Contanto que

This phrase connects two different ideas. One action only happens if another condition is met. It acts like a bridge between your desire and reality. In grammar terms, it is a conditional conjunction. It always looks toward a possibility, not a fact. Because it deals with possibilities, it loves the subjunctive. If you use the indicative, the bridge collapses. Native speakers will still understand you, but it sounds "off". It is like wearing socks with sandals—functional but weird. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. The light only turns green if the condition is met. You are setting terms for your agreement. It is very useful for negotiations and setting boundaries.

1. 1Start with your main statement or action.
2. 2Add the magic phrase contanto que.
3. 3Use the Present Subjunctive for the following verb.
4. 4Ensure the subject of the second part is clear.
5. 5For example: Eu ajudo (Main) + contanto que + você estude (Subjunctive).
6. 6If talking about the past, use the Imperfect Subjunctive.
7. 7Example: Eu ajudaria, contanto que você estudasse.
8. 8Keep the que always attached to contanto.

You use this when you want to be specific. It is perfect for job interviews. Imagine you are at a big company in São Paulo. The boss offers you a great salary. But you want to work from home on Fridays. You say: Eu aceito, contanto que eu trabalhe de casa. This sounds professional and firm. Use it when ordering food too. You are with friends deciding on pizza toppings. Someone suggests pineapple. You say: Podemos pedir, contanto que metade seja de queijo. You just saved the night with grammar. It is also great for asking directions. You are lost in Lisbon. A local offers to walk you to the monument. You say: Eu sigo você, contanto que não seja longe. It is the ultimate tool for setting boundaries politely.

Do not use it for simple "if" statements. If it is raining, I stay home. For that, just use se. Contanto que implies a stronger, more specific requirement. Avoid it when you are 100% sure of the outcome. If there is no doubt, the subjunctive feels out of place. Do not use it to describe habits. For things you always do, use sempre que. Also, do not use it without the que. Contanto by itself does not mean the same thing. It is a package deal. If you forget the que, the sentence stops making sense. It is like trying to drive a car without wheels.

The biggest mistake is using the indicative mood. People often say contanto que você vai. That is a big no-no in B2 Portuguese. It must be contanto que você vá. Another mistake is forgetting the que. Some learners treat it like the English "as long as". But in Portuguese, the que is the trigger for the subjunctive. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes when speaking fast. But you want to be better than that. Don't mix it up with por tanto. That sounds similar but means "therefore". It is a classic trap for the unwary student. Stay focused on the condition.

You might know desde que. These two are basically twins. You can swap them in most conditional sentences. Contanto que feels slightly more formal and precise. Desde que can also mean "since" (time), which is confusing. Contanto que only ever means "provided that". Then there is caso. Caso also takes the subjunctive but is shorter. Caso você queira vs Contanto que você queira. Use contanto que when you want to emphasize the agreement. It carries more weight in a conversation. It sounds like you have thought about your conditions carefully.