A1 Prepositions & Connectors 17 min read Easy

The Conditional 'Se' (If)

Use Se + Present Tense to describe facts, habits, and real possibilities.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'se' to express a condition; it works just like 'if' in English to link a requirement to an outcome.

  • Place 'se' at the start of the condition: 'Se você quer, eu vou.' (If you want, I go.)
  • The order can be reversed: 'Eu vou se você quer.' (I go if you want.)
  • Use the present indicative for simple, real conditions: 'Se chove, eu fico em casa.' (If it rains, I stay home.)
Se + Condition + , + Result

Overview

The conditional conjunction se in Portuguese serves as the direct equivalent of "if" in English, introducing a condition upon which a consequence depends. At the A1 beginner level, your primary focus will be on understanding se in the context of real and factual conditions. This involves situations that are generally true, habitual, or highly likely to occur.

Unlike the complexities that "if" can introduce in English, particularly with various conditional tenses, Portuguese simplifies this structure significantly for initial learners by predominantly utilizing the Present Indicative tense in both the condition and the result clauses. This foundational usage establishes se as a gateway to expressing logical connections and dependencies in clear, unambiguous terms, forming a crucial component of basic conversational and descriptive Portuguese.

How This Grammar Works

The grammar of se at the A1 level operates on a straightforward principle: if X happens (or is true), then Y happens (or is true). The clause introduced by se establishes the condition, while the subsequent main clause articulates the result or consequence of that condition being met. This structure is often referred to as a "zero conditional" in language learning, signifying that the result is a direct, natural, or habitual outcome of the condition. For A1 learners, both clauses typically employ the Present Indicative tense.
This choice of tense is deliberate: it reflects an action or state that is either a universal truth, a recurring habit, or a present fact. It avoids speculation about future hypotheticals, which are covered in more advanced conditional structures involving the subjunctive mood.
Consider the sentence Se você estuda, você aprende. (If you study, you learn.). Here, Se você estuda is the condition, expressed in the Present Indicative. você aprende is the inevitable result, also in the Present Indicative.
This construction implies a consistent, verifiable link between studying and learning. The linguistic principle at play is the expression of causality and consequence within the realm of reality. When you use se with the Present Indicative, you are not questioning whether the condition might be met, but rather stating what is the case when it is met.
It's a statement of observable fact or established pattern, which makes it particularly accessible and useful for beginners. The simplicity of using a single tense paradigm across both clauses reduces cognitive load and allows learners to focus on the semantic relationship between the two parts of the sentence.

Formation Pattern

1
The formation pattern for the conditional se at the A1 level is consistent and follows a clear, adaptable structure. You will always have two main components: the se-clause (the condition) and the main clause (the result). Both clauses will generally use verbs in the Present Indicative tense, or occasionally an imperative in the main clause for instructions or advice. The order of these clauses is flexible, but it impacts punctuation.
2
Structure 1: Se-clause precedes main clause
3
This is the most common arrangement, where the condition is stated first, followed by its outcome. When the se-clause comes first, it must be separated from the main clause by a comma (,).
4
| Clause Type | Structure | Example | Translation |
5
| :--------------- | :-------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------- |
6
| Condition | Se + Subject + Verb (Present Indicative) | Se você tem tempo, | If you have time, |
7
| Result | Subject + Verb (Present Indicative) | nós podemos ir ao cinema. | we can go to the cinema. |
8
Full Example: Se você tem tempo, nós podemos ir ao cinema. (If you have time, we can go to the cinema.)
9
Structure 2: Main clause precedes se-clause
10
In this arrangement, the result is stated first, followed by the condition. When the main clause comes first, no comma is typically used before se.
11
| Clause Type | Structure | Example | Translation |
12
| :--------------- | :-------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------- | :---------------------------------------------- |\
13
| Result | Subject + Verb (Present Indicative) | Nós podemos ir ao cinema | We can go to the cinema |\
14
| Condition | se + Subject + Verb (Present Indicative) | se você tem tempo. | if you have time. |
15
Full Example: Nós podemos ir ao cinema se você tem tempo. (We can go to the cinema if you have time.)
16
It is important to note that the subjects of the se-clause and the main clause do not have to be the same. For instance, Se ela cozinha, eu como. (If she cooks, I eat.) demonstrates different subjects (ela and eu) in each clause, maintaining the same A1 pattern. Additionally, the result clause can use an imperative verb to express a command, suggestion, or advice, provided the se-clause remains in the Present Indicative, reinforcing its factual nature. For example, Se precisas de ajuda, pergunta. (If you need help, ask.) (European Portuguese informal tu form) or Se você precisa de ajuda, pergunte. (Brazilian Portuguese você form).

When To Use It

At the A1 level, the conditional se is employed to establish conditions that are considered real, habitual, or generally true. This usage pattern is fundamental for expressing logical connections in everyday Portuguese. Understanding these specific contexts will allow you to correctly apply the se + Present Indicative structure.
1. General Truths and Universal Facts:
This application is for statements that are always true, scientific principles, or widely accepted facts. The condition inevitably leads to the stated result.
  • Se a água atinge cem graus Celsius, ela ferve. (If water reaches one hundred degrees Celsius, it boils.) This is a scientific fact, a universal truth. The condition (a água atinge cem graus Celsius) always leads to the result (ela ferve).
  • Se misturas cores primárias, crias secundárias. (If you mix primary colors, you create secondary ones.) This illustrates another general truth about color theory.
  • Se trabalhas muito, sentes-te cansado. (If you work a lot, you feel tired.) This describes a common, factual consequence of an action.
2. Habits and Regular Occurrences:
Use se to describe actions or events that routinely happen under certain conditions. These are not one-off events but patterns of behavior or predictable outcomes.
  • Se ele chega cedo ao trabalho, toma café. (If he arrives at work early, he drinks coffee.) This indicates a routine action. The condition (ele chega cedo) triggers the habitual result (toma café).
  • Nós assistimos a filmes se chove no fim de semana. (We watch movies if it rains on the weekend.) This expresses a regular weekend activity dependent on the weather.
  • Se tenho tempo livre, leio um livro. (If I have free time, I read a book.) This describes a personal habit.
3. Instructions, Advice, and Commands:
When giving directions, suggestions, or making requests, the se-clause sets the prerequisite, and the main clause often uses the imperative mood to convey the instruction. Remember to use the Present Indicative in the se-clause.
  • Se fores à loja, compra pão. (European Portuguese informal tu form: If you go to the store, buy bread.) The condition (fores à loja) prompts the command (compra pão).
  • Se você não sabe a resposta, pergunte ao professor. (Brazilian Portuguese você form: If you don't know the answer, ask the teacher.) This provides clear advice.
  • Pega um guarda-chuva se estiver a chover. (Take an umbrella if it is raining.) This is a practical instruction given a current condition. While estiver is subjunctive, at A1, a simpler Se chove, pega um guarda-chuva is also common and acceptable for similar meaning, signifying a present, ongoing condition.
4. Informal Future Intentions or Negotiations (A1 simplification):
In casual conversation, particularly regarding immediate plans or simple negotiations, the Present Indicative with se can imply future action, especially when the condition and result are closely linked in time. This is a pragmatic simplification for A1 learners before future tenses are introduced.
  • Se você me ajuda agora, eu te ajudo depois. (If you help me now, I help you later.) The present tense verbs convey an immediate agreement with a future implication of reciprocity. While technically present, context makes the future intent clear.
  • Se o tempo melhora, vamos à praia. (If the weather improves, we go to the beach.) This describes a plan contingent on a foreseeable condition, using the present to talk about a near-future outcome.
  • Eu pago o jantar se você comprar os bilhetes. (I pay for dinner if you buy the tickets.) This is a direct, informal negotiation for an immediate or near-future event.

Common Mistakes

Beginners often encounter specific pitfalls when learning to use the conditional se. Identifying and understanding these common errors is crucial for developing accurate and natural-sounding Portuguese.
1. The "Will" Trap (Using Future Tense Directly After se):
This is perhaps the most pervasive error for English speakers. In English, it's natural to say, "If it rains, I will stay home." However, in Portuguese, you must not use the future tense directly after se for these factual or highly probable conditions. The se-clause for A1-level conditionals always uses the Present Indicative.
  • Incorrect: *Se choverá, eu ficarei em casa. (Direct translation of "If it will rain...")
  • Correct: Se chove, eu fico em casa. (If it rains, I stay home.) The Present Indicative chove expresses the real condition, and fico expresses the real, direct consequence.
Why it's a mistake: The future tense in the se-clause is reserved for more complex hypothetical or uncertain future conditions, which utilize the future subjunctive mood (e.g., Se chover... - If it were to rain), a structure you will learn at higher CEFR levels. At A1, stick to the present tense to denote certainty or strong likelihood.
2. Confusing Se with Sim:
Visually and sometimes phonetically, se and sim can be confused, but their grammatical functions are entirely different.
  • Sim means "yes". It is an adverb of affirmation.
  • Você gosta de café? Sim, eu gosto. (Do you like coffee? Yes, I like it.)
  • Se means "if" (as a conjunction) or acts as a reflexive/impersonal pronoun.
  • Se você gosta de café, beba um. (If you like coffee, drink one.)
Mixing these can lead to nonsensical sentences. Remember: sim is a standalone answer or an intensifier, while se introduces a clause.
3. Incorrect Comma Placement:
The rule for comma usage with se clauses is straightforward but frequently overlooked.
  • When the se-clause comes first, a comma is required before the main clause.
  • Se ele vem, ela fica feliz. (Correct)
  • Incorrect: *Se ele vem ela fica feliz. (Missing comma)
  • When the se-clause comes second, a comma is not typically used.
  • Ela fica feliz se ele vem. (Correct)
  • Incorrect: *Ela fica feliz, se ele vem. (Superfluous comma)
Mastering comma placement enhances clarity and reflects proper grammatical structure.
4. Overcomplicating Tenses in A1 Contexts:
Beginners sometimes attempt to incorporate past tenses or other moods into the se + Present Indicative structure, often due to English influences. For A1 level, the beauty of this conditional is its simplicity. Stick consistently to the Present Indicative in both clauses unless the main clause employs a simple imperative.
  • Incorrect: *Se ele disse, é verdade. (While disse is past, introducing past tenses with se for A1 can lead to broader errors if not handled correctly for different conditional types later. At A1, focus on present conditions with present results.)
  • Correct A1 interpretation: Se ele diz isso, é verdade. (If he says that, it's true.) – This maintains the A1 Present Indicative pattern for a factual truth. While the meaning of the incorrect example can be conveyed with more advanced structures, for A1, simplify to immediate/present facts.
5. Pronunciation Variations (Brazilian vs. European Portuguese):
While not a grammatical mistake, an awareness of pronunciation differences can prevent miscommunication.
  • In Brazilian Portuguese (BP), se often sounds like the "si" in "sit" or "see".
  • In European Portuguese (EP), se is frequently reduced to a soft "sh" sound, similar to the "s" in "supper" or a schwa-like "suh".
Context almost always clarifies the meaning, but knowing these regional differences aids comprehension and accent adoption.

Real Conversations

Understanding how se is used in everyday, authentic Portuguese interactions provides invaluable context beyond textbook examples. The simple se + Present Indicative structure is incredibly versatile and appears frequently in casual chats, informal instructions, and even professional, yet relaxed, communications.

1. Casual Planning and Social Interactions:

In friendly contexts, se helps coordinate activities or express simple agreements.

- Brazilian Portuguese (BP): Se você vem, me avisa pra eu guardar seu lugar. (If you come, let me know so I can save your spot.) Notice the use of pra eu which is a common informal contraction of para eu.

- European Portuguese (EP): Se passas por cá, toma um café connosco. (If you pass by here, have a coffee with us.) Passas and toma are informal tu forms.

- Texting/Messaging: Se der tempo, passo aí. (If there's time, I'll stop by.) The verb dar (to give) is commonly used impersonally as "to be possible/to have." Passo in the present often implies near future.

2. Giving Advice or Instructions:

Whether it’s a quick tip or a more formal directive, se sets the stage for the advice.

- BP: Se o carro não liga, verifica a bateria primeiro. (If the car doesn't start, check the battery first.) This is a practical, direct instruction.

- EP: Se tiveres dúvidas, fala com o João. (If you have doubts, speak with João.) Again, tiveres is future subjunctive, but for A1, a simple Se tens dúvidas, fala com o João. (If you have doubts, speak with João.) would be equally common and grammatically correct for general advice.

- In a recipe: Se a massa estiver pegajosa, adicione mais farinha. (If the dough is sticky, add more flour.) Here, estiver is future subjunctive, meaning "if it happens to be." For a simple A1 alternative, Se a massa é pegajosa, adicione mais farinha. (If the dough is sticky, add more flour.) is also understandable and directly applicable.

3. Expressing Habits or Routines:

People often describe their daily patterns or preferences using se.

- BP: Se faz sol, eu corro na praia de manhã. (If it's sunny, I run on the beach in the morning.) Describes a personal routine dependent on the weather.

- EP: Ela costuma ligar para a avó se tem notícias boas. (She usually calls her grandmother if she has good news.) This highlights a consistent pattern of behavior.

4. Setting Conditions in a Work Context (Informal):

Even in professional settings, provided the tone is informal, the se + Present Indicative can be used for clear, direct conditions.

- Se o cliente aprova, começamos o projeto na segunda. (If the client approves, we start the project on Monday.) This states a clear prerequisite for action.

- Eu envio os documentos se eles chegarem hoje. (I send the documents if they arrive today.) Here, chegarem is future subjunctive. An A1 equivalent would be Eu envio os documentos se eles chegam hoje. (I send the documents if they arrive today.), which is perfectly acceptable for a near-future, factual condition.

The key takeaway is that the simple conditional se is highly effective for conveying information concisely and directly. Native speakers frequently rely on context and the Present Indicative to express conditional relationships without needing more complex grammatical structures, making it an essential tool for A1 learners.

Quick FAQ

This section addresses common questions that arise when encountering the conditional se, clarifying its boundaries and distinguishing it from other similar or related concepts in Portuguese.
Q: Can se mean something other than "if"?
A: Absolutely. Se is a highly versatile and polyfunctional word in Portuguese, which can sometimes be confusing for learners. Beyond its role as a conditional conjunction meaning "if," it has several other significant grammatical functions.
However, at the A1 level, when se introduces a clause at the beginning of a sentence (or generally precedes a conjugated verb expressing a condition), its meaning as "if" is usually clear. Here are some other common functions of se:
  • Reflexive Pronoun: Indicates that the action of the verb is performed by the subject upon itself.
  • Ele se lava. (He washes himself.)
  • Eles se vestem. (They dress themselves.)
  • Impersonal/Indefinite Subject Pronoun (also known as partícula apassivadora or índice de indeterminação do sujeito): Used to form impersonal sentences or passive voice constructions where the agent is not specified.
  • Se fala português aqui. (Portuguese is spoken here / One speaks Portuguese here.)
  • Se trabalha muito neste escritório. (One works a lot in this office.)
  • Reciprocal Pronoun: Indicates that the action is performed by two or more subjects on each other.
  • Eles se amam. (They love each other.)
  • Nós nos cumprimentamos. (We greet each other.) (Note the use of nos for nós)
For A1 learners, focusing on the "if" meaning when it introduces a condition clause is paramount. Context usually resolves ambiguity: if it's not starting a conditional clause, it's likely serving one of these other functions.
Q: Can I use se with the past tense in the condition?
A: While the primary A1 focus is se + Present Indicative, it is possible to encounter se with the past tense (specifically, the Pretérito Perfeito Simples or Composto) to refer to a past factual condition whose consequence is currently relevant or true. This is still within the realm of expressing a real condition, just one that occurred in the past.
  • Se ele disse isso, é verdade. (If he said that, it is true.) Here, disse (Pretérito Perfeito Simples) refers to a completed past action, and é (Present Indicative) refers to the present truth of its consequence. This means the speaker acknowledges the past statement as a fact and states a present consequence.
  • Se ela já comeu, não tem fome. (If she has already eaten, she is not hungry.) Já comeu (Pretérito Perfeito Composto) refers to a past action with present relevance, and não tem describes her current state.
While these constructions exist, for A1 mastery, prioritize the se + Present Indicative pattern first, as it covers the most common and fundamental real conditional scenarios. The past tense usage generally refers to established facts from the past that have present implications.
Q: What is the difference between Se (If) and Quando (When)?
A: This is a critical distinction for A1 learners, as both conjunctions introduce subordinate clauses and can seem similar initially. The core difference lies in the certainty or expectation of the event being described.
| Feature | Se (If) | Quando (When) |\
| :---------------- | :---------------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------- |\
| Certainty | Implies uncertainty or possibility. The condition may or may not happen. | Implies certainty or expectation. The event will happen at some point. |\
| Focus | A condition that must be met for the result. | A temporal reference – indicating a specific time the event occurs. |\
| Example se | Se chove, eu fico em casa. (It might rain; if it does, I stay.) | Quando chove, eu fico em casa. (It does rain sometimes; at those times, I stay.) |\
| Example quando | Se ele ligar, eu atendo. (He might call; if so, I'll answer.) | Quando ele ligar, eu atendo. (He will call; at that time, I'll answer.) |\
To summarize: use se when there's a doubt or choice regarding the condition. Use quando when you know an event is going to happen, and you're talking about the time of that occurrence. At the A1 level, both se and quando clauses will typically use the Present Indicative when referring to habits, general truths, or near-future plans.
For example, Se ele vem, nós comemos. (If he comes, we eat. - He might not come.) vs. Quando ele vem, nós comemos. (When he comes, we eat.
- He is coming).

Basic 'Se' Structure

Position Structure Example
Start
Se + Condition, Result
Se você quer, eu vou.
Middle
Result + se + Condition
Eu vou se você quer.
Negative
Se + não + Verb, Result
Se você não quer, eu não vou.
Question
Result + se + Condition?
Você vai se eu for?
Imperative
Se + Condition, Imperative
Se você tiver tempo, ligue.
Future
Se + Condition, Future
Se você estudar, passará.

Meanings

The particle 'se' is the primary conjunction used to introduce a conditional clause, establishing a prerequisite for an action or state.

1

Real Condition

Expressing a possible or factual situation.

“Se eu tenho tempo, eu leio.”

“Se você quer, podemos ir.”

Reference Table

Reference table for The Conditional 'Se' (If)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Se + [Present], [Present]
Se chove, eu fico.
Negative
Se + [não] + [Present], [Present]
Se não chove, eu saio.
Question
[Result] + se + [Condition]?
Você sai se chove?
Future
Se + [Present], [Future]
Se você pedir, eu farei.
Hypothetical
Se + [Imperfect Subj], [Conditional]
Se eu pudesse, iria.
Past
Se + [Pluperfect Subj], [Past Conditional]
Se eu tivesse visto, teria dito.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Se o senhor desejar, podemos ir.

Se o senhor desejar, podemos ir. (Social invitation)

Neutral
Se você quiser, podemos ir.

Se você quiser, podemos ir. (Social invitation)

Informal
Se quiser, vamos.

Se quiser, vamos. (Social invitation)

Slang
Se pá, a gente vai.

Se pá, a gente vai. (Social invitation)

The 'Se' Connection

Se (If)

Function

  • Condição Condition

Structure

  • Se + A, B If A, then B
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Examples by Level

1

Se você quer, eu vou.

If you want, I go.

2

Eu como se eu tenho fome.

I eat if I am hungry.

3

Se chove, eu fico em casa.

If it rains, I stay home.

4

Se você estuda, você aprende.

If you study, you learn.

1

Se você não pode ir, me avise.

If you cannot go, let me know.

2

Vamos ao parque se o dia estiver bonito.

Let's go to the park if the day is nice.

3

Se ele chegar, diga que estou ocupado.

If he arrives, tell him I am busy.

4

Se você precisar de ajuda, peça.

If you need help, ask.

1

Se eu tivesse dinheiro, eu viajaria.

If I had money, I would travel.

2

Se você tivesse me dito, eu teria ido.

If you had told me, I would have gone.

3

Seja como for, eu vou.

Whatever happens, I am going.

4

Se não fosse pela chuva, sairíamos.

If it weren't for the rain, we would go out.

1

Se soubesse que você vinha, teria preparado um jantar.

If I had known you were coming, I would have prepared dinner.

2

Se por acaso você encontrar a chave, me ligue.

If by chance you find the key, call me.

3

Se não fosse você, eu não teria conseguido.

If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have succeeded.

4

Se todos pensassem assim, o mundo seria melhor.

If everyone thought like that, the world would be better.

1

Se me pedissem, eu não recusaria.

If they asked me, I would not refuse.

2

Se houvesse mais tempo, faríamos melhor.

If there were more time, we would do better.

3

Se não fosse o caso, eu não estaria aqui.

If that were not the case, I wouldn't be here.

4

Seja qual for a decisão, aceitarei.

Whatever the decision is, I will accept it.

1

Se não fora a sua ajuda, teríamos falhado.

If it hadn't been for your help, we would have failed.

2

Se bem que ele tente, não consegue.

Even though he tries, he can't do it.

3

Se é que me entende, a situação é grave.

If you catch my drift, the situation is serious.

4

Se porventura o senhor desejar, posso ajudar.

If by chance you wish, I can help.

Easily Confused

The Conditional 'Se' (If) vs Se vs. Si

Learners mix them because they sound similar.

The Conditional 'Se' (If) vs Se vs. Quando

Both introduce clauses.

The Conditional 'Se' (If) vs Se vs. Caso

Both mean 'if'.

Common Mistakes

✗

Si você quer...

✓

Se você quer...

Confusing 'se' with 'si'.
✗

Se você quer vamos.

✓

Se você quer, vamos.

Missing the comma.
✗

Se você quer eu vou.

✓

Se você quer, eu vou.

Missing the comma.
✗

Se você quer, eu ir.

✓

Se você quer, eu vou.

Wrong verb conjugation.
✗

Se eu teria tempo...

✓

Se eu tivesse tempo...

Wrong tense for conditional.
✗

Se vou, eu como.

✓

Se eu for, eu como.

Wrong mood for future condition.
✗

Se ele chega, eu saio.

✓

Se ele chegar, eu saio.

Wrong mood for future condition.
✗

Se eu sabia...

✓

Se eu soubesse...

Wrong mood for hypothetical.
✗

Se ele viria...

✓

Se ele viesse...

Wrong mood for hypothetical.
✗

Se eu teria visto...

✓

Se eu tivesse visto...

Wrong tense for past hypothetical.
✗

Se caso ele venha...

✓

Se ele vier...

Redundant 'se caso'.
✗

Se ele vir...

✓

Se ele vier...

Wrong conjugation of 'vir'.
✗

Se ele por...

✓

Se ele puser...

Wrong conjugation of 'pôr'.
✗

Se ele tiver...

✓

Se ele tiver...

Correct, but often confused with 'ter'.

Sentence Patterns

Se você ___, eu ___.

Eu ___ se você ___.

Se eu ___, eu ___.

Se não fosse ___, eu ___.

Real World Usage

Texting very common

Se você chegar, me avisa.

Job Interview common

Se eu for contratado, darei o meu melhor.

Ordering Food common

Se tiver cebola, eu não quero.

Social Media very common

Se você gostou, compartilhe!

Travel common

Se o voo atrasar, o que faço?

Email common

Se precisar de mais informações, entre em contato.

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💡

Comma usage

Always use a comma if 'se' starts the sentence. It helps the reader pause.
⚠️

Don't confuse 'se' and 'si'

Remember: 'se' is 'if', 'si' is 'himself/herself'.
🎯

Use the future

Pair 'se' + present with the future tense to talk about real future plans.
💬

Regional variations

In Brazil, 'se' is used very flexibly. In Portugal, it is more formal.

Smart Tips

Use 'caso' instead of 'se' and follow it with the subjunctive.

Se você precisar de ajuda... → Caso você precise de ajuda...

Use the future subjunctive (e.g., 'se você for').

Se você vai... → Se você for...

Use 'se ao menos' + imperfect subjunctive.

Se eu tenho dinheiro... → Se ao menos eu tivesse dinheiro...

Place the 'se' clause at the beginning for clarity.

Entrarei em contato se precisar. → Se precisar, entrarei em contato.

Pronunciation

/se/

The 'e' in 'se'

The 'e' is pronounced as a closed 'ê' (/se/).

Rising intonation

Se você quer? ↗

Used in questions to show uncertainty.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Se is the key that opens the door to 'if'.

Visual Association

Imagine a bridge with a sign that says 'SE'. On one side is the condition, on the other is the result.

Rhyme

Se you want to say 'if', just use 'se' and be swift.

Story

Maria wants to go to the beach. She says: 'Se o sol sair, eu vou.' (If the sun comes out, I go.) Her friend replies: 'Eu vou se você for.' (I go if you go.) They both wait for the sun.

Word Web

CondiçãoSeResultadoPossibilidadeDependência

Challenge

Write 5 sentences using 'se' about your plans for the weekend in 5 minutes.

Cultural Notes

Brazilians often use 'se' with the future subjunctive for future conditions, even in casual speech.

In Portugal, the structure is similar, but the use of 'tu' vs 'você' changes the verb conjugation.

The usage is very similar to Brazil, often with a relaxed tone.

The word 'se' comes from the Latin 'si'.

Conversation Starters

“

Se você pudesse viajar hoje, para onde iria?

“

Se você tem tempo livre, o que gosta de fazer?

“

Se você ganhasse na loteria, o que compraria?

“

Se você não estivesse aqui, onde estaria?

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre o que você fará se o tempo estiver bom no fim de semana.
Se você pudesse mudar uma coisa no mundo, o que mudaria?
Descreva uma situação onde você se sentiu feliz se algo aconteceu.
Se você fosse presidente, quais seriam suas primeiras leis?

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct verb form.

Se você ___ (quer), vamos.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: quer
Present tense is required for a real condition.
Find the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Si você quer, eu vou.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si
'Si' is wrong, it should be 'Se'.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se você quer, eu vou.
Needs a comma.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

Arrange the words in the correct order:

All words placed

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu vou se você quer.
Correct word order.
Translate to Portuguese. Translation

If it rains, I stay home.

Answer starts with: Se ...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se chove, eu fico.
Correct structure.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Vamos ao cinema? B: ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se eu tiver tempo, sim.
Subjunctive is better for future possibility.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use 'se' and 'estudar'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All of the above.
Multiple valid structures.
Sort by mood. Grammar Sorting

Which is hypothetical?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se eu tivesse, eu daria.
Imperfect subjunctive + conditional.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct verb form.

Se você ___ (quer), vamos.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: quer
Present tense is required for a real condition.
Find the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Si você quer, eu vou.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Si
'Si' is wrong, it should be 'Se'.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se você quer, eu vou.
Needs a comma.
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

vou / se / você / quer / eu

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu vou se você quer.
Correct word order.
Translate to Portuguese. Translation

If it rains, I stay home.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se chove, eu fico.
Correct structure.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Vamos ao cinema? B: ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se eu tiver tempo, sim.
Subjunctive is better for future possibility.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Use 'se' and 'estudar'.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: All of the above.
Multiple valid structures.
Sort by mood. Grammar Sorting

Which is hypothetical?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se eu tivesse, eu daria.
Imperfect subjunctive + conditional.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Complete the phrase Fill in the Blank

Eu não vou ___ chover.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: se
Identify the conditional Multiple Choice

Which implies a possibility, not a certainty?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se eu tiver tempo.
Fix the grammar Error Correction

If you go, I go. -> Si você vai, eu vou.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se você vai, eu vou.
Arrange the words Sentence Reorder

fome / tem / Se / ele / , / come / .

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se ele tem fome, come.
Translate to Portuguese Translation

If she wants.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se ela quer.
Match the beginning to the logical end Match Pairs

Match the condition to the result.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {"Se estuda,":"aprende.","Se eu durmo,":"eu descanso."}
Choose the right word Fill in the Blank

Não sei ___ ele vem.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: se
Context check Multiple Choice

You are negotiating a price. You say:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se você baixar o preço, eu levo.
Correct the False Friend Error Correction

Si eu posso, eu ajudo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se eu posso, eu ajudo.
Translate 'If today is Saturday...' Translation

If today is Saturday...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se hoje é sábado...
Unscramble the proverb Sentence Reorder

conselho / fosse / Se / bom / , / vendia / se / .

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Se conselho fosse bom, se vendia.
Double 'Se' Fill in the Blank

Ela __ olha no espelho __ sai.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: se / se

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

Yes, it is the standard word for 'if'.

No, it can also be a reflexive pronoun (e.g., 'ele se lava').

Only when 'se' starts the sentence.

'Caso' is more formal and always takes the subjunctive.

Yes, it is very common.

Yes, it is universal.

It is a minor error, but important for formal writing.

Use 'quem dera' or 'se ao menos'.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

si

The spelling is 'si' in Spanish and 'se' in Portuguese.

French high

si

French has more complex rules for tense agreement in conditionals.

German moderate

wenn

German verb placement changes after 'wenn'.

Japanese low

tara

Japanese is agglutinative, while Portuguese uses a separate particle.

Arabic moderate

idha

Arabic distinguishes between possible and impossible conditions with different words.

Chinese moderate

ruguo

Chinese does not have verb conjugation, so the condition is purely contextual.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Choosing Between Things: Using 'Or' (ou)
Next
The Magic of 'Quando' (When)

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