Portuguese Present Subjunctive (Regular Verbs)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
The subjunctive expresses doubt, wishes, or possibilities; remember to swap the vowel of the infinitive ending.
- For -ar verbs, use the -e ending (e.g., que eu fale).
- For -er/-ir verbs, use the -a ending (e.g., que eu coma).
- Always use the 'que' trigger to help identify the mood.
Overview
The Portuguese Present Subjunctive is a grammatical mood used to express subjectivity rather than objective fact. While the Indicative mood states what is real, factual, or certain, the Subjunctive conveys desires, emotions, doubts, possibilities, judgments, and other non-factual or hypothetical situations. It signals that the action in the dependent clause is not presented as a certainty but rather as an idea, a wish, or a condition.
Mastering the Present Subjunctive is a significant step towards intermediate proficiency in Portuguese. It allows you to express nuanced thoughts and feelings, moving beyond simple factual statements to engage in more complex and natural communication. This mood is integral to sounding like a native speaker, as it reflects the human tendency to express opinions, hopes, and uncertainties.
The Subjunctive typically appears in a dependent clause, following a trigger phrase in the main clause, often connected by the conjunction que (that). This structure signals to the listener that the statement is not a direct assertion of fact but is instead colored by the speaker's perspective or an external condition.
How This Grammar Works
-ar (first conjugation) will adopt endings featuring the vowel e in the Present Subjunctive. Conversely, verbs ending in -er (second conjugation) and -ir (third conjugation) will take endings characterized by the vowel a.falar (to speak). In the Present Indicative, Eu falo means "I speak" (a fact). In the Present Subjunctive, que eu fale signifies "that I speak" within a context of desire or doubt, as in Eu quero que eu fale bem português (I want that I speak Portuguese well).comer (to eat), Eu como (I eat) becomes que eu coma in the subjunctive, as in É importante que você coma vegetais (It's important that you eat vegetables).Formation Pattern
-ar, -er, and -ir verbs and provides the foundational pattern even for many irregular verbs that maintain a regular stem formation in the Eu indicative.
Eu form of the Present Indicative.
Eu) of the Present Indicative. This is your base stem.
-ar verbs like falar (to speak): Eu falo
-er verbs like comer (to eat): Eu como
-ir verbs like abrir (to open): Eu abro
-o ending.
Eu form, drop the final -o to isolate the subjunctive stem.
falo → fal-
como → com-
abro → abr-
-e based endings.
-a based endings.
falar - to speak)
falar |
-e | fale |
-es | fales |
-e | fale |
-emos | falemos |
-em | falem |
comer - to eat)
comer |
-a | coma |
-as | comas |
-a | coma |
-amos | comamos |
-am | comam |
abrir - to open)
abrir |
-a | abra |
-as | abras |
-a | abra |
-amos | abramos |
-am | abram |
Eu and Ele/Ela/Você forms are identical across all conjugations in the Present Subjunctive. Context usually clarifies the subject, but you can always include the pronoun for emphasis or clarity. This consistency makes learning these forms more straightforward once the initial pattern is understood. For instance, Espero que ele trabalhe muito (I hope he works a lot) uses the same verb form as Espero que eu trabalhe muito (I hope I work a lot).
When To Use It
que (that) linking the two clauses is a very strong indicator that the subjunctive might be required, though que itself does not always trigger it.Quero que você estude mais para a prova.(I want you to study more for the test.)É importante que todos cheguem a tempo.(It's important that everyone arrives on time.)Peço que me ligue assim que puder.(I ask that you call me as soon as you can.)
querer que(to want that)esperar que(to hope that)desejar que(to wish that)pedir que(to ask that)sugerir que(to suggest that)insistir que(to insist that)aconselhar que(to advise that)ordenar que(to order that)
Fico feliz que você venha nos visitar.(I'm happy that you come to visit us.)Lamento que eles não entendam a situação.(I regret that they don't understand the situation.)Tenho medo que a chuva não pare hoje.(I'm afraid that the rain won't stop today.)
ficar feliz que(to be happy that)sentir que(to feel/regret that)gostar que(to like that)ter pena que(to be a shame that)ter medo que(to be afraid that)ter raiva que(to be angry that)
Duvido que ela saiba a resposta.(I doubt that she knows the answer.)Não acredito que ele faça isso.(I don't believe that he does that.)É possível que nós não viajemos este ano.(It's possible that we don't travel this year.)
duvidar que(to doubt that)não crer que(not to believe that)não pensar que(not to think that)é improvável que(it's improbable that)talvez(maybe, perhaps – often triggers subjunctive, but can also take indicative for stronger probability)provavelmente(probably – can also trigger subjunctive for possibility)
É (It is...), followed by an adjective and que, often trigger the Present Subjunctive. These phrases convey a subjective judgment or necessity about an action, rather than an objective truth.É importante que você durma bem.(It's important that you sleep well.)É bom que ele ajude a família.(It's good that he helps the family.)É estranho que eles não falem conosco.(It's strange that they don't speak with us.)
É bom que(It's good that)É mau que(It's bad that)É necessário que(It's necessary that)É preciso que(It's necessary that)É melhor que(It's better that)É incrível que(It's incredible that)
Vou estudar para que passe no exame.(I'm going to study so that I pass the exam.)Ele saiu antes que eu chegasse.(He left before I arrived.)Embora chova, vamos caminhar.(Although it rains, we're going to walk.)
para que(so that, in order that)a fim de que(in order that, so that)antes que(before that)sem que(without that)até que(until that)contanto que(provided that)desde que(as long as, provided that)em caso de que(in case that)embora(although, even though)ainda que(even if, even though)posto que(given that, since)
Common Mistakes
que as a Subjunctive Trigger.que automatically requires the subjunctive. This is incorrect. Que simply means "that"; its function is to introduce a dependent clause. If the main clause expresses certainty, knowledge, or fact, the dependent clause remains in the Indicative.- Incorrect:
Eu sei que você fale português.(I know that you speak Portuguese.) - 'saber' expresses certainty. - Correct:
Eu sei que você fala português.(I know that you speak Portuguese.)
Duvido que você fale chinês.(I doubt that you speak Chinese.) - 'duvidar' expresses doubt, thus subjunctive.
Eu and Ele/Ela/Você Forms.Eu (I) form and the Ele/Ela/Você (he/she/you formal) forms of the Present Subjunctive are identical. Beginners often mistakenly try to use the indicative Eu form (ending in -o) when expressing desire or emotion related to themselves.- Incorrect:
Espero que eu ganho o prémio.(I hope that I win the prize.) -ganhois indicative. - Correct:
Espero que eu ganhe o prémio.(I hope that I win the prize.) -ganheis subjunctive.
-ar verbs move to -e endings, -er/-ir verbs move to -a endings) requires practice. Reverting to indicative patterns or mixing the vowels is a common error.- Incorrect:
É importante que você fala a verdade.(It's important that you speak the truth.) -falaris an -ar verb, needs -e ending. - Correct:
É importante que você fale a verdade.(It's important that you speak the truth.)
que is present. Examples include ter certeza que (to be sure that), acreditar que (to believe that), saber que (to know that), achar que (to think that – when implying certainty).Tenho certeza que ele vem amanhã.(I'm sure that he comes tomorrow.)Acredito que ela está em casa.(I believe that she is at home.)
Talvez and Provavelmente.talvez (maybe, perhaps) and provavelmente (probably) often trigger the subjunctive, they can also take the indicative when the speaker wants to express a stronger sense of probability or personal conviction rather than mere possibility or doubt. The choice reflects the speaker's degree of certainty.Talvez ele venha à festa.(Maybe he comes to the party - expressing possibility/doubt, subjunctive.)Talvez ele vem à festa.(Maybe he is coming to the party - expressing a stronger likelihood/guess, indicative.)
Real Conversations
Far from being a formal or archaic construct, the Present Subjunctive is deeply embedded in everyday Portuguese, both in spoken language and modern digital communication. Understanding its natural usage helps learners internalize its function beyond textbook exercises.
1. Expressing Hopes and Desires (Texting & Casual Speech):
One of the most common applications is expressing wishes or hopes, often without a full main clause in informal contexts. The phrase Tomara que... (I hope that...) is ubiquitous in Brazilian Portuguese, often shortened and used with the subjunctive.
- Text message: Tomara que dê tudo certo na sua apresentação! (I hope everything goes well with your presentation!)
- Friend to friend: Espero que você goste do meu presente. (I hope you like my gift.)
- Wishing well: Que melhore logo! (May you get better soon! / Hope you feel better soon!)
2. Giving Advice or Suggestions (Work & Personal):
In both formal and informal settings, when suggesting actions to others, the subjunctive is key to softening the command and making it a recommendation.
- Work email (informal): Sugiro que revejamos os dados antes da reunião. (I suggest that we review the data before the meeting.)
- Parent to child: É importante que você faça a lição de casa. (It's important that you do your homework.)
3. Expressing Reactions to News (Social Media & Conversation):
People frequently use the subjunctive to react emotionally to information, showing their feelings rather than just stating facts.
- Social media comment: Que pena que você não possa vir. (What a shame that you can't come.)
- Responding to news: Fico muito feliz que eles estejam juntos. (I'm very happy that they are together.)
4. Doubt and Uncertainty (Daily Interactions):
Even in simple questions or statements, doubt is typically framed with the subjunctive.
- Asking about plans: Duvido que ele chegue antes das 10. (I doubt he arrives before 10.)
- Speculating: Não acho que ela saiba o caminho. (I don't think she knows the way.)
5. Concessions and Conditions:
Conjunctions requiring the subjunctive are common in sentences that set conditions or make concessions.
- Mesmo que chova, vamos ao parque. (Even if it rains, we're going to the park.)
- Ele vai ajudar, contanto que você prometa ser rápido. (He will help, provided that you promise to be quick.)
In European Portuguese, similar structures are used, often with a slightly more pronounced use of impersonal expressions like É bom que... or the more formal Oxalá que... (God willing that...). The underlying patterns and triggers remain consistent across variants.
Quick FAQ
Yes, many common verbs are irregular in the Present Subjunctive. However, even these irregular verbs often follow the core principle of deriving their stem from the Eu form of the Present Indicative before applying the regular subjunctive endings. For example, ter (to have) becomes Eu tenho in the indicative, then drops the -o to tenh-, and takes -a endings, resulting in tenha, tenhas, tenhamos, etc. You should consult specific conjugation tables for irregular verbs, but the usage rules for when to apply the subjunctive remain the same.
The Present Subjunctive refers to current or general desires, emotions, doubts, or conditions. The Future Subjunctive, unique to Portuguese among many Romance languages, specifically refers to hypothetical or conditional actions in the future, often introduced by quando (when) or se (if). For instance, Espero que ele venha amanhã (Present Subjunctive – I hope he comes tomorrow) vs. Quando ele vier amanhã, falaremos (Future Subjunctive – When he comes tomorrow, we will speak). The contexts are distinct.
The fundamental grammatical rules for the formation and usage of the Present Subjunctive are largely identical in both Brazilian and European Portuguese. Learners will find that the conjugated forms and the trigger conditions are consistent. Any perceived differences usually stem from variations in preferred vocabulary, common colloquial expressions, or specific sentence structures rather than the subjunctive mood itself. For example, tomara que is more common in Brazil, while oxalá que might be heard more in Portugal, both serving to express hope.
que?Predominantly, yes. The vast majority of Present Subjunctive uses occur in dependent clauses introduced by que. However, there are exceptions, such as talvez (maybe) or embora (although), which can directly precede a subjunctive verb without an intervening que. For example, Talvez chova amanhã (Maybe it rains tomorrow). In these cases, the conjunction itself implies the necessary subjectivity or uncertainty, directly governing the verb's mood.
Active engagement is key. Firstly, focus on recognizing the common trigger phrases and the corresponding mood in native materials (books, news, songs, podcasts). Secondly, practice forming the conjugations until the vowel swap becomes intuitive. Finally, and most importantly, actively produce sentences using the subjunctive. Start with simple expressions of desire (Quero que você...), emotion (Fico feliz que...), and doubt (Duvido que...) until these structures become natural. Regular exposure and conscious application will solidify your understanding.
Present Subjunctive Conjugation
| Person | -ar (Falar) | -er (Comer) | -ir (Partir) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Eu
|
fale
|
coma
|
parta
|
|
Você/Ele
|
fale
|
coma
|
parta
|
|
Nós
|
falemos
|
comamos
|
partamos
|
|
Vocês/Eles
|
falem
|
comam
|
partam
|
Meanings
The present subjunctive is used to express uncertainty, subjectivity, desires, or hypothetical situations rather than objective facts.
Desire/Wish
Expressing what you want to happen.
“Quero que ele venha.”
“Desejo que você seja feliz.”
Doubt/Uncertainty
Expressing that something is not certain.
“Duvido que ele saiba a verdade.”
“Não acho que seja boa ideia.”
Emotion
Expressing feelings about an action.
“Fico feliz que você estude.”
“É triste que eles não falem.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Quero que + Subj
|
Quero que você fale.
|
|
Negative
|
Não acho que + Subj
|
Não acho que ele coma.
|
|
Doubt
|
Talvez + Subj
|
Talvez ela parta.
|
|
Necessity
|
É preciso que + Subj
|
É preciso que estudemos.
|
|
Emotion
|
Fico feliz que + Subj
|
Fico feliz que você fale.
|
|
Suggestion
|
Sugiro que + Subj
|
Sugiro que eles comam.
|
Formality Spectrum
Desejo que o senhor parta. (Requesting departure)
Quero que você parta. (Requesting departure)
Quero que você parta. (Requesting departure)
Quero que tu vaze. (Requesting departure)
Subjunctive Triggers
Wishes
- Querer To want
Doubts
- Duvidar To doubt
Emotions
- Sentir To feel
Examples by Level
Quero que você fale.
I want you to speak.
Espero que você coma.
I hope you eat.
Quero que ele parta.
I want him to leave.
Espero que você estude.
I hope you study.
Não acho que ele fale português.
I don't think he speaks Portuguese.
Talvez ele coma aqui.
Maybe he eats here.
É bom que você parta cedo.
It's good that you leave early.
Duvido que ela estude.
I doubt she studies.
É necessário que nós falemos com ele.
It is necessary that we speak with him.
Fico feliz que você coma bem.
I'm happy that you eat well.
Sugiro que eles partam agora.
I suggest that they leave now.
É importante que você estude a lição.
It is important that you study the lesson.
Embora ele fale muito, não diz nada.
Although he speaks a lot, he says nothing.
A menos que você coma, não sairemos.
Unless you eat, we won't leave.
Duvido que eles partam antes do meio-dia.
I doubt they leave before noon.
É improvável que ela estude hoje.
It is unlikely that she studies today.
Por mais que ele fale, ninguém escuta.
No matter how much he speaks, no one listens.
Caso você coma algo, avise-me.
In case you eat something, let me know.
É fundamental que eles partam com segurança.
It is fundamental that they leave safely.
Não creio que ele estude o suficiente.
I don't believe he studies enough.
Seja como for, é preciso que falemos.
Be that as it may, we must speak.
Não obstante que ele coma pouco, é saudável.
Notwithstanding that he eats little, he is healthy.
Requer-se que os alunos partam em silêncio.
It is required that the students leave in silence.
É imperativo que ela estude os clássicos.
It is imperative that she studies the classics.
Easily Confused
Learners mix up when to use facts vs wishes.
The forms look similar.
Learners use the infinitive after 'que'.
Common Mistakes
Eu quero que você fala.
Eu quero que você fale.
Espero que ele come.
Espero que ele coma.
Quero que ele parte.
Quero que ele parta.
Duvido que você estuda.
Duvido que você estude.
Talvez ele fala.
Talvez ele fale.
Não acho que é verdade.
Não acho que seja verdade.
Espero que nós comemos.
Espero que nós comamos.
É bom que você fala.
É bom que você fale.
Sugiro que você parte.
Sugiro que você parta.
Embora ele estuda.
Embora ele estude.
Por mais que ele fala.
Por mais que ele fale.
Caso você come.
Caso você coma.
Requer-se que eles partem.
Requer-se que eles partam.
Sentence Patterns
Eu quero que você ___.
Não acho que ele ___.
É importante que nós ___.
Duvido que eles ___ hoje.
Real World Usage
Espero que você chegue bem.
Quero que a empresa cresça.
Espero que o prato venha quente.
Duvido que seja verdade.
É preciso que você parta cedo.
É fundamental que os alunos estudem.
The Vowel Swap
Don't forget the 'que'
Start with 'Eu'
Listen to music
Smart Tips
Use 'Espero que' followed by the subjunctive.
Use 'Talvez' followed by the subjunctive.
Use 'Duvido que' followed by the subjunctive.
Use 'Sugiro que' followed by the subjunctive.
Pronunciation
Vowel stress
The stress remains on the stem in most cases.
Rising intonation
Quero que você fale? ↑
Used when asking for confirmation of a wish.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
AR verbs go to E, ER/IR verbs go to A. Remember: 'The vowels swap places!'
Visual Association
Imagine a seesaw. On one side is the Indicative (heavy, solid rock). On the other is the Subjunctive (a light, floating balloon). You have to swap the vowels to make the balloon fly.
Rhyme
AR turns to E, ER/IR to A, the subjunctive is here to stay!
Story
Maria wants to go to the beach. She says, 'Espero que o sol brilhe' (I hope the sun shines). She isn't sure, so she uses the subjunctive. Her friend says, 'Duvido que chova' (I doubt it rains). They use the subjunctive because they are talking about possibilities, not facts.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 5 sentences using 'Espero que...' and 5 using 'Duvido que...' today.
Cultural Notes
The subjunctive is used frequently in daily speech, especially with 'talvez' and 'querer'.
The subjunctive is used similarly, but often with more formal structures in writing.
The subjunctive follows standard Portuguese rules but with local vocabulary.
Derived from the Latin subjunctive mood, which was used for non-factual statements.
Conversation Starters
O que você quer que o seu amigo faça hoje?
Você acha que é importante que as pessoas estudem línguas?
O que você sugere que façamos neste fim de semana?
Você duvida que seja possível aprender português em um ano?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Eu quero que você ___ (falar).
Duvido que ele ___ (comer).
Find and fix the mistake:
Espero que você estuda.
Quero / que / ele / (partir).
Que nós ___ (falar).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
É importante que eles ___ (chegar).
Talvez ela ___ (saber).
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesEu quero que você ___ (falar).
Duvido que ele ___ (comer).
Find and fix the mistake:
Espero que você estuda.
Quero / que / ele / (partir).
Que nós ___ (falar).
Duvidar -> ?
É importante que eles ___ (chegar).
Talvez ela ___ (saber).
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesQuero que ela ___ (falar) a verdade.
Espero que nós ___ (vender) a casa logo.
Talvez eu ___ (abrir) uma loja.
É proibido que vocês ___ (entrar) aqui.
Não acredito que o preço ___ (subir) tanto!
Duvido que tu aprendes isso rápido.
É melhor que ela come salada.
fique / Quero / que / você / aqui
que / duvido / eles / estudem / Eu
I hope that you (singular) speak.
It is necessary that we eat.
Match the pairs
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
It allows you to express feelings, doubts, and wishes, which are essential for natural communication.
Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
Look for triggers like 'querer que', 'duvidar que', or 'talvez'.
People will understand you, but you will sound less natural and less precise.
Yes, but they follow the same vowel-swap logic for the stem.
Yes, but that requires the imperfect subjunctive, which is a different rule.
Yes, the verb ending changes for each person (eu, você, nós, etc.).
It takes practice, but the regular patterns make it manageable.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Subjuntivo
The vowel swap is the same, but some irregular stems differ.
Subjonctif
French has more irregular subjunctive forms than Portuguese.
Konjunktiv
German Konjunktiv is often used for indirect speech, unlike the Portuguese subjunctive.
Volitional/Hypothetical
Japanese does not have a subjunctive mood.
Mansoub
Arabic uses case endings, not mood-based vowel swaps.
Modal particles
Chinese verbs do not conjugate.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Continue With
Portuguese Subjunctive: Doubt & Uncertainty (Talvez, Duvido que)
Overview In Portuguese, the **subjunctive mood** is essential for expressing subjectivity, doubt, uncertainty, possibili...
Expressing Desires: The Present Subjunctive (Quero que...)
Overview The Portuguese **subjunctive mood** (`modo subjuntivo`) is a grammatical framework for discussing the world be...
Irregular Present Subjunctive: The Big Rebels (Ser, Ir, Estar)
Overview The Present Subjunctive is the mood of subjectivity, uncertainty, and desire in Portuguese. While most verbs f...
Wishing with 'Ter': The Present Subjunctive
Overview The Portuguese subjunctive mood is your indispensable tool for navigating the nuanced world of subjectivity, de...
Mastering the Future Subjunctive: The 'When & If' Tense
Overview The Portuguese Future Subjunctive (`Futuro do Subjuntivo`) is essential for expressing **uncertainty, condition...
Poder in the Subjunctive: Wishes, 'Ifs', and Future Plans
Overview Mastering the Portuguese verb `poder` in the subjunctive mood is crucial for achieving B2 fluency. Unlike the i...
Portuguese Vowel Swap: The Present Subjunctive
Overview The Present Subjunctive, known as the `Presente do Subjuntivo` in Brazil and `Presente do Conjuntivo` in Portu...
Portuguese Subjunctive: Using Impersonal Expressions (é bom que, é preciso que)
Overview In Portuguese, expressing subjective assessments, opinions, emotions, or necessities often requires a critical...
Perfect Subjunctive: Doubting the Past (Tenha feito)
Overview The Portuguese Perfect Subjunctive, or **Pretérito Perfeito Composto do Subjuntivo**, is a B2-level structure...
Hopes & Doubts about the Past (Present Perfect Subjunctive)
Hopes & Doubts about the Past: The Present Perfect Subjunctive in Portuguese (Pretérito Perfeito Composto do Subjuntivo)...
Portuguese Subjunctive: Doubt & 'What-ifs' (Não que, Caso)
Overview At the C1 level, mastering the Portuguese subjunctive extends beyond basic rules to encompass profound nuances...
Portuguese Sequence of Tenses: Preserving the Subjunctive
Overview Mastering the **Portuguese Sequence of Tenses**, known formally as `Concordância Temporal`, is crucial for adva...
Related Videos
Related Grammar Rules
Portuguese Wishes and Regrets: Independent Subjunctive (Subjuntivo Independente)
Overview Have you ever seen a Portuguese sentence that starts with `Que` and ends with an exclamation mark, but seems to...
Using 'Sem que': Without/Unless with Subjunctive
Overview `Sem que` is a fundamental subordinating conjunction in Portuguese, crucial for expressing actions that **fail...
If I Have Time: The Future Subjunctive of 'Ter' (tiver)
Overview The Portuguese Future Subjunctive of `ter` (to have), specifically the form `tiver`, is a critical grammatical...
Portuguese Time Limits: Using 'Até Que' (Until...)
Overview `Até que` in Portuguese functions as a crucial conjunction, establishing a temporal or conditional limit for an...
Imperfect Subjunctive (The "If I Were" Tense)
Overview The Imperfect Subjunctive in Portuguese serves as a crucial grammatical tool for expressing actions, states, or...
