B2 Subjunctive 14 min read Medium

Portuguese Vowel Swap: The Present Subjunctive

Swap the vowels of the present tense to express your doubts, wishes, and emotions instead of cold facts.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

To form the present subjunctive, take the 'eu' form of the present indicative and swap the final vowel.

  • For -ar verbs, change the final -o to -e (e.g., falar -> fale).
  • For -er/-ir verbs, change the final -o to -a (e.g., comer -> coma, partir -> parta).
  • The swap applies to all persons (eu, você, nós, eles) consistently.
Verb (Eu form) - Vowel + Opposite Vowel = Subjunctive

Overview

The Present Subjunctive, known as the Presente do Subjuntivo in Brazil and Presente do Conjuntivo in Portugal, is a grammatical mood, not a tense. While tenses locate an action in time (past, present, future), moods express the speaker's attitude or perspective towards that action. The indicative mood describes objective reality and facts—what is.

The subjunctive mood, in contrast, operates in the realm of the subjective and unreal: doubt, desire, emotion, possibility, and hypothesis.

It is one of the most essential and high-frequency structures in both Brazilian and European Portuguese. Mastering it is a critical step towards moving from an intermediate to an advanced level of fluency. Its usage is not optional or merely stylistic; it is a fundamental part of the grammatical architecture.

You will hear it in casual conversation, see it in text messages, and need it for professional emails. The core mechanism often involves a characteristic vowel-swap in the verb ending, which acts as a clear flag for this subjective mood.

How This Grammar Works

The subjunctive's function is best understood by its relationship with the main clause of a sentence. A subjunctive verb rarely appears on its own. Instead, it exists in a dependent clause that is "triggered" by the main clause.
This main clause establishes a context of non-reality—a wish, an emotion, a doubt, or a command. Think of the main clause as casting a shadow of subjectivity that the verb in the dependent clause must reflect.
Consider this contrast:
  • Indicative: Eu sei que ela vem à reunião. (I know that she is coming to the meeting.)
  • Here, Eu sei que (I know that) expresses certainty. The information that follows is presented as a fact, so the verb vem is in the indicative mood.
  • Subjunctive: Eu duvido que ela venha à reunião. (I doubt that she is coming to the meeting.)
  • Here, Eu duvido que (I doubt that) expresses uncertainty. The information is not a fact but a speculation, forcing the verb vir to shift into its subjunctive form, venha.
The very name conjuntivo, used in Portugal, highlights this function: it joins (from Latin conjungere) two clauses in this specific dependent relationship. The Brazilian term subjuntivo does the same, emphasizing that the second clause is subordinate to the first. The underlying principle is that Portuguese grammar requires you to explicitly mark when you are stepping away from factual statements.
The vowel swap in the verb ending is the most common signal of this shift.

Formation Pattern

1
The regular formation of the present subjunctive follows a beautifully consistent, three-step pattern often called the "golden rule."
2
1. Start with the eu (I) form of the verb in the present indicative tense.
3
2. Drop the final -o ending.
4
3. Add the subjunctive endings with the "opposite" theme vowel.
5
For -ar verbs, the theme vowel swaps from a to e.
6
For -er and -ir verbs, the theme vowel swaps from e/i to a.
7
This pattern holds for a vast number of verbs, making it a powerful tool.
8
Regular -ar Verbs
9
The indicative eu form is falo (from falar). Drop the -o to get the stem fal-. Then add the -e endings.
10
| Pronoun | Ending | Example: falar (to speak) |
11
|---|---|---|
12
| eu | -e | fale |
13
| tu | -es | fales |
14
| ele/ela/você/a gente | -e | fale |
15
| nós | -emos | falemos |
16
| eles/elas/vocês | -em | falem |
17
Example sentence: É importante que nós falemos abertamente. (It's important that we speak openly.)
18
Regular -er and -ir Verbs
19
The indicative eu forms are como (from comer) and parto (from partir). Drop the -o to get the stems com- and part-. Then add the -a endings.
20
| Pronoun | Ending | Example: comer (to eat) | Example: partir (to leave) |
21
|---|---|---|---|
22
| eu | -a | coma | parta |
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| tu | -as | comas | partas |
24
| ele/ela/você/a gente | -a | coma | parta |
25
| nós | -amos | comamos | partamos |
26
| eles/elas/vocês | -am | comam | partam |
27
Example sentence: Ela quer que vocês comam tudo. (She wants you all to eat everything.)
28
Spelling Changes for Pronunciation (Orthographic Changes)
29
Portuguese phonetics prioritize consistent pronunciation. To preserve the hard consonant sounds found in the infinitive, some verbs require a spelling change before the subjunctive endings are added. The eu-form rule still applies, but you must account for these adjustments.
30
| Verb Ending | Change | Infinitive -> Subjunctive | Reason |
31
|---|---|---|---|
32
| -car | c -> qu | ficar -> fique | Preserves the hard 'k' sound before 'e'. fice would sound like 'fis-ee'. |
33
| -gar | g -> gu | pagar -> pague | Preserves the hard 'g' sound before 'e'. page would sound like 'paj-ee'. |
34
| -çar | ç -> c | começar -> comece | Preserves the 's' sound. The cedilla (ç) is only used before a, o, u. |
35
| -cer / -cir | c -> ç | conhecer -> conheça | Preserves the 's' sound before 'a'. conheca would sound like 'konyeka'. |
36
| -ger / -gir | g -> j | proteger -> proteja | Preserves the 'j' sound before 'a'. protega would sound like 'protegga'. |
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Key Irregular Verbs
38
A small but crucial group of high-frequency verbs are irregular and must be memorized. They do not follow the standard eu-form rule.
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| Infinitive | Verb | Subjunctive Stem | Full eu form |
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|---|---|---|---|
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| ser | to be (essence) | sej- | seja |
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| estar | to be (state) | estej- | esteja |
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| ir | to go | v- | vá |
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| dar | to give | d- | dê |
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| saber | to know | saib- | saiba |
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| querer | to want | queir- | queira |
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| haver | to exist/have | haj- | haja |
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Full Conjugation of ser and ir
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| Pronoun | ser -> seja | ir -> vá |
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|---|---|---|
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| eu | seja | vá |
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| tu | sejas | vás |
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| ele/ela/você | seja | vá |
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| nós | sejamos | vamos |
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| eles/elas/vocês | sejam | vão |
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Note on ir: The nós form, vamos, is identical to the present indicative. Context makes the meaning clear. Vamos ao cinema (Let's go to the movies) is a subjunctive command, while Nós vamos ao cinema (We go to the movies) is an indicative statement.

When To Use It

The subjunctive is used in specific grammatical contexts. Remembering these trigger categories is the key to using it correctly. The common mnemonic W.E.I.R.D.O.
(Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal Expressions, Requests, Doubt, Ojalá) is a good starting point, but a deeper understanding of the categories is more effective.
1. Volition and Influence (Wishes, Commands, Suggestions)
This category includes verbs used to express a will or desire to influence someone else's actions.
  • Common triggers: querer que (to want that), pedir que (to ask that), sugerir que (to suggest that), exigir que (to demand that), insistir que (to insist that), deixar que (to let/allow that), mandar que (to order that).
  • Example: O médico sugeriu que eu beba mais água. (The doctor suggested that I drink more water.)
  • Example: Não quero que você vá embora. (I don't want you to go away.)
2. Emotion and Subjective Reaction
When the main clause expresses an emotional reaction to the content of the dependent clause, the subjunctive is required.
  • Common triggers: ter medo que (to be afraid that), ficar feliz que (to be happy that), lamentar que (to regret that), que pena que (what a shame that), que bom que (it's good that).
  • Example: Tenho medo que eles não gostem do presente. (I'm afraid they won't like the gift.)
  • Example: Que bom que você esteja aqui! (It's so good that you are here!)
3. Impersonal Expressions of Opinion or Necessity
These are phrases that begin with é + adjective + que to state an opinion, judgment, or necessity.
  • Common triggers: é importante que, é necessário que, é melhor que, é provável que, é uma pena que, basta que (it's enough that).
  • Example: É essencial que todos entendam as regras. (It's essential that everyone understands the rules.)
  • Crucial Contrast: Be careful. Impersonal expressions of certainty take the indicative. Compare: É óbvio que ele sabe a resposta. (It's obvious he knows the answer - Fact) versus É improvável que ele saiba a resposta. (It's unlikely he knows the answer - Doubt).
4. Doubt, Denial, and Negation
This is the classic context of uncertainty. If the main clause doubts, denies, or negates the dependent clause, the subjunctive is mandatory.
  • Common triggers: duvidar que (to doubt that), não acreditar que (to not believe that), não pensar que (to not think that), negar que (to deny that), talvez (maybe), provavelmente (probably).
  • Example: Ele nega que conheça o suspeito. (He denies that he knows the suspect.)
  • This is home to the most famous rule: Acho que ele vem. (I think he is coming - Indicative) vs. Não acho que ele venha. (I don't think he is coming - Subjunctive).
5. Conjunctions
A number of connecting words (conjunctions) automatically trigger the subjunctive because they introduce a condition, purpose, or hypothetical situation.
  • Key conjunctions:
  • para que (so that): Estudo para que eu possa ter um futuro melhor. (I study so that I can have a better future.)
  • a menos que (unless): Não sairemos a menos que a chuva pare. (We won't leave unless the rain stops.)
  • contanto que (as long as): Você pode usar meu carro, contanto que tome cuidado. (You can use my car, as long as you are careful.)
  • embora (although): Vou à praia, embora esteja um pouco frio. (I'm going to the beach, although it is a little cold.)
  • caso (in case): Me ligue caso você precise de ajuda. (Call me in case you need help.)
6. Indefinite Antecedents
This advanced use occurs when you are talking about something or someone that is hypothetical, non-existent, or not specifically identified.
  • Compare:
  • Eu conheço um homem que fala chinês. (I know a man who speaks Chinese.) Here, the man is specific and known, so the indicative is used.
  • Eu procuro um homem que fale chinês. (I am looking for a man who speaks Chinese.) Here, the man is hypothetical; he may or may not exist. This uncertainty requires the subjunctive.

Common Mistakes

Navigating the subjunctive involves avoiding a few common pitfalls. Awareness of these points will accelerate your learning curve significantly.
  1. 1Acho que vs. Não acho que: This is the most frequent error. In Portuguese, achar que (to think that) and pensar que (to think that) are treated as expressions of certainty when they are affirmative. Only in the negative do they convey the doubt that triggers the subjunctive.
  • Correct: Eu acho que o filme é bom. (Indicative)
  • Incorrect: *Eu acho que o filme seja bom.
  • Correct: Eu não acho que o filme seja bom. (Subjunctive)
  1. 1Using Infinitive Instead of Subjunctive: When the subject of the main clause and the dependent clause are different, you must use the subjunctive. If the subject is the same, you use the infinitive.
  • Correct: Eu quero viajar. (I want to travel. Subject is eu for both verbs.)
  • Incorrect: *Eu quero que eu viaje.
  • Correct: Eu quero que você viaje. (I want you to travel. Subjects are different: eu and você.)
  1. 1Forgetting Orthographic Changes: Forgetting spelling changes like pagar -> pague is common. This mistake is not just a spelling error but a pronunciation error. Practicing these changes until they are automatic is key to sounding natural.
  • Incorrect: *Espero que ele me page amanhã. (Sounds like 'paj-ee')
  • Correct: Espero que ele me pague amanhã. (Sounds like 'pag-ee')
  1. 1Indicative After a Clear Trigger: Learners often correctly identify a subjunctive trigger like é importante que but then forget to conjugate the verb in the subjunctive mood. This is a matter of practice and reinforcing the connection.
  • Incorrect: *É importante que você está presente.
  • Correct: É importante que você esteja presente.
  1. 1Tu vs. Você Confusion: In European Portuguese, tu is the standard informal pronoun and takes the second-person singular ending (-es, -as). In Brazilian Portuguese, você is used and takes the third-person singular ending (-e, -a). Mixing these is a clear marker of a non-native speaker.
  • Brazilian: Espero que você fale com ela.
  • European: Espero que tu fales com ela.
  • Incorrect Mix: *Espero que você fales com ela.

Real Conversations

The present subjunctive is not a formal or literary structure; it is woven into the fabric of everyday communication.

On Social Media / Texting:

- Tomara que o tempo melhore pra gente ir na praia! (I hope the weather improves so we can go to the beach!) Tomara que is an extremely common, colloquial trigger.

- Amiga, me avisa quando você chegar. (Friend, let me know when you arrive.) (Note: This is technically the Future Subjunctive, but often used interchangeably in Brazil.) A better example: Me avisa caso precise de carona. (Let me know in case you need a ride.)

In a Work Environment:

- Prezados, peço que todos enviem o relatório até o final do dia. (Dear all, I ask that everyone send the report by the end of the day.)

- Vamos agendar uma reunião para que possamos alinhar os próximos passos. (Let's schedule a meeting so that we can align on the next steps.)

In Casual Conversation:

- `— Você acha que ele vem?

— Duvido. Não creio que ele queira sair de casa com esse frio.`

- "Do you think he's coming?"

- "I doubt it. I don't think he wants to leave the house in this cold."

Quick FAQ

Q: Is the subjunctive really a mood and not a tense?

Yes. A tense anchors an event in time (e.g., ele comeu - past, ele come - present). The subjunctive mood reflects the speaker's non-factual stance toward an event. Espero que ele coma (I hope he eats) doesn't state when the eating happens, but expresses a desire about it.

Q: Why the vowel swap? Why do -ar verbs go to -e and -er/-ir verbs go to -a?

This inversion is a historical inheritance from Vulgar Latin. There is no deep semantic logic to which vowel goes where; it is a purely grammatical mechanism. Think of it as a uniform that verbs put on to signal they are in the subjunctive mood. This clear, audible difference serves to immediately distinguish a subjective statement from a factual one.

Q: Can I just rephrase sentences to avoid the subjunctive?

While sometimes possible for requests (Quero que você me ajude could become Você pode me ajudar?), it is often unnatural and impossible for expressing emotions, doubts, or using specific conjunctions. Trying to speak Portuguese without the subjunctive is like trying to build a house without nails; you lose a fundamental tool for connecting ideas.

Q: What is the difference between conjuntivo (Portugal) and subjuntivo (Brazil)?

There is no difference in meaning or function. They are two different names for the exact same grammatical mood, stemming from different linguistic traditions. Conjuntivo emphasizes its role in joining clauses, while subjuntivo emphasizes its subordinate nature. The grammar itself is identical.

Q: Is there a trick to remembering the irregulars?

Unfortunately, the six main irregulars (ser, estar, ir, dar, saber, querer) require memorization. The good news is they are among the most common verbs in the language, so you will encounter them constantly in reading and listening, which aids recall. Creating flashcards and practicing them in context is the most effective method.

Q: Does embora (although) always need the subjunctive?

In formal and standard Portuguese, yes. It introduces a counter-argument that is being conceded, which falls into the realm of subjectivity. Vou sair, embora chova. (I'll go out, although it's raining.) In very informal spoken Brazilian Portuguese, you may occasionally hear it with the indicative (...embora está chovendo), but using the subjunctive is always correct and is expected in writing and more formal speech.

Present Subjunctive Conjugation

Pronoun -ar (Falar) -er (Comer) -ir (Partir)
Eu
fale
coma
parta
Você
fale
coma
parta
Nós
falemos
comamos
partamos
Eles
falem
comam
partam

Meanings

The present subjunctive is used to express doubt, desire, emotion, or uncertainty about an action in the present or future.

1

Expression of desire

Used after verbs like 'querer' or 'esperar'.

“Quero que você coma tudo.”

“Espero que ele chegue logo.”

2

Expression of doubt

Used after expressions of uncertainty.

“Duvido que ele saiba a verdade.”

“Não creio que ela venha hoje.”

3

Commands and requests

Used for indirect commands.

“Peço que você faça o relatório.”

“Diga que ele entre agora.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Portuguese Vowel Swap: The Present Subjunctive
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Espero que + Subj
Espero que ele fale.
Negative
Não acho que + Subj
Não acho que ele fale.
Question
Você quer que + Subj?
Você quer que ele fale?
Short Answer
Que ele fale.
Que ele fale.
Impersonal
É bom que + Subj
É bom que ele fale.
Conjunction
Talvez + Subj
Talvez ele fale.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Desejo que o senhor venha.

Desejo que o senhor venha. (Request)

Neutral
Quero que você venha.

Quero que você venha. (Request)

Informal
Quero que tu venhas.

Quero que tu venhas. (Request)

Slang
Quero que tu venha.

Quero que tu venha. (Request)

Subjunctive Triggers

Subjunctive

Emotion

  • alegrar-se to be happy

Doubt

  • duvidar to doubt

Desire

  • querer to want
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Examples by Level

1

Espero que você fale.

I hope you speak.

2

Quero que ele coma.

I want him to eat.

3

Talvez eu parta.

Maybe I will leave.

4

Desejo que você estude.

I wish you study.

1

É importante que você chegue cedo.

It is important that you arrive early.

2

Não acho que ele saiba.

I don't think he knows.

3

Peço que você me ajude.

I ask that you help me.

4

Duvido que ela venha.

I doubt she will come.

1

Embora ele estude muito, não passa.

Although he studies a lot, he doesn't pass.

2

A menos que você queira, não vamos.

Unless you want to, we won't go.

3

É possível que eles cheguem amanhã.

It is possible they arrive tomorrow.

4

Sugiro que você leia este livro.

I suggest you read this book.

1

Não há ninguém que saiba a resposta.

There is no one who knows the answer.

2

Gostaria que você me explicasse o motivo.

I would like you to explain the reason to me.

3

É fundamental que todos participem.

It is fundamental that everyone participates.

4

Por mais que eu tente, não consigo.

No matter how much I try, I can't.

1

Seja como for, precisamos decidir.

Be that as it may, we need to decide.

2

Que Deus te abençoe!

May God bless you!

3

Não admito que me falem assim.

I do not admit that they speak to me like that.

4

Onde quer que você vá, estarei lá.

Wherever you go, I will be there.

1

Quem me dera que fosse verdade.

I wish it were true.

2

Caso venha a precisar, ligue-me.

In case you happen to need it, call me.

3

Não que eu me importe, mas é curioso.

Not that I care, but it's curious.

4

Queira ou não, o prazo termina hoje.

Whether you like it or not, the deadline ends today.

Easily Confused

Portuguese Vowel Swap: The Present Subjunctive vs Indicative vs Subjunctive

Learners often use the indicative for desires.

Portuguese Vowel Swap: The Present Subjunctive vs Infinitive vs Subjunctive

Using the infinitive after 'que'.

Portuguese Vowel Swap: The Present Subjunctive vs Future Subjunctive

Mixing up present and future subjunctive.

Common Mistakes

✗

Espero que ele fala.

✓

Espero que ele fale.

Wrong vowel for -ar verb.
✗

Quero que ele come.

✓

Quero que ele coma.

Used indicative ending.
✗

Talvez ele parte.

✓

Talvez ele parta.

Wrong vowel for -ir verb.
✗

Desejo que você faz.

✓

Desejo que você faça.

Irregular verb error.
✗

É bom que ele vai.

✓

É bom que ele vá.

Irregular verb.
✗

Não creio que ele tem.

✓

Não creio que ele tenha.

Irregular verb.
✗

Sugiro que você estuda.

✓

Sugiro que você estude.

Used indicative.
✗

Embora ele estuda.

✓

Embora ele estude.

Conjunction requires subjunctive.
✗

A menos que você quer.

✓

A menos que você queira.

Conjunction requires subjunctive.
✗

É possível que eles chegam.

✓

É possível que eles cheguem.

Impersonal expression.
✗

Seja como for, nós decidimos.

✓

Seja como for, nós decidamos.

Subjunctive required.
✗

Não admito que eles falam.

✓

Não admito que eles falem.

Subjunctive required.
✗

Onde quer que você vai.

✓

Onde quer que você vá.

Subjunctive required.

Sentence Patterns

Espero que ___ ___ bem.

Duvido que ___ ___ a resposta.

É importante que ___ ___ o trabalho.

Sugiro que ___ ___ cedo.

Real World Usage

Social Media very common

Espero que todos tenham um ótimo dia!

Texting constant

Quero que você venha logo.

Job Interview common

É importante que eu contribua para a empresa.

Travel common

Gostaria que o hotel fosse perto do centro.

Food Delivery common

Peço que a comida venha sem pimenta.

Professional Email common

Solicito que o documento seja revisado.

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💡

Focus on the 'eu' form

Always start with the 'eu' form of the indicative. It is the key to the whole system.
⚠️

Watch for irregulars

Irregular 'eu' forms like 'tenho' or 'venho' keep their stem in the subjunctive.
🎯

Use 'que' as a trigger

If you see 'que' after a verb of emotion, you are almost certainly in the subjunctive.
💬

Politeness

Using the subjunctive for requests is much more polite than using the imperative.

Smart Tips

Use 'Espero que' followed by the subjunctive.

Espero que ele vem. → Espero que ele venha.

Use 'Talvez' followed by the subjunctive.

Talvez ele sabe. → Talvez ele saiba.

Use 'Gostaria que' followed by the subjunctive.

Gostaria que você faz isso. → Gostaria que você faça isso.

Use 'É necessário que' followed by the subjunctive.

É necessário que nós vamos. → É necessário que nós vamos (vá).

Pronunciation

fale (FAH-leh)

Vowel clarity

Ensure the final vowel is clear and not swallowed.

Rising intonation

Espero que você venha? ↑

Used when expressing a hopeful question.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

AR verbs are 'E-asy', ER/IR verbs are 'A-wesome'.

Visual Association

Imagine a light switch. When you flip it (the vowel), the room changes from the 'Fact Room' (Indicative) to the 'Dream Room' (Subjunctive).

Rhyme

AR turns to E, ER/IR turns to A, that's the subjunctive way!

Story

Maria wants to travel. She says, 'Espero que o avião parta (IR->A) a tempo.' She hopes the pilot fale (AR->E) with the tower. She wishes the food coma (ER->A) well.

Word Web

falecomapartacheguesaibavenhaqueira

Challenge

Write 5 sentences about things you hope happen tomorrow using the subjunctive.

Cultural Notes

In Brazil, the 'tu' form is often replaced by 'você', leading to the third-person singular conjugation.

In Portugal, the 'tu' form is more common and uses the second-person conjugation.

The subjunctive is highly valued in formal writing and professional emails.

Derived from the Latin subjunctive mood, which expressed non-factual states.

Conversation Starters

“

O que você quer que aconteça amanhã?

“

Você acha que é possível que chova?

“

O que você sugere que façamos hoje?

“

Você duvida que ele saiba a verdade?

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre três coisas que você deseja que aconteçam este ano.
Descreva um plano que você tem, mas que depende de outras pessoas.
Escreva sobre uma dúvida que você tem sobre o futuro.
Escreva um e-mail formal pedindo algo a um colega.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Conjugate 'falar' for 'você'.

Espero que você ___ com ele.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
AR verbs take E.
Choose the correct form of 'comer'. Multiple Choice

Quero que ele ___ tudo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
ER verbs take A.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Duvido que ele parte hoje.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
IR verbs take A.
Change to subjunctive. Sentence Transformation

Ele fala. -> Espero que ele ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Subjunctive form.
Conjugate 'ter' for 'nós'. Conjugation Drill

É bom que nós ___ tempo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Irregular stem.
Match the verb to its subjunctive form. Match Pairs

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Irregular stem.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

que / você / espero / venha

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct word order.
Choose the correct form of 'fazer'. Multiple Choice

É necessário que ele ___ o dever.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Irregular stem.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Conjugate 'falar' for 'você'.

Espero que você ___ com ele.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
AR verbs take E.
Choose the correct form of 'comer'. Multiple Choice

Quero que ele ___ tudo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
ER verbs take A.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Duvido que ele parte hoje.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
IR verbs take A.
Change to subjunctive. Sentence Transformation

Ele fala. -> Espero que ele ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Subjunctive form.
Conjugate 'ter' for 'nós'. Conjugation Drill

É bom que nós ___ tempo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Irregular stem.
Match the verb to its subjunctive form. Match Pairs

Saber -> ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Irregular stem.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

que / você / espero / venha

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct word order.
Choose the correct form of 'fazer'. Multiple Choice

É necessário que ele ___ o dever.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Irregular stem.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Fill in the blank Fill in the Blank

É importante que você ___ (fazer) os exercícios.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: faça
Fix the verb in this sentence. Error Correction

Espero que tudo dá certo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Espero que tudo dê certo.
Reorder the words to form a correct subjunctive sentence. Sentence Reorder

que / Espero / você / logo / melhore

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Espero que você melhore logo
Translate the sentence into Portuguese. Translation

Maybe it rains later.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Talvez chova mais tarde.
Select the correct option based on the trigger. Multiple Choice

Acho que ele ___ / Não acho que ele ___

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vem / venha
Match the indicative verb to its subjunctive form. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: eu falo -> eu fale, eu como -> eu coma, eu abro -> eu abra, eu vou -> eu vá
Conjugate the irregular verb. Fill in the Blank

Para que nós ___ (ter) tempo, vamos sair agora.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tenhamos
Fix the spelling change mistake. Error Correction

Quero que você toce a campainha.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quero que você toque a campainha.
Translate to Portuguese. Translation

I don't think that he knows.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Não acho que ele saiba.
Which verb fits the European Portuguese 'tu' form? Multiple Choice

Espero que tu ___ a verdade.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: digas
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

não / Embora / eu / vá / queira ,

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Embora eu não queira , vá
Complete the impersonal expression. Fill in the Blank

É triste que ela não ___ (estar) aqui hoje.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: esteja

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

It is a historical development to distinguish the subjunctive mood from the indicative.

Yes, the vowel swap is the standard rule for regular verbs.

They keep their irregular 'eu' stem and then follow the vowel swap.

Yes, though usage frequency varies in informal speech.

No, facts require the indicative mood.

Look for verbs of emotion, doubt, or desire followed by 'que'.

The rule is simple, but remembering the triggers takes practice.

The past subjunctive is for past or hypothetical situations.

Scaffolded Practice

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2

2

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4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

Subjuntivo

The conjugation endings for 'nós' and 'vós' differ slightly.

French moderate

Subjonctif

French does not have a simple vowel-swap rule.

German low

Konjunktiv I/II

German uses different auxiliary verbs and stem changes.

Japanese low

Volitional/Hypothetical

Japanese does not have a mood system like the Romance languages.

Arabic partial

Mansub

Arabic uses prefix/suffix changes rather than vowel swaps.

Chinese none

Modal particles

Chinese verbs do not conjugate at all.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Learn These First

A2 Requires

Saying Things: The Verb Dizer (To Say/Tell)

Overview The verb `dizer` (to say, to tell) is a cornerstone of Portuguese communication, allowing you to convey specifi...
B1 Requires

Portuguese Present Subjunctive (Regular Verbs)

Overview The Portuguese Present Subjunctive is a grammatical mood used to express subjectivity rather than objective fac...

Related Grammar Rules

C2

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...
B2

Using 'Sem que': Without/Unless with Subjunctive

Overview `Sem que` is a fundamental subordinating conjunction in Portuguese, crucial for expressing actions that **fail...
B1

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...
C1

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...
B2

Imperfect Subjunctive (The "If I Were" Tense)

Overview The Imperfect Subjunctive in Portuguese serves as a crucial grammatical tool for expressing actions, states, or...
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