Quick answer
Viagem with g is the noun; viajem with j is a conjugated form of viajar.
A reliable test is to identify the job of the word before translating from English.
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What each word does
viagem
trip or journey
Use viagem for the noun naming travel from one place to another.
viajem
that they travel
Use viajem for a present-subjunctive or imperative form of the verb viajar.
How to choose
- viagem: Choose viagem if the sentence points to the noun naming travel from one place to another.
- viajem: Choose viajem if the sentence points to a present-subjunctive or imperative form of the verb viajar.
Examples
A viagem de trem foi tranquila.
The train journey was peaceful.
Espero que eles viajem com segurança.
I hope they travel safely.
Common trap
The verb keeps j before e: que eu viaje, que eles viajem. The noun remains viagem.
Practice it in context
Pick one sentence from your real life and write it twice: once with viagem, then once with viajem. If both versions feel possible, name the meaning shift.
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