Hipóteses Irreais

This structure relies on a partnership between two specific moods. On one side, you have the "condition." This is the "if" part of your sentence. On the other side, you have the "consequence." This is what would happen if the condition were true. In Portuguese, the condition usually starts with se (if). It uses the Pretérito Imperfeito do Conjuntivo. This is the tense that ends in -sse. The consequence uses the Condicional. This is the tense that ends in -ia. Think of them like a pair of shoes. You can't wear one without the other. If you use the -sse form, your brain should automatically look for the -ia form. They create a balanced hypothetical world. It is like a grammar bridge. One side anchors in the impossible, and the other stretches into the result.

1. 1Creating these forms is simpler than it looks. It just takes a few steps.
2. 2To form the Imperfeito do Conjuntivo, start with the 3rd person plural of the Pretérito Perfeito (Indicative). For example, falaram (they spoke).
3. 3Remove the -ram ending. You are left with the stem: fala-.
4. 4Add the "magic" endings: -sse, -sses, -sse, -ssemos, -sseis, -ssem.
5. 5For the Condicional, take the whole infinitive of the verb. For example, falar.
6. 6Add the endings: -ia, -ias, -ia, -íamos, -íeis, -iam.
7. 7Watch out for the irregulars in the Pretérito Perfeito. If fazer becomes fizeram, your subjunctive becomes fizesse. If ter becomes tiveram, your subjunctive becomes tivesse. Always check that 3rd person plural first! It is your secret key to getting the subjunctive right every single time.

You use this pattern whenever the reality is the opposite of what you are saying. Use it when you are giving advice that you know the other person might not take. For example, "If I were you, I'd talk to the boss." Use it for pure fantasy. "If I could fly, I'd travel the world." It is also perfect for polite requests. "If you could help me, I would be grateful." In job interviews, use it to show your problem-solving skills. "If a conflict arose, I would handle it calmly." It is the language of the "alternate reality." It is also great for subtle humor. Use it to joke about things you know won't happen. "If I didn't have to sleep, I'd finally finish my Portuguese homework."

Don't use this for things that are actually possible or likely. If there is a real chance something will happen, use the Futuro do Conjuntivo. For example, don't say "If I win the lottery tomorrow (unlikely), I'd buy a house." If you actually bought a ticket and feel lucky, say "If I win (possible), I will buy a house." Also, avoid using the Condicional in the "if" clause. Native speakers will understand you, but it sounds like wearing your shirt inside out. Never say "Se eu faria." It must always be "Se eu fizesse." Finally, don't use this for past regrets that are completely over. For that, you need the compound forms like Se eu tivesse feito. This specific pattern is for the present and future hypotheticals.

The biggest trap is "The Double Indicative." Many learners try to use the normal past tense after se. They say Se eu tinha tempo. Wrong! Your brain needs to trigger the "unreal" mode. It should be Se eu tivesse tempo. Another classic mistake is mixing up the endings. You might accidentally use the Futuro do Conjuntivo (Se eu tiver) when you mean the Imperfeito (Se eu tivesse). Remember: -sse is for the impossible stuff. Another common slip is the "Regional Shortcut." In Brazil, people often replace the Condicional with the Pretérito Imperfeito do Indicativo. They say "Se eu pudesse, eu *fazia*." This is okay in casual speech. But in your C1 exams or formal writing, stick to "eu *faria*." It keeps you looking professional and sharp.

Let's compare this to the "Real Condition." In a real condition, you use the Futuro do Conjuntivo. "If I have time (and I might), I will call you." This is a plan. In an Hipótese Irreal, you say "If I had time (but I don't), I would call you." This is a wish. Now, compare it to the "Past Unreal." This uses the compound tense. "If I had had time (yesterday), I would have called you." This is a regret. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. Green is the future (possible). Yellow is the present unreal (hypothetical). Red is the past (impossible to change). You are currently working in the Yellow zone. It is the most flexible and expressive place to be in Portuguese conversation.