Hypothetical Conditions Using

This structure relies on two very specific and balanced parts. You can think of them as two inseparable twins. They need each other to make any sense at all. The first part is always the condition itself. This part almost always starts with the word se. It sets the stage for the imaginary or hypothetical action. The second part is the consequence or the final result. This tells us what would happen in that specific case. Both parts use very specific and unique verb tenses. The condition uses the Pretérito Imperfeito do Conjuntivo tense. The result uses the Condicional tense for its completion. You cannot mix and match these tenses at random. If you change one, the whole meaning will shift. It is like a chemical formula for your complex sentences. If the condition is unreal, the result must be hypothetical. This balance is the ultimate key to mastering this rule. It is like a grammar traffic light for your logic.

1. 1Start with the third person plural of the Pretérito Perfeito.
2. 2Take the common verb falar which becomes falaram there.
3. 3Remove the -ram ending from the end of the verb.
4. 4You are now left with the simple stem fala-.
5. 5Now you must add the new subjunctive -sse endings.
6. 6For eu, you add -sse to get falasse.
7. 7For tu, you add -sses to get falasses.
8. 8For ele or ela, you also add -sse for falasse.
9. 9For nós, you add -ssemos to get falássemos.
10. 10Always remember the accent on the nós form here!
11. 11For vocês or eles, you add -ssem for falassem.
12. 12Now form the result using the easy Condicional tense.
13. 13Just take the full infinitive and add the endings.
14. 14For falar, the eu form is simply falaria.
15. 15Put them together: Se eu falasse, ela ouviria.

Use this when a situation is very unlikely to happen. Use it for things that are completely impossible right now. It is great for daydreaming about your distant future. You can use it to talk about hypothetical pasts too. Use it when you want to be extremely polite. For example, "If you had a moment, I would talk." It softens your requests in a very beautiful way. It is perfect for giving advice to your best friends. "If I were you, I would go there now." It shows you are considering their unique perspective. Use it for social scenarios like ordering at fancy restaurants. It adds a layer of elegance to your spoken Portuguese. You can also use it for "I wish" statements. "I wish I had more time" uses this logic too. It handles job interviews and formal requests with total grace.

Do not use this for real or likely possibilities. If you might actually do something, use the future. For example, "If I have money, I will buy it." This uses se eu tiver in the future subjunctive. Our current rule is only for "If I had money." This implies that you definitely do not have any money. Never use the Condicional immediately after the word se. "Se eu faria" is a very major grammar mistake. The se clause always takes the subjunctive verb form. Don't use it for things that are definitely happening. If you are 100% sure, just use the present. Avoid using it for simple habitual actions in the past. That requires the regular Imperfeito do Indicativo instead. Keep this rule for the "unreal" and "hypothetical" only. It is a specific tool for very specific jobs.

The biggest mistake is mixing the two verb parts. People often put the Condicional in both sentence clauses. "Se eu teria tempo, eu iria" is totally wrong. It should be "Se eu tivesse tempo, eu iria." Another common slip is the accent on the nós form. Remember that cantássemos always needs that little tilted hat. Many learners forget the quiet -sse sounds in speech. They might accidentally say se eu tinha in formal writing. In Brazil, people do say se eu tinha casually. But at the B2 level, you should know better. It makes you look more educated and very precise. Don't let the double 's' letters scare you away. It sounds like a gentle whisper in the sentence. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes! Just keep practicing the natural rhythm of the words.

Compare this with the Futuro do Conjuntivo tense carefully. The future version is for very real and likely possibilities. "Se eu tiver tempo, eu vou" means maybe later. The Imperfeito version is for completely unreal situations now. "Se eu tivesse tempo, eu iria" means no time today. It is a subtle but massive difference in meaning. One is a solid plan; the other is a dream. You should also contrast it with the past perfect. That is for things that didn't happen long ago. Our current rule is mostly for the present moments. "If I were rich now" is our main focus here. It is like choosing between a photo and a painting. One is a possibility; the other is an artistic dream. Think of it like a grammar fork in the road.