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A2 conjunction 16 min read

assim que

As soon as; once.

At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to connect ideas. 'Assim que' might be a bit advanced for the very first few weeks, but it is introduced early as a way to say 'as soon as'. At this stage, you should focus on using it with simple past or present actions that you are certain about. For example, 'Assim que eu como, eu bebo água' (As soon as I eat, I drink water). The main goal for an A1 student is to recognize the phrase in simple instructions and understand that it indicates something happening immediately after something else. Don't worry too much about the complex subjunctive rules yet; focus on the meaning and the basic structure of connecting two simple sentences. You will often hear teachers say 'Assim que terminarem, me avisem' (As soon as you finish, let me know), so recognizing it in the classroom is key.

At the A2 level, you are expected to start using 'assim que' in more practical, daily contexts. This is when the distinction between past and future becomes important. You should be able to recount simple stories using the past tense: 'Assim que cheguei em casa, tomei um banho' (As soon as I arrived home, I took a shower). You are also introduced to the Future Subjunctive, and 'assim que' is one of the primary triggers for this mood. You should practice simple future plans like 'Assim que eu tiver tempo, vou te ligar'. The focus at A2 is on functional communication—being able to set appointments, give instructions, and describe your routine with more precision than just using 'quando' (when). It helps your speech sound less like a list of isolated facts and more like a connected narrative.

By B1, you should have a solid grasp of the future subjunctive and use 'assim que' naturally in conversation. You should be able to handle irregular verbs in the subjunctive mood without much hesitation (e.g., 'fizer', 'trouxer', 'puder'). At this level, you also begin to understand the nuances between 'assim que' and its synonyms like 'logo que' or 'mal'. You can use these to vary your writing and speaking style. B1 learners should also be comfortable using 'assim que' in professional contexts, such as writing emails or participating in meetings where timelines and dependencies are discussed. You are moving beyond simple daily routines and into more complex planning and hypothetical scenarios, where 'assim que' is an essential tool for expressing conditional timing.

At the B2 level, 'assim que' is used with high fluency and precision. You can easily switch between different registers, choosing 'assim que' for general use, 'logo que' for emphasis, or 'mal' for a more narrative, almost literary effect. You should also be aware of more formal alternatives like 'tão logo' which appear in news articles or legal documents. Your understanding of the subjunctive is intuitive; you don't have to think about the rule, the correct form just flows. You can also use 'assim que' in more complex sentence structures involving the conditional or the future of the indicative to express promises, warnings, or detailed plans. At this stage, you are also sensitive to the rhythmic and melodic role the phrase plays in a sentence, using it to create a specific flow in your Portuguese.

For C1 learners, 'assim que' is a simple tool used within very complex linguistic frameworks. You use it to manage sophisticated arguments and narratives. You are fully aware of its historical development and its various regional nuances across the Lusophone world. You might use 'assim que' in academic writing to describe experimental procedures or historical sequences with absolute clarity. At this level, you can also appreciate how 'assim que' is used in classical literature and poetry, understanding the emotional or dramatic weight it carries in those contexts. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, and you can even play with the placement of the conjunction for stylistic effect, knowing exactly how it will impact the reader's or listener's perception of the timeline.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'assim que' and all temporal conjunctions is absolute. You can use the phrase in any context, from the most informal slang-filled conversation to the most formal legal or philosophical discourse. You understand the deepest nuances of its usage, including rare or archaic forms that might appear in older texts. You can use 'assim que' to create complex, multi-layered sentences that maintain perfect grammatical integrity. You are also able to teach these nuances to others, explaining the subtle shifts in mood and meaning that occur when 'assim que' is replaced by its various synonyms. For a C2 speaker, 'assim que' is not just a vocabulary word, but a versatile instrument in a vast linguistic orchestra, used to conduct the flow of time and action with total precision and artistry.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

assim que in 30 Seconds

Assim que means 'as soon as' and is used to link two actions that happen one right after the other.
It is a key trigger for the future subjunctive mood when you are talking about things that haven't happened yet.
You can use it in the past (with the indicative) to describe something that happened immediately after another event.
It is very common in both Brazil and Portugal, working well in both casual and professional situations.

The Portuguese conjunction assim que is a fundamental temporal connector used to express immediacy between two events. In English, it most directly translates to as soon as or once. It functions by establishing a chronological sequence where the second action occurs almost instantaneously after the first action is completed or initiated. This phrase is ubiquitous in both European and Brazilian Portuguese, appearing in daily conversations, formal writing, and professional correspondence. Its primary role is to create a sense of urgency or a direct causal-temporal link. For instance, if you want to tell someone you will call them the moment you arrive at your destination, assim que is your primary tool. It provides a more formal and precise tone than the simple 'quando' (when), which can be vague about the exact timing. When using assim que, the speaker is emphasizing that there will be no significant delay between the trigger event and the subsequent action.

Grammatical Function: Temporal Conjunction used to link a subordinate clause to a main clause, indicating immediate succession.

The beauty of assim que lies in its versatility across different tenses. Whether you are recounting a story from the past, describing a routine habit, or planning for the future, this conjunction adapts to the temporal frame. However, its most critical usage for intermediate learners involves the future subjunctive. In Portuguese, when we talk about an event that has not yet happened but will trigger another action, we must use the future subjunctive after assim que. This is a distinct departure from English, which uses the present indicative (e.g., 'as soon as I arrive' vs. 'assim que eu chegar'). Understanding this nuance is the key to moving from A2 to B1 proficiency. Furthermore, the register of assim que is neutral-to-formal, making it safer to use in a job interview than the more colloquial 'logo que' in some regions, although they are largely interchangeable.

Vou te ligar assim que eu sair do trabalho.

In sociolinguistic terms, assim que is a bridge between formal logic and everyday practicality. It is used by parents giving instructions to children ('Eat your vegetables as soon as I serve them'), by managers setting deadlines ('Send the report as soon as it is ready'), and by friends making plans ('Let's go to the beach as soon as the sun comes out'). Because it is so common, mastering its pronunciation—specifically the nasal 'im' in 'assim' and the closed 'e' sound in 'que'—is essential for sounding natural. The phrase is also a building block for more complex sentences. By using it, you can avoid the repetitive use of 'e depois' (and then) and create more sophisticated, flowing narratives. It allows for a tighter narrative structure where the relationship between time and action is clearly defined and emphasized.

Assim que o filme terminou, todos aplaudiram.

Contextual Usage: Commonly used in instructions, promises, and narratives to denote immediate sequence.

Finally, it is worth noting that assim que can sometimes be replaced by 'logo que' or 'mal'. While 'logo que' is a direct synonym, 'mal' often carries a slightly more literary or dramatic weight, as in 'Mal cheguei, o telefone tocou' (Hardly had I arrived when the phone rang). However, for most learners, sticking with assim que is the most reliable strategy for clear and correct communication. It is a 'high-yield' vocabulary item because it appears in almost every genre of Portuguese text, from poetry to technical manuals. By integrating this conjunction into your active vocabulary, you significantly enhance your ability to describe the timing of events with precision and native-like flair.

Comeremos assim que a mesa estiver pronta.

Regional Variation: Used consistently across all Lusophone countries, including Brazil, Portugal, Angola, and Mozambique.

Using assim que correctly requires a basic understanding of Portuguese verb moods, particularly the difference between the indicative and the subjunctive. The conjunction acts as a trigger for these moods depending on the reality of the action described. When we talk about past events that actually happened, or present habits that are regular occurrences, we use the indicative mood. For example, 'Assim que ele chega, ele tira os sapatos' (As soon as he arrives, he takes off his shoes). Here, 'chega' is in the present indicative because it describes a habitual, real action. The relationship is fixed and certain. Similarly, in the past: 'Assim que ela viu o presente, ela chorou' (As soon as she saw the gift, she cried). In this case, 'viu' is the preterite indicative because the event is a completed fact in the past.

Assim que o sol se põe, a temperatura cai drasticamente.

The most challenging aspect for English speakers is the future subjunctive. In English, we use the present tense for future timing after 'as soon as' (e.g., 'As soon as he comes...'). In Portuguese, because the event hasn't happened yet and is a condition for the next action, the future subjunctive is required. This would be: 'Assim que ele vier...'. Common verbs like 'ter' become 'tiver', 'fazer' becomes 'fizer', and 'ver' becomes 'vir'. Mastering these irregular forms is essential for using assim que to talk about future plans. If you say 'Assim que eu tenho tempo' to mean 'As soon as I have time (in the future)', a native speaker will understand you, but it will sound grammatically incorrect. The correct form is 'Assim que eu tiver tempo'.

Tense Guide: Past/Habitual = Indicative; Future/Hypothetical = Subjunctive.

Sentence structure with assim que is quite flexible. You can place the assim que clause at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis, or in the middle to connect two thoughts. When placed at the beginning, a comma is usually used to separate the subordinate clause from the main clause. For example: 'Assim que você terminar o exercício, podemos sair.' (As soon as you finish the exercise, we can leave). When placed in the middle, the comma is often omitted: 'Podemos sair assim que você terminar o exercício.' Both are equally correct and common. This flexibility allows you to vary your sentence structure and avoid monotony in your writing and speaking.

A encomenda será entregue assim que o pagamento for confirmado.

In more advanced usage, assim que can be paired with the future of the indicative in the main clause to create a strong promise or prediction. 'Assim que a chuva parar, eu irei à loja' (As soon as the rain stops, I will go to the store). This structure is very common in formal promises. In casual speech, the 'vou + infinitive' construction is more frequent: 'Assim que a chuva parar, eu vou na loja'. Both maintain the requirement for the future subjunctive in the first part of the sentence. Understanding these patterns allows you to express complex temporal relationships with ease and accuracy, reflecting a higher level of linguistic competence.

Assim que o sinal tocar, os alunos podem sair da sala.

Sentence Patterns: [Assim que + Subordinate Clause], [Main Clause] OR [Main Clause] [assim que + Subordinate Clause].

Finally, consider the emotional weight assim que can carry. It can convey impatience, eagerness, or strict adherence to a schedule. 'Assim que você puder, me ligue' (As soon as you can, call me) sounds slightly more urgent than 'Quando você puder, me ligue' (When you can, call me). The former implies that the call should happen at the very first opportunity, while the latter is more relaxed. This subtle difference in tone is why choosing the right conjunction is so important for effective communication in Portuguese. By practicing these different contexts, you will develop an intuitive sense of when assim que is the most appropriate choice to convey your intended meaning and tone.

You will encounter assim que in almost every facet of Lusophone life. In a typical Brazilian or Portuguese household, you might hear a parent say, 'Assim que você chegar da escola, faça o dever de casa' (As soon as you get home from school, do your homework). Here, it serves as a common tool for setting expectations and routines. In the workplace, it is the standard way to discuss workflows and dependencies. An email might read, 'Assim que recebermos o contrato assinado, iniciaremos o projeto' (As soon as we receive the signed contract, we will start the project). In these professional settings, the phrase conveys efficiency and a clear order of operations, which is highly valued in business communication.

O diretor vai falar com você assim que a reunião terminar.

The media is another rich source for this conjunction. News anchors use it to describe breaking events: 'Assim que as autoridades chegaram ao local, a área foi isolada' (As soon as the authorities arrived at the scene, the area was cordoned off). In sports commentary, you’ll hear it during live broadcasts: 'Assim que o juiz apitou, o jogo começou com muita intensidade' (As soon as the referee blew the whistle, the game began with great intensity). Because it captures the moment of transition between states, it is a favorite for journalists and storytellers who want to create a sense of dynamic action and chronological flow in their reports.

Daily Life: Common in instructions, household chores, and scheduling appointments.

In the world of entertainment, assim que frequently appears in song lyrics and movie dialogue. In fado or bossa nova, it might be used to express longing or the anticipation of a lover's return: 'Assim que o dia amanhecer, eu vou te procurar' (As soon as the day breaks, I will look for you). This poetic usage highlights the emotional resonance of the phrase, linking the passage of time with the fulfillment of desire. In soap operas (telenovelas), characters often use it to plot or react to dramatic twists: 'Assim que ela descobrir a verdade, tudo vai mudar' (As soon as she discovers the truth, everything will change). The phrase is essential for building suspense and moving the plot forward.

Assim que eu tiver dinheiro, vou viajar pelo mundo.

Public announcements and instructions also rely heavily on assim que. At an airport, you might hear, 'Assim que o embarque for autorizado, os passageiros devem se dirigir ao portão' (As soon as boarding is authorized, passengers should proceed to the gate). On a website, a pop-up might say, 'Assim que você se cadastrar, receberá um cupom de desconto' (As soon as you register, you will receive a discount coupon). These examples show how the phrase is used to manage expectations and provide clear, time-bound instructions to the public. For a learner, being able to recognize and respond to assim que in these contexts is a vital practical skill for navigating a Portuguese-speaking environment.

Por favor, limpe a mesa assim que terminar de comer.

Professional Context: Used in project management, client communication, and administrative tasks.

Finally, the digital world is full of assim que. From social media notifications ('Assim que alguém curtir sua foto, você será notificado') to automated system messages, the phrase is the standard way to describe trigger-based actions. This prevalence across all media and social strata makes it one of the most important functional phrases to master. Whether you are reading a classic novel by Machado de Assis or scrolling through a Brazilian influencer's Instagram feed, you will find assim que acting as the invisible glue that connects events in time. Its consistent usage across centuries of literature and modern digital slang proves its enduring utility and importance in the Portuguese language.

One of the most frequent errors made by English speakers when using assim que is the failure to use the future subjunctive for future events. In English, we say 'As soon as I go', using the present indicative. Naturally, learners tend to translate this literally as 'Assim que eu vou'. However, because the action has not yet occurred, Portuguese requires the future subjunctive: 'Assim que eu for'. This is a major hurdle for many students, as the future subjunctive is a mood that doesn't exist in modern English. To avoid this, learners should memorize a simple rule: if assim que refers to a future 'trigger' event, the verb following it must be in the subjunctive. This mistake is particularly noticeable to native speakers and can make the speaker's Portuguese sound 'clunky' or unnatural.

Incorrect: Assim que eu tenho dinheiro, vou comprar um carro.
Correct: Assim que eu tiver dinheiro, vou comprar um carro.

Another common mistake involves confusing assim que with other similar-sounding or similar-meaning words. For instance, some learners confuse 'assim que' with 'assim como' (as well as/just as). While 'assim que' is temporal, 'assim como' is comparative. Saying 'Assim como você chegar...' instead of 'Assim que você chegar...' completely changes the meaning of the sentence. Additionally, some students over-use 'quando' because it is easier to conjugate. While 'quando' is often acceptable, it lacks the specific immediacy of assim que. If you want to emphasize that something will happen immediately after something else, 'quando' might be too weak, leading to a loss of nuance in your communication.

Confusion Alert: Do not confuse 'Assim que' (As soon as) with 'Assim como' (Just as/Like).

A third error is the incorrect placement of the conjunction or the improper use of commas. As mentioned before, if the assim que clause starts the sentence, a comma is needed before the main clause. Skipping this comma can make complex sentences difficult to read. Conversely, placing a comma directly after assim que (e.g., 'Assim que, eu chegar...') is always incorrect. The conjunction must be followed immediately by the subject or the verb of the subordinate clause. Furthermore, some learners forget that assim que is a multi-word conjunction and might try to use 'assim' alone to mean 'as soon as'. 'Assim eu chegar' is incorrect; the 'que' is mandatory for the phrase to function as a temporal conjunction.

Incorrect: Assim eu chegar, eu te ligo.
Correct: Assim que eu chegar, eu te ligo.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the pronunciation of 'assim', particularly the nasal ending. English speakers often pronounce it like 'a-seem' with a hard 'm', but it should be a nasalized vowel, similar to the French 'un'. If the nasalization is missing, the word may be misunderstood or sound very foreign. Similarly, the 'que' should be a short, crisp 'kuh' sound, not a long 'kay' or 'kee'. Practicing the flow between the two words—'ah-SEEM-kuh'—is vital for achieving a natural speech rhythm. Mispronouncing the phrase can lead to listeners pausing to decode what you said, which disrupts the flow of conversation. Focusing on these phonetic details alongside the grammatical rules will help you avoid the most common pitfalls associated with this essential conjunction.

Incorrect: Assim que ele fez o bolo, ele comeu tudo. (When talking about future plans)
Correct: Assim que ele fizer o bolo, ele comerá tudo.

Common Mistake Summary: Using present indicative instead of future subjunctive; omitting 'que'; mispronouncing the nasal 'im'.

While assim que is incredibly common, Portuguese offers several alternatives that can add variety or specific nuances to your speech. The most direct synonym is logo que. In most contexts, 'logo que' and 'assim que' are perfectly interchangeable. Some speakers feel that 'logo que' is slightly more formal or emphatic, but the difference is negligible in everyday use. Both require the future subjunctive for future events and the indicative for past or habitual ones. For example, 'Logo que puder, venha me visitar' is synonymous with 'Assim que puder, venha me visitar'. Using both interchangeably in a long piece of writing can help prevent repetitive phrasing and make your Portuguese sound more sophisticated.

Comparison: Assim que vs. Logo que: Both mean 'as soon as'. 'Assim que' is slightly more common in Brazil, while 'logo que' is equally popular in both Brazil and Portugal.

Another interesting alternative is the word mal. While primarily known as 'badly' or 'evil', when used as a temporal conjunction at the start of a clause, it means 'hardly had' or 'as soon as'. It often carries a more dramatic or literary tone. For example: 'Mal cheguei em casa, começou a chover' (Hardly had I arrived home when it started to rain). This construction is very effective for storytelling because it emphasizes the suddenness of the second action. Unlike 'assim que', 'mal' is almost always used with the past indicative to describe things that have just happened. It is less common for future events. Using 'mal' correctly can really impress native speakers, as it shows a command of more advanced narrative structures.

Mal o sol nasceu, os pássaros começaram a cantar.

For a more precise or formal tone, you might use no momento em que (at the moment that) or na hora em que (at the hour/time that). These phrases are more specific than 'assim que'. While 'assim que' implies a sequence, 'no momento em que' emphasizes simultaneous or near-simultaneous occurrence. For example: 'No momento em que você clicar no botão, o processo será iniciado'. This is often used in technical manuals or legal documents to avoid any ambiguity about the timing of an action. In casual speech, however, these phrases can sound a bit wordy compared to the concise assim que.

Comparison: Assim que vs. Quando: 'Quando' is 'when' (general timing). 'Assim que' is 'as soon as' (immediate timing). Use 'assim que' for higher precision.

Lastly, we have tão logo, which is a more formal version of 'as soon as'. It is frequently found in legal texts, academic papers, and high-level business reports. For instance: 'Tão logo os resultados sejam publicados, informaremos a imprensa'. For a learner at the A2 or B1 level, 'tão logo' is good to recognize but not strictly necessary to use in everyday conversation. However, knowing that it exists will help you navigate more formal reading materials. By understanding these various options—from the common 'assim que' and 'logo que' to the literary 'mal' and the formal 'tão logo'—you can tailor your Portuguese to fit any situation perfectly.

Tão logo seja possível, resolveremos o problema.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

While 'assim' is a very old word appearing in the earliest Portuguese texts, the specific construction 'assim que' became the standard for 'as soon as' as the language sought more precise temporal markers during the Middle Ages. Its structure is mirrored in other Romance languages, like the Spanish 'así que', though the meaning in Spanish shifted more toward 'so/therefore'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɐˈsĩ kɨ/

US /aˈsĩ ki/

The stress is on the second syllable of 'assim' (SIM).

Rhymes With

pudim que jardim que ruim que fim que mim que cetim que marfim que patim que

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'sim' like the English word 'seem' with a hard 'm' at the end.
Pronouncing 'que' like 'kay' or 'quay'.
Putting the stress on the first syllable (AH-sim).
Failing to nasalize the 'i' in 'assim'.
Pronouncing the 'u' in 'que' (it should be silent).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts as it usually appears at the start of clauses.

Writing 4/5

Difficult because it requires correct conjugation of the future subjunctive.

Speaking 3/5

Requires practice with the nasal 'im' and the rhythm of the phrase.

Listening 2/5

Generally clear, though the 'que' can be very short in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

quando depois chegar fazer ter

Learn Next

logo que embora caso desde que contanto que

Advanced

tão logo mal conquanto postoque

Grammar to Know

Future Subjunctive after Temporal Conjunctions

Assim que ele **vier**, nós sairemos.

Indicative for Habitual Actions

Assim que eu **chego**, eu **tiro** os sapatos.

Indicative for Past Completed Actions

Assim que ela **viu**, ela **gritou**.

Comma usage with Subordinate Clauses

Assim que você chegar, ligue-me. (Comma used when clause starts sentence).

Irregular Subjunctive Stems

Ter -> Tiver; Fazer -> Fizer; Ver -> Vir.

Examples by Level

Assim que eu como, eu bebo água.

As soon as I eat, I drink water.

Present indicative used for a simple habit.

Assim que ela chega, ela sorri.

As soon as she arrives, she smiles.

Third person singular in the present indicative.

Assim que o sol sai, eu vou ao parque.

As soon as the sun comes out, I go to the park.

A regular habit triggered by a natural event.

Assim que o ônibus para, eu subo.

As soon as the bus stops, I get on.

Describing a sequence of actions in the present.

Assim que a aula termina, eu vou para casa.

As soon as the class ends, I go home.

Using 'assim que' to describe a daily routine.

Assim que o bebê chora, a mãe acorda.

As soon as the baby cries, the mother wakes up.

Immediate reaction in the present tense.

Assim que o filme começa, eu fico quieto.

As soon as the movie starts, I stay quiet.

Present tense for a general rule of behavior.

Assim que eu acordo, eu tomo café.

As soon as I wake up, I drink coffee.

First person singular in a habitual context.

Assim que eu chegar, eu te ligo.

As soon as I arrive, I will call you.

Future subjunctive 'chegar' used for a future event.

Assim que ela viu o carro, ela ficou feliz.

As soon as she saw the car, she became happy.

Preterite indicative 'viu' for a completed past action.

Assim que você terminar o dever, pode brincar.

As soon as you finish the homework, you can play.

Future subjunctive 'terminar' for a condition.

Assim que o trem parou, os passageiros saíram.

As soon as the train stopped, the passengers left.

Past tense sequence of events.

Assim que eu tiver dinheiro, vou viajar.

As soon as I have money, I am going to travel.

Irregular future subjunctive 'tiver'.

Assim que a chuva parar, vamos sair.

As soon as the rain stops, we will go out.

Future subjunctive 'parar' for a future condition.

Assim que ele abriu a porta, o gato fugiu.

As soon as he opened the door, the cat ran away.

Immediate past action using the preterite.

Assim que o sinal tocar, a aula acaba.

As soon as the bell rings, the class is over.

Future subjunctive 'tocar' used for a future trigger.

Assim que recebermos o convite, confirmaremos nossa presença.

As soon as we receive the invitation, we will confirm our presence.

Future subjunctive 'recebermos' (first person plural).

Assim que ele fizer o exame, saberemos o resultado.

As soon as he takes the exam, we will know the result.

Irregular future subjunctive 'fizer' from 'fazer'.

Assim que a proposta for aprovada, o projeto começará.

As soon as the proposal is approved, the project will begin.

Passive voice in the future subjunctive ('for aprovada').

Assim que você puder, envie-me os documentos.

As soon as you can, send me the documents.

Irregular future subjunctive 'puder' from 'poder'.

Assim que eles trouxerem a comida, vamos jantar.

As soon as they bring the food, we are going to have dinner.

Irregular future subjunctive 'trouxerem' from 'trazer'.

Assim que ela souber da notícia, ela vai ficar surpresa.

As soon as she knows the news, she is going to be surprised.

Irregular future subjunctive 'souber' from 'saber'.

Assim que o sol se pôr, a festa vai começar.

As soon as the sun sets, the party will start.

Future subjunctive 'pôr' (often identical to infinitive).

Assim que o contrato for assinado, o dinheiro será liberado.

As soon as the contract is signed, the money will be released.

Future subjunctive of the verb 'ser' (to be).

Assim que as negociações terminarem, os detalhes serão divulgados.

As soon as the negotiations end, the details will be released.

Plural future subjunctive 'terminarem'.

Assim que o governo interveio, a situação se acalmou.

As soon as the government intervened, the situation calmed down.

Preterite indicative of the irregular verb 'intervir'.

Assim que você vir o problema, entenderá por que estou preocupado.

As soon as you see the problem, you will understand why I am worried.

Irregular future subjunctive 'vir' from 'ver' (to see).

Assim que eles propuserem o acordo, nós o analisaremos.

As soon as they propose the agreement, we will analyze it.

Irregular future subjunctive 'propuserem' from 'propor'.

Assim que a lei entrar em vigor, as multas serão aplicadas.

As soon as the law comes into force, the fines will be applied.

Future subjunctive 'entrar' used in a legal context.

Assim que o avião decolar, desligue os aparelhos eletrônicos.

As soon as the plane takes off, turn off your electronic devices.

Future subjunctive 'decolar' in an instructional context.

Assim que ele obtiver a cidadania, poderá morar aqui permanentemente.

As soon as he obtains citizenship, he will be able to live here permanently.

Irregular future subjunctive 'obtiver' from 'obter'.

Assim que a empresa expandir, precisaremos de mais funcionários.

As soon as the company expands, we will need more employees.

Future subjunctive 'expandir'.

Assim que a poeira baixar, poderemos avaliar os danos reais.

As soon as the dust settles, we will be able to assess the real damage.

Idiomatic use of 'poeira baixar' with 'assim que'.

Assim que o autor publicar seu novo romance, haverá uma noite de autógrafos.

As soon as the author publishes his new novel, there will be a book signing night.

Future subjunctive in a literary context.

Assim que a inflação ceder, o banco central reduzirá os juros.

As soon as inflation eases, the central bank will reduce interest rates.

Future subjunctive in an economic context.

Assim que o réu for notificado, o prazo para a defesa começará a contar.

As soon as the defendant is notified, the period for the defense will begin to run.

Future subjunctive in a formal legal context.

Assim que os dados forem processados, o relatório final será gerado.

As soon as the data is processed, the final report will be generated.

Future subjunctive passive voice plural.

Assim que o sol despontar no horizonte, iniciaremos a jornada.

As soon as the sun appears on the horizon, we will begin the journey.

Literary use of 'despontar' with 'assim que'.

Assim que a vacina for distribuída, a imunidade coletiva será alcançada.

As soon as the vaccine is distributed, herd immunity will be achieved.

Future subjunctive in a scientific/public health context.

Assim que a crise for superada, a economia voltará a crescer.

As soon as the crisis is overcome, the economy will grow again.

Future subjunctive passive voice singular.

Assim que a efemeridade da vida se torna clara, as prioridades mudam.

As soon as the ephemerality of life becomes clear, priorities change.

Present indicative used for a philosophical generalization.

Assim que o paradigma vigente for questionado, novas teorias surgirão.

As soon as the current paradigm is questioned, new theories will emerge.

Future subjunctive in an academic/epistemological context.

Assim que os vestígios arqueológicos forem datados, a história será reescrita.

As soon as the archaeological remains are dated, history will be rewritten.

Future subjunctive passive plural in a scientific context.

Assim que a semente da discórdia for plantada, o conflito será inevitável.

As soon as the seed of discord is planted, conflict will be inevitable.

Literary metaphor using 'assim que'.

Assim que a obsolescência programada for abolida, o consumo será mais sustentável.

As soon as planned obsolescence is abolished, consumption will be more sustainable.

Future subjunctive in a socio-economic critique.

Assim que a consciência coletiva despertar, o mundo se transformará.

As soon as the collective consciousness awakens, the world will transform.

Future subjunctive in a philosophical/visionary context.

Assim que a subjetividade do observador for considerada, a ciência será mais completa.

As soon as the observer's subjectivity is considered, science will be more complete.

Future subjunctive in a philosophy of science context.

Assim que a justiça social for plena, a paz será duradoura.

As soon as social justice is full, peace will be lasting.

Future subjunctive expressing an ideal state.

Common Collocations

assim que possível

assim que puder

assim que chegar

assim que terminar

assim que souber

assim que receber

assim que vir

assim que for

assim que tiver

assim que fizer

Common Phrases

Assim que der.

Assim que o sol nascer.

Assim que a poeira baixar.

Assim que você quiser.

Assim que for possível.

Assim que eu puder.

Assim que terminar.

Assim que chegar lá.

Assim que ele vier.

Assim que estiver pronto.

Often Confused With

assim que vs assim como

This means 'just as' or 'as well as'. It is used for comparisons, not time. Example: 'Ele é alto, assim como o pai'.

assim que vs assim que

Sometimes confused with 'desde que' (since/as long as). 'Desde que' implies a duration or a different type of condition.

assim que vs tão logo

A synonym, but much more formal. Don't use it in casual texts to friends.

Idioms & Expressions

"assim que a poeira baixar"

When things settle down or calm down after a period of excitement or trouble.

Vamos decidir isso assim que a poeira baixar.

informal/neutral

"assim que o sol raiar"

At the very first light of dawn.

Eles saíram para pescar assim que o sol raiou.

literary/poetic

"assim que bater o sinal"

The very moment the bell rings (usually referring to school or work shifts).

Assim que bater o sinal, estamos de férias!

informal

"assim que cair a ficha"

As soon as someone finally understands or realizes something.

Assim que cair a ficha dele, ele vai ficar bravo.

informal/slang (Brazil)

"assim que o bicho pegar"

As soon as things get difficult or serious.

Assim que o bicho pegar, vamos ver quem é forte.

informal/slang (Brazil)

"assim que der na telha"

As soon as someone feels like doing it (sudden whim).

Ele vai viajar assim que der na telha.

informal (Brazil)

"assim que a vaca tossir"

Literally 'as soon as the cow coughs', but used ironically to mean 'never'.

Eu te empresto dinheiro assim que a vaca tossir!

informal/humorous

"assim que o galo cantar"

At very early dawn.

Acordamos assim que o galo cantou.

rural/traditional

"assim que a maré virar"

As soon as the situation or luck changes.

As coisas vão melhorar assim que a maré virar.

idiomatic

"assim que as águas rolarem"

As soon as things start happening or progressing.

Vamos ver o que acontece assim que as águas rolarem.

informal

Easily Confused

assim que vs Quando

Both deal with time.

'Quando' is a general 'when'. 'Assim que' is a specific 'as soon as'. 'Assim que' implies zero delay between actions.

Quando eu chegar (When I arrive - eventually). Assim que eu chegar (As soon as I arrive - immediately).

assim que vs Logo

Logo means 'soon' or 'then'.

'Logo' is an adverb or a conjunction meaning 'therefore'. 'Assim que' is a temporal conjunction. 'Logo que' is a synonym of 'assim que'.

Eu vou logo. (I'm going soon). Logo que eu for... (As soon as I go...).

assim que vs Mal

Usually means 'bad'.

As a conjunction, 'mal' means 'as soon as' but is more literary and usually refers to the past.

Mal ele saiu, começou a chover.

assim que vs Depois que

Both show a sequence.

'Depois que' just means 'after', with no implication of speed. 'Assim que' means immediately after.

Depois que eu comi, dormi. (After I ate...). Assim que eu comi, dormi. (Immediately after I ate...).

assim que vs Enquanto

Both are temporal connectors.

'Enquanto' means 'while' (simultaneous). 'Assim que' means one after the other (sequential).

Enquanto eu como, vejo TV. Assim que eu como, vejo TV.

Sentence Patterns

Assim que [Present], [Present].

Assim que eu acordo, eu bebo café.

Assim que [Preterite], [Preterite].

Assim que ele chegou, ele comeu.

Assim que [Future Subjunctive], [Future].

Assim que eu chegar, eu vou ligar.

Assim que [Future Subjunctive Irregular], [Conditional].

Assim que ele puder, ele viria nos ver.

Assim que [Future Subjunctive Passive], [Future].

Assim que o plano for aprovado, começaremos.

Assim que [Future Subjunctive Compound], [Future].

Assim que tivermos terminado o projeto, descansaremos.

Assim que [Abstract Subject] [Verb Subjunctive], [Consequence].

Assim que a verdade emergir, a paz reinará.

Any

Assim que possível.

Por favor, responda assim que possível.

Word Family

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in all spoken and written forms of Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

Assim que eu vou... → Assim que eu for...
You used the present indicative instead of the future subjunctive for a future event. This is the most common error for English speakers.
Assim eu chegar... → Assim que eu chegar...
You omitted the 'que'. 'Assim' alone does not mean 'as soon as'; it needs the 'que' to function as a conjunction.
Assim que eu tenho tempo... → Assim que eu tiver tempo...
The irregular verb 'ter' must be in its future subjunctive form 'tiver' when used with 'assim que' for future plans.
Assim que, eu chegar... → Assim que eu chegar...
You added a comma between the conjunction and the subject. The conjunction should be followed immediately by the clause it introduces.
Assim que você viu ele (to mean future) → Assim que você o vir
You used the past tense 'viu' instead of the future subjunctive 'vir' (to see). This completely changes the timeline of your sentence.

Tips

Subjunctive Trigger

Think of 'assim que' as a green light for the future subjunctive. If your sentence is about the future, the next verb needs that specific mood. Practice irregulars like 'tiver', 'vier', and 'for' as they are the most common.

Nasal 'im'

To pronounce 'assim' correctly, don't close your lips for the 'm'. Instead, let the sound go through your nose. It sounds more like 'ah-SEE' with a nasal vibration at the end.

Synonym Swap

Try swapping 'assim que' with 'logo que' in your writing. It's a great way to expand your vocabulary and sound more like a native speaker who has a range of expressions at their disposal.

Fast Speech

In fast conversation, the 'que' in 'assim que' can almost disappear, sounding like 'ah-SEENG'. Listen for that nasal 'n' sound followed by a quick 'k' to catch it in the wild.

Sentence Variety

Don't always start your sentences with 'assim que'. Try putting it in the middle of the sentence to change the rhythm: 'Eu te ligo assim que eu puder' instead of 'Assim que eu puder, eu te ligo'.

Business Emails

Use 'assim que possível' to show you are proactive. It's the standard professional way to say 'ASAP' and is much more polite than just saying 'rápido' (fast).

Regional Nuance

In Brazil, you might hear 'na hora que' as a more informal alternative. While 'assim que' is perfect for all situations, 'na hora que' is great for blending in with friends at a bar.

Literary Flair

If you are writing a story, use 'mal' instead of 'assim que' for a sudden past event. It adds a more sophisticated, dramatic tone to your narrative: 'Mal ele entrou, a luz apagou'.

The 'Trigger' Concept

Visualize 'assim que' as a button. As soon as the button is pressed (the first action), the machine starts (the second action). This helps you remember the sequential nature of the phrase.

Don't Overthink

If you forget the subjunctive, don't stop talking! Native speakers will still understand you if you use the infinitive. The most important thing is communicating the timing.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Assim' as 'A-Second' and 'Que' as 'Quick'. So, 'Assim que' means 'A second quick'—doing something in a second, as soon as possible!

Visual Association

Imagine a starting pistol firing at a race. The runners move 'assim que' the gun goes off. Visualize the smoke from the gun and the runners starting instantly.

Word Web

Tempo (Time) Imediato (Immediate) Conjunção (Conjunction) Futuro Subjuntivo (Future Subjunctive) Gatilho (Trigger) Sequência (Sequence) Promessa (Promise) Instrução (Instruction)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your morning routine using 'assim que'. Make sure one is in the past, one is a habit, and one is a plan for tomorrow!

Word Origin

The phrase is a combination of the adverb 'assim' and the relative conjunction 'que'. 'Assim' comes from the Latin 'ad sic', which means 'in this way' or 'thus'. Over time, this evolved through Old Portuguese into its current form. The addition of 'que' transformed it from a simple adverb into a subordinating conjunction capable of linking clauses.

Original meaning: Literally 'in this way that' or 'thus that', which evolved into 'at the moment that'.

Romance (Latin origin).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'assim que' implies a promise of speed. Don't use it if you don't actually intend to do the action immediately!

English speakers often struggle because they use the present tense where Portuguese requires the subjunctive. 'As soon as I go' (Present) vs 'Assim que eu for' (Subjunctive).

The phrase appears in countless Fado songs to express the urgency of love or fate. Commonly used in Brazilian 'Literatura de Cordel' to describe rapid sequences of events in folk tales. Frequently used in the titles of news segments in Portugal and Brazil.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Work/Business

Assim que recebermos o feedback...
Assim que o pagamento cair...
Assim que a reunião acabar...
Assim que possível.

Travel

Assim que o avião pousar...
Assim que chegarmos ao hotel...
Assim que eu fizer o check-in...
Assim que o trem partir.

Daily Routine

Assim que eu acordar...
Assim que o café estiver pronto...
Assim que eu sair do banho...
Assim que eu terminar de comer.

Socializing

Assim que você chegar aqui...
Assim que a festa começar...
Assim que eles vierem...
Assim que a gente se encontrar.

Academic

Assim que os dados forem coletados...
Assim que a pesquisa terminar...
Assim que o professor chegar...
Assim que a nota sair.

Conversation Starters

"O que você costuma fazer assim que chega em casa depois do trabalho?"

"Assim que a pandemia acabou, qual foi a primeira coisa que você fez?"

"Você prefere tomar café assim que acorda ou espera um pouco?"

"Assim que você tiver dinheiro sobrando, qual país você quer visitar?"

"O que você vai fazer assim que terminar este curso de português?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva sua rotina matinal usando 'assim que' pelo menos três vezes.

Escreva sobre um plano para o futuro, começando as frases com 'Assim que eu...'.

Relate um evento emocionante do seu passado usando 'assim que' para descrever a sequência das ações.

Imagine que você ganhou na loteria. O que você faria assim que recebesse o prêmio?

Pense em um objetivo profissional. Quais passos você tomará assim que atingir sua primeira meta?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No. It only needs the future subjunctive when you are talking about an event that hasn't happened yet. If you are talking about a habit in the present or an event that already happened in the past, you use the indicative mood. For example: 'Assim que ele chegou (Past Indicative), ele comeu.' vs 'Assim que ele chegar (Future Subjunctive), ele comerá.'

There is virtually no difference in meaning or grammar. Both translate to 'as soon as' and are used interchangeably. 'Assim que' is slightly more common in Brazil, while both are widely used in Portugal. You can use whichever you find easier to remember and pronounce.

No, you cannot. 'Assim' on its own means 'thus', 'so', or 'in this way'. To say 'as soon as', you must use the full phrase 'assim que'. The 'que' is essential to turn the adverb into a conjunction that connects two parts of a sentence.

It is neutral and very versatile. It is the standard way to say 'as soon as possible' in both professional emails and casual text messages. It is polite and clear without being overly stiff or too informal.

For regular verbs, the future subjunctive is often the same as the infinitive (chegar, comer, partir). However, for irregular verbs, you use the third-person plural of the preterite indicative, remove the '-am', and add the appropriate endings. For example: Fizeram -> Fizer -> Assim que eu fizer.

In very informal Brazilian Portuguese, you might hear people say 'Assim que eu chego, eu te ligo', but this is grammatically incorrect. To sound educated and natural, you should always use the future subjunctive 'Assim que eu chegar' for future intentions.

If the sentence starts with the 'assim que' clause, place a comma after that clause: 'Assim que você terminar, me avise.' If the 'assim que' clause comes second, you usually don't need a comma: 'Me avise assim que você terminar.'

Yes, it is very common in Portugal. The only slight difference might be the pronunciation of the 'que', which is more of a neutral 'kuh' sound in Portugal and often a 'ki' sound in parts of Brazil.

No, they are separate ways of saying 'as soon as'. You use either 'assim que' or 'mal'. 'Mal' is more literary and usually used with the past tense: 'Mal cheguei, saí'.

It's not necessarily 'better', but it is more precise. 'Quando' is a general 'when', while 'assim que' specifically emphasizes that the second action happens the very moment the first one is done. It adds a layer of immediacy to your speech.