Geared toward Absolute Beginners, this course gives you a solid start and foundation to build upon.
This is an introductory course to the Portuguese language as spoken in Portugal. Throughout the course, we will focus on the Portuguese sound system and basic Portuguese grammar.
You will also learn how to introduce yourself and day-to-day, useful phrases. Finally, we will discuss learning resources and strategies to support your learning journey.
After the course, you will have a basic understanding of European Portuguese pronunciation and grammar. You will also be capable of engaging in simple, short oral interactions. Last but not least, you will be aware of a variety of learning resources and strategies to help you succeed at learning the language.
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Beginners A2
This intensive course is for language learners striving toward the A2 level.
This intensive course is for language learners striving toward the A1level.
If you have just started your learning journey, you may find this course too challenging. Consider enrolling for the Clean Slate A0 instead (if available).
There are plenty of interesting options for our accommodation. It will most likely be a countryside house near Tavira.
I haven't booked it yet because I want to get a better idea of the group's composition (how many couples/singles) and your preferences before I do so. That will for instance help me understand how big a house we might need.
I look forward to soon talking to you about this and much more. Até breve, p
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In the past, I’ve written about both the present and past subjunctive tenses. Now it is time for the futuresubjunctive.
So, when do we use the future subjunctive in Portuguese? In short, we use the future subjunctive when referring to possible scenarios in a future time.
The future subjunctive endings are the same for irregular verbs.
However, instead of going from the infinitive form, you start with the 3-person plural of the preterite tense (pretérito perfeito), and replace the -am ending with future subjunctive endings:
Ser
foram
Fazer
fizeram
Pôr
puseram
Eu
for
fizer
puser
Tu
fores
fizeres
puseres
Ele, ela, você
for
fizer
puser
Nós
formos
fizermos
pusermos
Eles, elas, vocês
forem
fizerem
puserem
Portuguese future subjunctive – usage
Conditional clauses
We use the future subjunctive in conditional clauses* that are specifically introduced by se.
Note that – in opposition to the past subjunctive – the future subjunctive points toward a time ahead and implies realistic expectations (provided that the condition is fulfilled):
Se sair do trabalho mais cedo, vou até à praia. If I manage to finish work early, I’ll go to the beach.
Setiveres tempo, passa pelo supermercado. If you have time, drop by the grocery store.
* Conditional clauses express contingency. In English, conditional clauses are often introduced by if, in case, unless, as long as, among others.
Time clauses
We use the future subjunctive in time clauses* pointing to possible scenarios or situations in the future.
These time clauses are often introduced by linking words such as quando, enquanto, assim que, logo que, sempre, among others:
Avisa-me assim quechegares. Let me know as soon as you arrive.
Não falo contigo enquanto não pedires desculpa I won’t talk to you until you apologize.
* Time clauses locate time as occurring prior, simultaneously, or after that of the main clause (in this case, after). In English, time clauses are often introduced by linking expressions such as before, as soon as, as long as, or until, among others.
Concessive clauses
We use the future subjunctive to exaggerate concession clauses*, as in no matter what.
This usage comprises a repetitive structure – a verb in the present subjunctive is followed by the same verb in the future subjunctive:
Digao quedisser, ninguém me ouve. No matter what I say, no one listens to me.
Faças o quefizeres, não vai adiantar. Whatever you do, it won’t cut it.
* Concessive clauses express an idea that is in opposition to the main clause. In English, concessives clauses are often introduced with the linking words although, even if, even though, or despite the fact, among others.
Note that the phrase in between the verbs – in the examples, o que – varies depending on the context. Here’re a few other possibilities:
Quem
Venhaquem vier, será sempre bem recebido. Whoever comes, will always be welcomed.
Sejaquemfor, eu não tenho medo. Whoever it is, I’m not afraid.
Onde
Váondefor, não se esqueça de levar o guarda-chuva. Wherever you go, don’t forget to bring your umbrella.
Vãopor ondeforem, apanham sempre trânsito. No matter the route they choose, they always catch traffic.
Como
Façacomofizer, o bolo nunca me sai bem. No matter how I do it, the cake never tastes as it is supposed to.
Venhascomovieres, de carro ou de comboio, o importante é que chegue a horas. Regardless of whether you come by car or train, the important thing is that you arrive on time.