A2 Portuguese GrammarSubordinate Clauses (que, quando, se)
Master Portuguese subordinate clauses using key conjunctions like que (that), quando (when), se (if), and porque (because). Learn how these dependent clauses connect to main clauses, when to use subjunctive vs indicative mood, and common sentence patterns for expressing conditions, time, and reasons.
1Clauses with Que (That)
Que (that) is the most common subordinating conjunction in Portuguese. It introduces noun clauses after verbs of thinking, saying, knowing, and wanting. Unlike English, que cannot be omitted in Portuguese. After expressions of emotion, doubt, or desire, the subjunctive mood is often required in the que-clause.
Que Clause Patterns
| Main Verb Type | Mood in Que-Clause | Example |
|---|---|---|
| stating/knowing | indicative | Sei que ele vem. |
| thinking/believing | indicative | Acho que está certo. |
| wanting/hoping | subjunctive | Quero que venhas. |
| doubting | subjunctive | Duvido que saiba. |
Examples
Sei que ela fala português.
I know that she speaks Portuguese.
que + indicative after 'saber'
Penso que tens razão.
I think that you're right.
que + indicative after 'pensar'
Espero que estejas bem.
I hope that you are well.
que + subjunctive after 'esperar'
É importante que estudemos.
It's important that we study.
que + subjunctive after impersonal expression
2Time Clauses with Quando (When)
Quando (when) introduces time clauses. When referring to habitual or past actions, use indicative. When referring to future actions (English 'when' = 'whenever'), Portuguese uses subjunctive because the future is uncertain. Other time conjunctions include enquanto (while), antes de (before), depois de (after).
Quando with Different Tenses
| Time Reference | Mood | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| past/habitual | indicative | Quando cheguei... | When I arrived... |
| present habit | indicative | Quando como... | When I eat... |
| future | subjunctive | Quando chegares... | When you arrive... |
| hypothetical | subjunctive | Quando puder... | When I can... |
Examples
Quando era criança, brincava muito.
When I was a child, I played a lot.
quando + indicative (past)
Ligo-te quando chegar a casa.
I'll call you when I get home.
quando + subjunctive (future)
Enquanto estudava, ouvia música.
While I was studying, I listened to music.
enquanto = while (simultaneous)
Vou sair depois de jantar.
I'm going out after having dinner.
depois de + infinitive = after
3Conditional Clauses with Se (If)
Se (if) introduces conditional clauses. For real/possible conditions, use indicative: Se chove, fico em casa (If it rains, I stay home). For hypothetical/unreal conditions, use imperfect subjunctive: Se chovesse, ficaria em casa (If it rained, I would stay home). The main clause uses conditional tense for unreal conditions.
Conditional Types
| Condition Type | Se-Clause | Main Clause | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| real/possible | present indicative | present/future | Se tenho, dou. |
| hypothetical | imperfect subj. | conditional | Se tivesse, daria. |
| past unreal | pluperfect subj. | conditional perf. | Se tivesse tido... |
Examples
Se estudares, vais passar.
If you study, you will pass.
real condition: future subjunctive
Se eu fosse rico, viajaria muito.
If I were rich, I would travel a lot.
hypothetical: imperfect subjunctive
Se precisares de ajuda, diz-me.
If you need help, tell me.
se + future subjunctive (possible)
Não sei se ele vem.
I don't know if he's coming.
se = whether (indirect question)
4Causal and Purpose Clauses
Porque (because) introduces causal clauses explaining why something happens, always with indicative. Para que (so that) introduces purpose clauses explaining the goal of an action, requiring subjunctive. Other causal conjunctions include como (since/as) at the start of sentences and visto que (given that).
Causal and Purpose Conjunctions
| Conjunction | Meaning | Mood | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| porque | because | indicative | after main clause |
| como | since/as | indicative | before main clause |
| para que | so that | subjunctive | after main clause |
| visto que | given that | indicative | before main clause |
Examples
Fiquei em casa porque estava doente.
I stayed home because I was sick.
porque + indicative (cause)
Como estava tarde, fui para casa.
Since it was late, I went home.
como at start = since/as
Falo devagar para que entendas.
I speak slowly so that you understand.
para que + subjunctive (purpose)
Visto que não veio, começámos sem ele.
Given that he didn't come, we started without him.
visto que = given that (formal)