B1 (Intermediate)Lesson 3: Introduction to Subjunctive
The present subjunctive expresses doubt, emotion, desire, or hypothetical situations, formed by switching theme vowels (AR→E, ER/IR→A) with specific triggers like "talvez" and "espero que," essential for intermediate Portuguese fluency.
Formation: Switch theme vowels (AR→e, ER/IR→a)
-AR verbs: falar → que eu fale
-ER verbs: comer → que eu coma
-IR verbs: partir → que eu parta
Often preceded by "que"; "talvez" can introduce it without "que"
Triggered by: emotions, doubts, desires, impersonal expressions
Irregular verbs have special forms
Same form for eu/você/ele/ela
Common pattern with que: trigger expression + que + subject + subjunctive verb
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The subjunctive is everywhere in real Portuguese! From wishes ("Espero que você tenha um bom dia") to doubts ("Duvido que ele venha") to polite requests ("Talvez seja melhor..."), you can't have adult conversations without it. The subjunctive is used differently in English and Portuguese; it is common in the Portuguese patterns above. Master this and you unlock expressing feelings, opinions, and uncertainty – the stuff of real human communication beyond facts and certainties!
| Verb Type | Indicative | Subjunctive | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| -AR | -a | -e | fala → fale |
| -ER | -e | -a | come → coma |
| -IR | -e | -a | parte → parta |
que eu fale
"Espero que você tenha um bom dia!" (I hope you have a good day!)
"Tomara que não chova amanhã" (I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow)
"Que tudo dê certo!" (May everything work out!)
"Desejo que vocês sejam felizes" (I wish you to be happy)
"Duvido que ele venha à festa" (I doubt he'll come to the party)
"Talvez ela saiba a resposta" (Maybe she knows the answer)
"É possível que haja atraso" (It's possible there will be a delay)
"Não acredito que isso seja verdade" (I don't believe this is true)
To maintain pronunciation:
-car: ficar → fique (not fice)
-gar: pagar → pague (not page)
-çar: começar → comece (not começa)
3rd person singular = 1st person singular:
que eu fale = que ele fale
Context determines subject
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