Grammar Focus: The Conjuntivo Presente (Present Subjunctive) in real-life contexts — expressing hope (espero que), necessity (e necessario que), and doubt (nao sei se).
A Historia
Ja tinha o meu numero de utente do SNS ha tres semanas, mas ainda nao tinha marcado consulta com o medico de familia. A rececionista no centro de saude olhou para mim com uma expressao neutra.
I had already had my SNS user number for three weeks, but I still hadn't booked an appointment with my GP. The receptionist at the health centre looked at me with a neutral expression.
— "Bom dia. Queria marcar uma consulta com o meu medico de familia."
— "Tem numero de utente?"
— "Tenho, sim. E o 17 443 882 0."
A rececionista escreveu no computador. Depois fez uma pausa.
— "O senhor ainda nao tem medico de familia atribuido. E necessario que espere pela atribuicao automatica. Pode demorar ate 60 dias."
— "60 dias? Espero que nao demore tanto. Tenho um problema no joelho."
— "Para isso, recomendo que va a urgencia do hospital, se nao for urgente pode consultar o SNS 24 pelo 808 24 24 24."
"Good morning. I'd like to book an appointment with my GP." "Do you have a user number?" "I do, yes. It's 17 443 882 0." The receptionist typed on the computer. Then she paused. "You don't have a family doctor assigned yet. It is necessary that you wait for the automatic assignment. It can take up to 60 days." "60 days? I hope it won't take that long. I have a problem with my knee." "For that, I recommend that you go to the hospital emergency room, or if it's not urgent you can consult SNS 24 on 808 24 24 24."
— "Obrigado. Mas nao e urgente. Duvido que seja algo grave. E mais uma dor cronica."
— "Entao ligue para o SNS 24. Eles podem indicar-lhe o melhor caminho. E providencial que os utentes usem o SNS 24 antes de ir a urgencia."
— "Percebo. Quando e que e provavel que tenha medico atribuido?"
— "Nao sei ao certo. Mas pode verificar online no Portal do SNS."
"Thank you. But it's not urgent. I doubt it's anything serious. It's more of a chronic pain." "Then call SNS 24. They can advise you on the best course. It is better that patients use SNS 24 before going to A&E." "I understand. When is it likely that I'll have a doctor assigned?" "I'm not sure exactly. But you can check online on the SNS Portal."
O Conjuntivo em Acao
| Expressao Gatilho | Verbo no Conjuntivo | Tradução |
|---|
| Espero que | nao demore | I hope (that) it doesn't take long |
| E necessario que | espere | It is necessary that you wait |
| Recomendo que | va | I recommend that you go |
| Duvido que | seja | I doubt (that) it is |
| E provavel que | tenha | It's likely that (I) have |
Vocabulario do SNS
| Termo | Significado |
|---|
| Numero de utente | NHS patient number |
| Medico de familia | GP / family doctor |
| Atribuicao automatica | Automatic assignment (of a GP to your area) |
| Urgencia | A&E / emergency room |
| SNS 24 (808 24 24 24) | NHS 111 equivalent — triage hotline |