Forming Imperfect Sub

This tense does not usually stand alone in a sentence. It usually depends on another verb or a specific condition. It creates a bridge between reality and possibility. In English, we often use words like "were" or "did." For example, we say "If I were rich." In Portuguese, you need this specific subjunctive form. It links to feelings, doubts, and uncertainty in the past. It is like a grammar traffic light. It tells you when to move into the world of "maybe." It connects a past action to a hypothetical result. It can also express a polite wish in the present. This tense is the key to complex storytelling.

1. 1There is a secret trick to forming this tense perfectly. You do not start with the infinitive form. Instead, look at the Pretérito Perfeito (Simple Past). Specifically, look at the "they" form (eles/elas).
2. 2Take the eles form of the simple past.
3. 3Example: falaram (they spoke).
4. 4Remove the -ram at the end.
5. 5Now you have the stem: fala-.
6. 6Add the new endings to this stem.
7. 7The endings are the same for every single verb.
8. 8eu: -sse
9. 9tu: -sses
10. 10ele/ela: -sse
11. 11nós: -ssemos (this form always needs an accent!)
12. 12vós: -sseis
13. 13eles/elas: -ssem
14. 14Let us try with the irregular verb ter (to have). The eles form is tiveram. Drop the -ram to get tive-. Now add the endings: tivesse, tivéssemos, etc. It works every single time. Even the most irregular verbs follow this rule. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes. Just remember the "they" form and you are safe.

The most common use is with Se (If). Use it for things that are not true right now. "If I had money, I would buy a car." Se eu tivesse dinheiro, eu compraria um carro. You also use it after past emotions. "I wanted you to come to the party." Eu queria que você viesse à festa. It is perfect for polite requests too. "I would like you to help me." Eu gostaria que você me ajudasse. Use it after the phrase como se (as if). "He talks as if he were the boss." Ele fala como se fosse o chefe. It is great for job interviews. "If I joined the team, I would work hard." Se eu entrasse na equipe, eu trabalharia muito. Imagine you are at a restaurant. You want to be extra polite. You might say: "I would like it if the meat were well-done." Eu gostaria que a carne estivesse bem passada. It sounds much smoother than a direct command.

Do not use it for simple facts. If something definitely happened, use the Indicative mood. "I went to the store yesterday." Eu fui à loja ontem. No subjunctive is needed there. Do not use it for present habits. "I always eat bread." Eu sempre como pão. The subjunctive is for the "unreal" or "uncertain." If you are 100% sure, stay in the Indicative. Do not use it for future possibilities that are likely. For those, you usually need the Future Subjunctive. If the condition is impossible or very unlikely, use this tense.

The biggest mistake is the nós form. You must add an accent to the vowel before -ssemos. falássemos, comêssemos, partíssemos. Without the accent, it sounds wrong to native ears. Another mistake is mixing it with the Future Subjunctive. The Future Subjunctive is for "when" something happens. The Imperfect Subjunctive is for "if" something were true. Do not forget the i in -ir verbs. It is partisse, not partesse. Think of it like a grammar tripwire. Watch your step with irregulars like fazer. The past is fizeram, so the subjunctive is fizesse. Do not say fazesse!

Compare it to the Future Subjunctive. Future: Se eu tiver tempo, eu vou. (Possible future). Imperfect: Se eu tivesse tempo, eu iria. (Hypothetical now). The Imperfect is much more "imaginary." The Future is more "likely." Also, compare it to the Present Subjunctive. Present: Espero que você venha. (Hope for the future). Imperfect: Esperava que você viesse. (Past hope). The Imperfect Subjunctive often pairs with the Conditional tense. It creates the classic "If I did X, I would do Y" structure.