Expressing Hopes & Doubts: Regular -ir Verbs (Subjuntivo)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use the subjunctive to express hopes, doubts, or desires by switching the -ir ending to -a.
- Start with the 'eu' form of the present indicative: 'partir' -> 'parto'.
- Drop the '-o' to find the stem: 'part-'.
- Add the subjunctive endings: -a, -as, -a, -amos, -ais, -am.
Overview
The Portuguese Present Subjunctive (or Presente do Subjuntivo) for regular -ir verbs is fundamental for expressing a non-factual, subjective reality. Unlike the Indicative mood, which communicates facts and certainties, the Subjunctive conveys possibilities, desires, doubts, emotions, and judgments. It is the grammatical tool you employ when discussing events or states that are hypothetical, wished for, or viewed through a lens of subjectivity.
Mastering this mood elevates your Portuguese from a basic communication of facts to a nuanced expression of your internal world and interactions with others. For B1 learners, understanding its core function is crucial for engaging in more complex conversations and expressing personal opinions or uncertainties effectively.
How This Grammar Works
que (that), following a main clause that sets the subjective tone. For example, in Espero que você abra a porta (I hope that you open the door), Espero (indicative) conveys the speaker's hope, and que introduces the subordinate clause where the opening of the door is not a fact but a desired event, thus requiring the subjunctive form abra. The linguistic principle at play is the dependency of mood: the mood of the subordinate verb depends on the meaning conveyed by the main verb or expression.Formation Pattern
-ir verbs is highly systematic, relying on what is often called the “opposite vowel” rule. This rule provides a consistent pattern that, once understood, applies to a vast number of verbs. To conjugate a regular -ir verb in the Present Subjunctive, follow these three steps:
eu form of the Present Indicative: Identify the first-person singular (eu) conjugation of the verb in the Present Indicative. For partir (to leave), this is eu parto. For abrir (to open), it is eu abro. For cumprir (to fulfill), it is eu cumpro.
-o: This step reveals the verb stem from which the subjunctive forms are built. From parto, you get part-. From abro, you get abr-. From cumpro, you get cumpr-.
-ir verbs: For regular -ir verbs, these endings all begin with -a. This contrasts with regular -ar verbs, which take -e endings in the subjunctive, and regular -er verbs, which also take -a endings, creating a shared pattern between -er and -ir verbs.
-ir verb, abrir (to open), in the Present Subjunctive:
eu Form | Stem | Subjunctive Ending | Subjunctive Form |
eu | abro | abr- | -a | abra |
tu | abro | abr- | -as | abras |
ele/ela/você | abro | abr- | -a | abra |
nós | abro | abr- | -amos | abramos |
vós | abro | abr- | -ais | abrais |
eles/elas/vocês| abro | abr- | -am | abram |
-a vowel in all endings. This a is the key distinguishing feature for -ir (and -er) verbs in the Present Subjunctive. This pattern is reliable for all regular -ir verbs. Even if the eu form of the Present Indicative is slightly irregular (e.g., fazer -> eu faço -> faça), the stem and ending rule often still guides the formation of the Subjunctive.
Eu espero que abra a janela. (I hope that you open the window.)
Duvido que eles partam tão cedo. (I doubt that they leave so early.)
É importante que cumpramos as regras. (It's important that we follow the rules.)
When To Use It
-ir verbs is employed in a variety of contexts where subjectivity, uncertainty, or influence is present. Its usage is typically governed by specific trigger phrases or clauses that introduce the non-factual nature of the subordinate verb. Understanding these categories is essential for correct application.- Expressions of Desire, Wishes, and Recommendations: When the main clause expresses a wish, a desire, a request, or a recommendation, the verb in the subordinate clause almost invariably enters the subjunctive mood. These phrases convey what the speaker wants to happen, not what is actually happening.
Quero que ele abran o pacote.(I want him to open the package.)Desejo que você parta em segurança.(I wish that you leave safely.)Recomendo que você divida a responsabilidade.(I recommend that you divide the responsibility.)
- Expressions of Doubt, Uncertainty, and Possibility: If the main clause conveys doubt, uncertainty, or the possibility of an event, the subjunctive is required. These are situations where the speaker is not presenting the subordinate clause as a confirmed fact.
Duvido que ela cumpra o prazo.(I doubt that she meets the deadline.)Não tenho certeza de que ele assista ao filme.(I'm not sure that he watches the movie.)É provável que eles descobram a verdade.(It's probable that they discover the truth.)- Note on
Talvez: Whiletalvez(perhaps,maybe) frequently triggers the subjunctive (Talvez ele parta amanhã), it can occasionally be followed by the indicative if the speaker intends to convey a higher degree of probability or a speculative statement rather than true doubt. However, for B1, consistently using the subjunctive aftertalvezis the safest and most common approach.
- Expressions of Emotion, Judgment, and Opinion: When the main clause expresses a feeling (joy, sadness, anger, fear) or an impersonal judgment or opinion, the subordinate verb is in the subjunctive. The emotion or judgment is about the event, not a statement of its factuality.
Fico feliz que você venha (irregular) à festa.(I'm happy that you come to the party.)Lamento que ela não cumpra as expectativas.(I regret that she does not meet the expectations.)É estranho que ele não abra a porta.(It's strange that he doesn't open the door.)
- Impersonal Expressions: Phrases beginning with
É...(It is...) followed by an adjective or noun andqueoften require the subjunctive because they express a general opinion, necessity, or possibility rather than an objective fact. É importante que divida o trabalho.(It's important that you divide the work.)É necessário que partam antes do pôr do sol.(It's necessary that they leave before sunset.)
- Commands and Requests (Formal Imperative): The formal imperative forms (
você,vocês) are identical to the Present Subjunctive forms. While technically not a subjunctive use case, recognizing this overlap is crucial. When giving a polite command or making a formal request, you are essentially using a subjunctive form without an explicitquetrigger. Abra a porta, por favor.(Open the door, please. - formal command)Partam imediatamente!(Leave immediately! - formal command)
Common Mistakes
-ir verbs. Recognizing these common errors and understanding their underlying causes can significantly accelerate your mastery of this mood.- Using the Indicative Vowel: The most frequent mistake is applying the indicative vowel (
-efor-er/-irverbs in many indicative forms) instead of the subjunctive's characteristic-avowel. For instance, a learner might sayEspero que ele abre a lojainstead of the correctEspero que ele abra a loja(I hope that he opens the store). This error occurs because the learner is default to the more familiar indicative conjugation, failing to switch moods. Remember the
Present Subjunctive of 'Partir'
| Pronoun | Stem | Ending | Form |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Eu
|
part-
|
-a
|
parta
|
|
Você/Ele/Ela
|
part-
|
-a
|
parta
|
|
Nós
|
part-
|
-amos
|
partamos
|
|
Vós
|
part-
|
-ais
|
partais
|
|
Eles/Elas
|
part-
|
-am
|
partam
|
Meanings
The subjunctive mood is used to express subjectivity, including hopes, doubts, wishes, and emotions, rather than objective facts.
Expressing Hope
Used after verbs like 'esperar' (to hope) or 'querer' (to want).
“Espero que ele parta logo.”
“Quero que você sinta a diferença.”
Expressing Doubt
Used after expressions of uncertainty like 'duvidar' (to doubt).
“Duvido que ele parta hoje.”
“Não creio que ela sinta medo.”
Indirect Commands
Used to express a desire for someone else to do something.
“Peço que você parta o bolo.”
“Sugiro que ele sinta o perfume.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Espero que + Subj
|
Espero que ele parta.
|
|
Negative
|
Não creio que + Subj
|
Não creio que ele parta.
|
|
Question
|
Duvida que + Subj?
|
Duvida que ele parta?
|
|
Short Answer
|
Que parta!
|
Que parta!
|
|
Impersonal
|
É preciso que + Subj
|
É preciso que partam.
|
|
Doubt
|
Talvez + Subj
|
Talvez ele parta.
|
Formality Spectrum
Espero que o senhor parta. (Expressing a wish)
Espero que você parta. (Expressing a wish)
Espero que tu partas. (Expressing a wish)
Tomara que tu vaze. (Expressing a wish)
Subjunctive Triggers
Emotions
- Espero I hope
- Desejo I wish
Doubt
- Duvido I doubt
- Não creio I don't believe
Indicative vs Subjunctive
Do I use the Subjunctive?
Is it a fact?
Common -ir Verbs
Verbs
- • partir
- • sentir
- • dormir
- • mentir
Examples by Level
Espero que você parta.
I hope you leave.
Quero que ele parta.
I want him to leave.
Desejo que você parta.
I wish you leave.
Peço que você parta.
I ask that you leave.
Não acredito que ele parta hoje.
I don't believe he leaves today.
É bom que você parta cedo.
It is good that you leave early.
Sugiro que você parta agora.
I suggest you leave now.
Duvido que eles partam.
I doubt they leave.
Embora ele parta, voltará logo.
Although he leaves, he will return soon.
É improvável que o trem parta.
It is unlikely that the train leaves.
Não creio que ela parta sem nós.
I don't believe she leaves without us.
Talvez ele parta amanhã.
Maybe he leaves tomorrow.
Gostaria que você partisse, mas não insisto.
I would like you to leave, but I don't insist.
É necessário que todos partam juntos.
It is necessary that everyone leaves together.
Duvido que eles partam antes do meio-dia.
I doubt they leave before noon.
Que ele parta em paz!
May he leave in peace!
Por mais que ele parta, a saudade fica.
No matter how much he leaves, the longing remains.
Não há quem parta sem deixar algo.
There is no one who leaves without leaving something.
Seja como for, que ele parta logo.
Be that as it may, let him leave soon.
Duvido que partam sem se despedir.
I doubt they leave without saying goodbye.
Oxalá ele parta antes da tempestade.
I wish he leaves before the storm.
Não é que ele parta, é que ele foge.
It's not that he leaves, it's that he runs away.
Se ele parta ou fique, pouco importa.
Whether he leaves or stays, it matters little.
Que partam os que não acreditam.
Let those who don't believe leave.
Easily Confused
Learners often use the indicative for wishes.
Learners use subjunctive when the subject doesn't change.
Learners use the imperative for indirect commands.
Common Mistakes
Espero que você partir.
Espero que você parta.
Eu parta.
Eu parto.
Espero que você partas.
Espero que você parta.
Espero que ele parte.
Espero que ele parta.
Duvido que ele parte.
Duvido que ele parta.
Quero que partimos.
Quero que partamos.
Espero que eles partem.
Espero que eles partam.
É possível que ele parte.
É possível que ele parta.
Duvido que partem.
Duvido que partam.
Não creio que ele parta.
Não creio que ele parta.
Embora ele parte.
Embora ele parta.
Talvez ele partiu.
Talvez ele parta.
Sentence Patterns
Espero que ___ parta cedo.
Duvido que eles ___ agora.
É necessário que ___ partamos juntos.
Sugiro que você ___ a verdade.
Real World Usage
Espero que você parta logo!
Gostaria que você considere minha candidatura.
Duvido que o voo parta no horário.
Espero que o entregador parta o pão.
Desejo que todos partam felizes.
É necessário que o aluno parta do princípio.
The 'que' rule
Don't overthink
Master the 'eu' form
Regional variation
Smart Tips
Immediately think: 'Subjunctive!'
The verb must be in the subjunctive.
Change the subject, change the mood.
Maybe = Subjunctive.
Pronunciation
Vowel stress
The stress in the subjunctive usually falls on the stem, not the ending.
Rising intonation
Duvida que ele parta? ↑
Used for questions expressing doubt.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember 'A' for 'A-Subjunctive'. If you see a trigger, the verb gets an 'A'.
Visual Association
Imagine a cloud (the subjunctive) floating above a solid rock (the indicative). The cloud is full of wishes and doubts.
Rhyme
When you hope or when you doubt, take the 'o' and throw it out, add an 'a' to make it clear, the subjunctive is now here!
Story
Maria hopes that her friend leaves (parta) the party early. She doubts that he feels (sinta) tired. She wishes that they sleep (durmam) well.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences using 'Espero que...' with three different -ir verbs.
Cultural Notes
The 'tu' form is rarely used in most of Brazil, so 'você' + 3rd person singular is the standard.
The 'tu' form is common, so 'tu' + 2nd person singular is standard.
Usage is similar to Portugal but with distinct vocabulary preferences.
The Portuguese subjunctive comes directly from the Latin subjunctive, which was used to express non-factual states.
Conversation Starters
O que você espera que aconteça hoje?
Você duvida que o tempo melhore?
O que você quer que seus amigos façam?
É possível que você parta cedo?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
Espero que ele ___ cedo.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Espero que você partas.
Ele parte cedo. (Espero que...)
The subjunctive is used for facts.
A: Espero que você se divirta. B: Espero que você ___ também.
que / espero / parta / ele
Espero que nós ___.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesEspero que ele ___ cedo.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Espero que você partas.
Ele parte cedo. (Espero que...)
The subjunctive is used for facts.
A: Espero que você se divirta. B: Espero que você ___ também.
que / espero / parta / ele
Espero que nós ___.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercisesTomara que ela ___ (assistir) à live.
Sugiro que você cumpres as regras.
que / Espero / você / parta / cedo
I want them to open the window.
Select the sentence showing a desire:
Match the following:
Talvez nós ___ (partir) amanhã.
Não quero que tu desistes.
Hopefully you (plural) attend.
Choose the polite request:
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
To express subjectivity, wishes, or doubts.
Take the 'eu' form, drop the '-o', add -a/-as/-a/-amos/-ais/-am.
After trigger verbs like 'esperar' or 'duvidar'.
No, this rule is for regular -ir verbs.
You will sound like you are stating a fact, which can be confusing.
Yes, mostly in the use of 'tu' vs 'você'.
Yes, but that's a different rule (Imperfect Subjunctive).
Think of it as the 'wish' mood.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Subjuntivo
Vowel changes in the stem.
Subjonctif
French uses it less frequently in daily speech.
Konjunktiv I/II
German does not use it for simple wishes.
Volitional/Conditional
Japanese lacks a mood system like the Romance languages.
Mansub
Arabic is a case-based system.
Modal particles
Chinese verbs do not conjugate.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Related Videos
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