Imperfect Subjunctive in Portuguese

Overview

Imperfect Subjunctive (Conjuntivo Imperfeito) is a upper-intermediate (CEFR B2) topic in Portuguese grammar. Past subjunctive from third person plural preterite: -sse endings (falasse, comesse, partisse). Used after past tense verbs, in unreal conditionals, with oxalá for unlikely wishes.

Understanding imperfect subjunctive is essential for building correct Portuguese sentences and communicating effectively. This concept is introduced at the B2 level and forms part of the foundation for more advanced grammar structures.

Whether you are learning Brazilian or European Portuguese, mastering imperfect subjunctive will significantly improve your ability to express yourself naturally and accurately in a variety of contexts.

How It Works

Formation: From 3rd person plural preterite, remove -ram, add -sse endings:

Infinitive	3rd pl. pret.	Imp. subj. (eu)
falar	falaram	falasse
comer	comeram	comesse
ser/ir	foram	fosse
estar	estiveram	estivesse
ter	tiveram	tivesse
fazer	fizeram	fizesse
poder	puderam	pudesse

All preterite irregularities carry over. Endings: -sse, -sses, -sse, -ssemos, -sseis, -ssem.

Uses: after past main verbs (Queria que viesses), unreal conditionals (Se pudesse...), wishes (Oxala estivesses aqui), as if (Como se fosse).

Examples in Context

Portuguese	English	Note
Queria que viesses.	I wanted you to come.
Se pudesse, fá-lo-ia.	If I could, I would do it.
Oxalá estivesses aqui.	I wish you were here.
Como se fosse verdade.	As if it were true.
Se falasse portugues.	If I spoke Portuguese.
Queria que pudesses.	Wanted you to come.
Embora fosse dificil.	Although difficult.
Era preciso que viessem.	Necessary they come.
Mesmo que quisesse.	Even if I wanted.

Common Mistakes

Using the wrong tense for the context

• Wrong: Choosing a different past or future tense when imperfect subjunctive is required
• Right: Identify the specific temporal meaning before selecting the tense
• Why: Each Portuguese tense carries a distinct meaning about when and how an action occurred. Imperfect Subjunctive is used in specific contexts that differ from related tenses.

Forgetting irregular forms

• Wrong: Applying regular conjugation patterns to irregular verbs
• Right: Memorize the irregular forms for common verbs in this tense
• Why: Many of the most frequently used Portuguese verbs are irregular and must be learned individually.

Mixing up register levels

• Wrong: Using very formal tense forms in casual conversation
• Right: Match your tense choice to the formality of the situation
• Why: Some forms are more common in speech while others are preferred in writing. Using the wrong register can sound awkward.

Usage Notes

At the B2 level, understanding regional variation becomes more important. Brazilian and European Portuguese may handle imperfect subjunctive differently in terms of frequency, formality, and preferred constructions.

This concept is essential for both spoken and written Portuguese at the intermediate level. In formal writing, adhere to the standard rules; in casual speech, you may encounter simplified or alternative forms, particularly in Brazilian Portuguese.

Practice Tips

1. Practice imperfect subjunctive with authentic Portuguese texts, listening for how native speakers use these forms in context.
2. Create flashcards with complete example sentences rather than isolated words to reinforce natural patterns.
3. Write short paragraphs using imperfect subjunctive and compare them with native-written texts to identify areas for improvement.

Related Concepts

• Prerequisite: Present Subjunctive -- provides the foundational knowledge needed for imperfect subjunctive
• Next steps: Pluperfect Subjunctive -- builds on imperfect subjunctive concepts
• Next steps: Sequence of Tenses -- builds on imperfect subjunctive concepts