The Conjunctive (Subjunctive) Mood: Introduction
The conjunctive (subjunctive) mood is used extensively in European Portuguese to express doubt, wish, emotion, and hypothesis. Understanding when to use it is essential at B1 and above.
PortuStories Editorial
European Portuguese Grammar Guide
In EP, the subjunctive mood is called the conjuntivo. It appears in subordinate clauses when the main clause expresses volition, emotion, doubt, or impersonal judgment. Using the indicative instead is a grammatical error.
Key triggers: querer que (want), esperar que (hope), duvidar que (doubt), ter medo que (fear), é importante que, é possível que.
Quero que venhas comigo.
I want you to come with me.
Querer que triggers conjunctive: venhas, not vens.
É importante que ele saiba a verdade.
It is important that he know the truth.
Duvido que ela chegue a tempo.
I doubt she will arrive on time.
Quick test: if the subordinate clause is uncertain, desired, or emotionally charged, use the conjunctive. If it reports an objective fact, use the indicative.
Common Mistake
Quero que vens comigo.
Quero que venhas comigo.
After querer que the verb must be in the present conjunctive, not the present indicative.
From a PortuStories Story
O médico recomendou que ela descansasse mais e que bebesse muita água.
The doctor recommended that she rest more and drink plenty of water.