sem que + Subjunctive

Sem Que (Without)

Level 5

The expression sem que is used to connect two clauses where the second action does not happen. It is the formal equivalent of 'without' and always triggers the subjunctive.

How It Works

1. Usage and Meaning
Sem que introduces a negative circumstance or a condition. In negative sentences, it often translates to 'unless' (e.g., 'Don't go unless I tell you').

2. The Subjunctive Requirement
Because sem que introduces a hypothetical or non-factual event (something that didn't or shouldn't happen), it must be followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood:

  • Use the Present Subjunctive if the main verb is in the present or future.
  • Use the Imperfect Subjunctive if the main verb is in the past.

3. Subject Change
This pattern is specifically used when the subject of the 'without' clause is different from the main subject. If the subject is the same, Portuguese speakers prefer the simpler sem + infinitive.

4. Register and Alternatives
This is a formal to neutral construction. In casual conversation, especially in European Portuguese, speakers often use the personal infinitive instead (e.g., sem eles saberem instead of sem que eles saibam).

Examples (4)

  1. Ele saiu sem que ninguém percebesse.

    He left without anyone noticing.

    Word by Word: He left without that no one noticed (subjunctive).

    The main verb is in the past (saiu), so we use the imperfect subjunctive (percebesse).

  2. Não faça nada sem que eu te avise.

    Don't do anything unless I notify you.

    Word by Word: Not do nothing without that I you advise (subjunctive).

    In this negative command, 'sem que' functions as 'unless' and uses the present subjunctive (avise).

  3. Ela resolveu o problema sem que nós pedíssemos ajuda.

    She solved the problem without us asking for help.

    Word by Word: She solved the problem without that we asked (subjunctive) help.

    Note the subject change from 'she' (ela) to 'us' (nós).

  4. Eles entraram na sala sem que o professor visse.

    They entered the room without the teacher seeing.

    Word by Word: They entered in the room without that the teacher saw (subjunctive).

    A classic example of a different subject requiring the subjunctive after 'sem que'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the indicative mood instead of the subjunctive.

    Ele saiu sem que eu vi.
    Ele saiu sem que eu visse.

    'Sem que' is a mandatory subjunctive trigger. You cannot use the past indicative (vi).

  • Mixing 'que' with an infinitive verb.

    Não saia sem que eu falar.
    Não saia sem que eu fale.

    If you use the conjunction 'que', you must conjugate the verb in the subjunctive. If you want to use the infinitive, remove the 'que'.

  • Using 'sem que' when the subject is the same.

    Eu comi sem que eu falasse.
    Eu comi sem falar.

    While not strictly 'ungrammatical', using 'sem que' for the same subject sounds very unnatural and wordy. Use the simple infinitive instead.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

sem que + SubjunctiveLevel 5Sem Que (Without)

Learn This First

To learn 'sem que + subjuntivo', you first need to be comfortable with the Present Subjunctive conjugation. It is also helpful to understand how 'sem' works with the infinitive, as 'sem que' is the specific alternative used when the subject of the action changes between the main and subordinate clauses.

Words in This Pattern