que + Subjunctive

Ordens Indiretas

Level 3

The que + subjuntivo pattern acts as an 'indirect imperative' or an optative phrase. It is used to direct a command toward a third party or to express a strong wish for someone else (e.g., 'May they be happy!').

How It Works

This construction, often categorized as Frases Optativas (wishes) or Imperativo de 3ª Pessoa, functions as a standalone clause where a main verb like 'I hope' or 'I order' is implied.

1. Usage Scenarios:

  • Indirect Commands: Directing an action to someone not present (e.g., 'Que ele espere lá fora!').
  • Wishes/Desires: Expressing a hope for someone's situation (e.g., 'Que tenhas um bom dia!').
  • Negative Commands (Prohibitions): To tell someone not to do something indirectly, simply add não before the verb (e.g., 'Que eles não se esqueçam!').
  • Formal Decrees: Solemn or official statements (e.g., 'Que se faça justiça!').

2. Structure and Punctuation:
The word que is followed by the verb in the Present Subjunctive. In written Portuguese, these sentences almost always use an exclamation mark to distinguish the command/wish from a simple subordinate clause.

3. Register and Word Order:
The subject usually appears before the verb ('Que ela seja feliz!'), but placing the subject after the verb ('Que seja ela a escolhida!') adds a more formal or emphatic tone.

Examples (5)

  1. Que ele entre agora.

    Let him come in now.

    Word by Word: That he enters (subjunctive) now.

    A standard indirect command directed at a third person ('ele').

  2. Que tenhas um bom fim de semana!

    Have a good weekend!

    Word by Word: That you have (subjunctive) a good end of week!

    A common wish using the 'tu' form of the subjunctive. Note that 'que' makes it a wish rather than a direct order.

  3. Que ele não saia de casa hoje!

    Let him not leave the house today!

    Word by Word: That he not leaves (subjunctive) from house today!

    A negative indirect command (prohibition). Note that não is placed before the verb to negate the order.

  4. Que se faça a luz.

    Let there be light.

    Word by Word: That itself makes (subjunctive) the light.

    A formal, solemn decree using the passive 'se'.

  5. Que corra tudo bem na sua viagem!

    May everything go well on your trip!

    Word by Word: That runs (subjunctive) everything well in your trip!

    A common way to express a wish for someone else's success or safety.

Common Mistakes

  • Omitting the 'que' in standard indirect commands.

    Ele venha aqui!
    Que ele venha aqui!

    Unlike the direct imperative, the indirect command for a third party requires the 'que' particle to function correctly, unless it is a very specific fixed expression like 'Viva o rei!'

  • Confusing the indirect command with a statement of fact.

    Que ele vem agora.
    Que ele venha agora!

    Using the indicative mood ('vem') makes the sentence sound like a fragment of a statement ('That he is coming now'). The subjunctive ('venha') plus the exclamation mark is necessary to signal a command or wish.

  • Using the direct imperative form for a third-party wish.

    Tenha ele uma boa viagem!
    Que ele tenha uma boa viagem!

    While the verb forms are often identical, the 'que' is the essential marker that transforms the sentence from a direct address into a wish directed at a third party.

How It Connects

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que + SubjunctiveLevel 3Ordens Indiretas

Learn This First

To use 'que' for indirect commands, you must first be comfortable with the Present Subjunctive conjugation for all verb groups, as this is the mood required for the construction. Additionally, understanding the role of 'que' as a subordinating particle is necessary to structure the sentence correctly.

Words in This Pattern