate

Imparfait du subjonctif

Portuguese uses it in daily speech; French does not.

German moderate

Konjunktiv II

German uses 'würde' + infinitive more often than the synthetic form.

Japanese low

Tara conditional

Japanese lacks the concept of a subjunctive mood entirely.

Arabic low

Law + Past Tense

Arabic uses past tense forms rather than a specific subjunctive conjugation.

Chinese none

Yao shi... jiu...

Chinese has no verb conjugation.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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