Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): Eu vou ao cinema, desde que o Pedro venha comigo. - I will go to the cinema, provided that Pedro comes with me.

Desde que translates roughly as provided that or as long as. In this sentence, it introduces a condition: I will go to the cinema only if Pedro comes with me.

Why is the verb venha in the subjunctive mood instead of using the indicative form?

Portuguese uses the present subjunctive in conditions that express uncertainty or potentiality. Here, venha (subjunctive) is chosen to reflect that Pedro’s coming is not a definite fact, but rather a condition that must be met.

Why is there a comma before the phrase desde que o Pedro venha comigo?

The comma separates the main clause from the subordinate conditional clause. In Portuguese, punctuation often marks the division between the primary statement (Eu vou ao cinema) and its condition to make the sentence clearer and indicate a natural pause.

Can the sentence be rephrased by switching the order of the clauses—for example, placing the condition at the beginning?

Yes, you can say Desde que o Pedro venha comigo, eu vou ao cinema. The meaning remains the same; however, changing the order shifts the emphasis, highlighting first that the condition is key to the decision.

What is the function of the word comigo in this sentence?

Comigo means with me. It specifies that Pedro’s attendance is meant to be alongside the speaker. It is a contraction of com and mim, which is customary in Portuguese when indicating accompaniment.

Is the structure of this sentence typical of European Portuguese, and are there any noteworthy differences compared to Brazilian Portuguese?

The structure—using desde que to introduce a condition and the subjunctive venha—is common in both European and Brazilian Portuguese. However, some punctuation nuances (like the use of the comma) and certain stylistic preferences may be more characteristic of European Portuguese, though overall the grammar is standard across both variants.