Subjunctive Tense - Commands

In Portuguese, the subjunctive tense is commonly used to express commands and suggestions. This allows for more assertive communication. Let's dive into how to use the subjunctive tense to make commands in Portuguese.

Overview of the Subjunctive Tense

The subjunctive tense is used to express doubt, uncertainty, subjectivity, or unreality. It is often used in subordinate clauses, such as wishes, recommendations, and commands.

Commands in the Subjunctive Tense

To make commands in the subjunctive tense, follow these steps:

1. Start with the first or third-person singular form of the present tense indicative:

   • For AR verbs: eu/ele/ela form - Remove the final -ar and add the appropriate ending.
   • For ER verbs: eu/ele/ela form - Remove the final -er and add the appropriate ending.
   • For IR verbs: eu/ele/ela form - Remove the final -ir and add the appropriate ending.

2. Add the following endings to these verb stems:

   • For -ar verbs:

     • -e for the tu form
     • -emos for the nós form
     • -eis for the vós form
     • -em for the eles/elas form

   • For -er and -ir verbs:

     • -a for the tu form
     • -amos for the nós form
     • -ais for the vós form
     • -am for the eles/elas form

3. Add pronouns before the verb if necessary. Remember to use the appropriate clitic pronouns.

Let's see some examples using different verb conjugations:

• Falar (to speak):

  • Fale! (Speak!)
  • Falemos! (Let's speak!)
  • Falai! (Speak! - informal, plural)
  • Falem! (Speak! - formal, plural)

• Comer (to eat):

  • Come! (Eat!)
  • Comamos! (Let's eat!)
  • Comei! (Eat! - informal, plural)
  • Comam! (Eat! - formal, plural)

• Viver (to live):

  • Viva! (Live!)
  • Vivamos! (Let's live!)
  • Vivei! (Live! - informal, plural)
  • Vivam! (Live! - formal, plural)

Softening Commands with the Subjunctive Tense

Commands in the subjunctive tense can also be softened by using the subjunctive with the pronoun "que" (that). This adds a sense of suggestion rather than a direct command. Here's how to do it:

1. Start with the third-person singular form of the present tense indicative.

2. Add the following endings:

   • For -ar verbs:

     • -e for the ele/ela form
     • -em for the eles/elas form

   • For -er and -ir verbs:

     • -a for the ele/ela form
     • -am for the eles/elas form

3. Use the preposition "que" before the verb.

Let's see some examples:

• Fale que ele estude mais. (Tell him to study more.)

• Coma que você esteja com fome. (Eat if you're hungry.)

• Viva que eles aproveitem a vida. (Live so that they can enjoy life.)

By using the subjunctive tense with "que", you can give suggestions or make recommendations in a more polite and indirect way.

Conclusion

With the subjunctive tense, you can convey commands and suggestions in a more assertive manner. By following the conjugation rules and softening commands with "que", you'll be able to communicate effectively with confidence. Practice using the examples provided to improve your command of the subjunctive tense in Portuguese.