Subjunctive for Expressing

The Present Subjunctive usually needs a "trigger" to wake it up. This trigger is almost always in the first part of your sentence. Think of it as a two-part recipe. Part one is your feeling or desire (the trigger). Part two is the action you are talking about. You connect them with the magic word que. Here is the most important rule: the subject usually has to change. If I say "I want to eat," I use the infinitive. But if I say "I want you to eat," the subjunctive jumps into action. It is like a relay race where you pass the baton to someone else. Without that change in subject, the subjunctive usually stays asleep. You need that trigger + que + new subject formula to make it work.

1. 1Creating these verbs is like a magic trick. You take the eu form of the Present Indicative and swap the endings. It is a bit like wearing your shirt inside out on purpose.
2. 2Find the eu form of the Present Indicative (e.g., falo, como, parto).
3. 3Drop the -o ending.
4. 4Add the "Opposite" endings:
5. 5For -AR verbs, use -E endings: fale, fales, fale, falemos, falem.
6. 6For -ER and -IR verbs, use -A endings: coma, comas, coma, comamos, comam.
7. 7Watch out for the "Big Six" irregulars. They do not follow the -o rule: seja (ser), esteja (estar), vá (ir), tenha (ter), saiba (saber), and queira (querer).

We use the subjunctive for five main categories. You can remember them with the acronym WEIRD.

• Wishes and Desires: When you want something to happen. Quero que você venha. (I want you to come).
• Emotions: How you feel about a situation. Sinto muito que ele esteja doente. (I am sorry he is sick).
• Impersonal Expressions: Opinions starting with "It is...". É importante que nós cheguemos cedo. (It is important that we arrive early).
• Requests and Commands: Asking or telling someone to do something. Peço que você me ajude. (I ask that you help me).
• Doubts and Denials: When you are not sure or you say something is not true. Duvido que chova hoje. (I doubt it will rain today).

Think of these as the "vibe" triggers. If you are ordering food and want a specific change, or asking for directions and hoping they are right, you will likely need one of these.

If you are certain about something, keep it simple. Use the Indicative. The subjunctive hates facts. If you say Acredito que... (I believe that...), you are usually expressing a personal certainty, so you use the Indicative in Brazil (though some regions vary). Phrases like Tenho certeza que (I am sure that) or Sei que (I know that) never use the subjunctive. It is for the gray areas of life, not the black and white facts. If you are stating a fact in a job interview, stick to the Indicative. Save the Subjunctive for when you are discussing possibilities or expressing your enthusiasm for the role.

• Forgetting the Subject Change: This is the big one. If the subject stays the same, use the infinitive. Quero comprar (I want to buy) vs. Quero que você compre (I want you to buy).
• Using the Wrong "Opposite": Mixing up -e and -a endings is common. Just remember: AR goes to E, the rest go to A.
• Ignoring Irregulars: Many common verbs like fazer become faça. Don't let the ç or g surprises trip you up.
• Missing the Trigger: Sometimes people jump straight to the subjunctive without the que or the trigger. It needs that foundation to stand on.
• Overthinking It: Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes. If you use the wrong form, people will still understand your feeling.

The biggest contrast is with the Present Indicative.

• Indicative (Facts): Você fala português. (You speak Portuguese). This is a statement of reality.
• Subjunctive (Vibes): Espero que você fale português. (I hope you speak Portuguese). This is a desire, not a confirmed fact.

Think of it like the difference between saying "It is raining" and "I hope it doesn't rain." One is a weather report; the other is your personal wish. Another contrast is with the Imperative (commands). While Fale! is a direct order, Quero que você fale is a softer, more conversational way to express what you want.