This intensive course is for language learners striving toward the B1 level.
My suggestion* for these two weeks is to focus on:
*There's always room to adjust the course according to the group's preferences:
After this course, you'll have come closer to the B1 level and have the tools and strategies to get there and beyond.
Not sure if you should enroll in the A2 or B1 course?
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.
I will keep you updated on upcoming course seasons
This intensive course is for language learners striving toward the A2 level.
My suggestion* for these two weeks is to focus on:
*There's always room to adjust the course according to the group's preferences:
After this course, you'll have come closer to the A2 level and have the tools and strategies to get there and beyond.
Not sure if you should enroll in the A2 or B1 course?
This intensive course is for language learners striving toward the A1 level.
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).
This is an all-round course, meaning that we’ll work on all aspects of language learning (at the A1 level):
After this course, you'll have come closer to the A1 level and have the tools and strategies to get there and beyond.
Not sure if you should enroll in the A1 or A2 course?
In the past, I’ve written about both the present and past subjunctive tenses. Now it is time for the future subjunctive.
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.
Let’s look at it in greater detail.
Related reads!
• Portuguese Present Subjunctive: Conjugation and Usage
• Portuguese Past Subjunctive – Conjugation and Usage
For any regular verb, you start with the infinitive form and add the following endings (marked in bold):
| Pintar (1st conjugation) | Mexer (2nd conjugation) | Atrair (3rd conjugation) | |
| Eu | pintar | mexer | atrair |
| Tu | pintares | mexeres | atraires |
| Ele, ela, você | pintar | mexer | atrair |
| Nós | pintarmos | mexermos | atrairmos |
| Eles, elas, vocês | pintarem | mexerem | atrairem |
! Note that for regular verbs, the future subjunctive has the same verb forms as the personal infinitive. Here’s an article about the latter: Personal Infinitive: What Is It and When to Use It.
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 |
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. Se tiveres 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.
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 que chegares. 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.
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:
| Diga o que disser, ninguém me ouve. No matter what I say, no one listens to me. Faças o que fizeres, 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 | Venha quem vier, será sempre bem recebido. Whoever comes, will always be welcomed. Seja quem for, eu não tenho medo. Whoever it is, I’m not afraid. |
| Onde | Vá onde for, não se esqueça de levar o guarda-chuva. Wherever you go, don’t forget to bring your umbrella. Vão por onde forem, apanham sempre trânsito. No matter the route they choose, they always catch traffic. |
| Como | Faça como fizer, o bolo nunca me sai bem. No matter how I do it, the cake never tastes as it is supposed to. Venhas como vieres, 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. |
Break Free from the Tyranny of the Present Tense
Stay tuned for upcoming online courses and other learning materials.