Extreme Conditions with "Nem que"
When expressing absolute stubbornness or a flat-out refusal, we often use the phrase nem que (even if). Because this phrase introduces a highly hypothetical or extreme condition, it always triggers the subjunctive.
To state what you would not do under extreme present or future circumstances, the main clause typically uses the Condicional (Conditional tense), while the subordinate clause uses nem que followed by the Imperfeito do Conjuntivo (Imperfect Subjunctive).
| I wouldn't do it, even if you threatened me. | Eu não o faria, nem que me ameaçasses. |
| I wouldn't accept anything, even if the bribe were enormous. | Eu não aceitaria nada, nem que o suborno fosse enorme. |
| I wouldn't forgive you, even if you begged me. | Não te perdoaria, nem que me implorasses. |
Past Extreme Conditions
If the hypothetical extreme condition is set in the past, use the Mais-que-perfeito do Conjuntivo (Pluperfect Subjunctive) after nem que.
This compound tense is formed using the imperfect subjunctive of the auxiliary verb ter (tivesse, tivesses, tivesse, tivéssemos, tivessem) plus the past participle of the main verb. The main clause still uses the Conditional to express the hypothetical refusal.
| We wouldn't change our minds, even if you had managed to bribe everyone. | Não mudaríamos de ideias, nem que tivesses conseguido subornar toda a gente. |
| We wouldn't surrender, even if they had destroyed the city! | Nós não nos renderíamos, nem que eles tivessem destruído a cidade! |