The Conjunction "Embora"
In Portuguese, certain conjunctions (connecting words) always require the following verb to be in the subjunctive. The most common of these is embora (even though / although).
Unlike in English, where we use the normal indicative mood for facts ("Even though it is raining"), Portuguese insists on the subjunctive after embora, regardless of whether the statement is a proven fact or just a possibility.
Observe how the verbs chover (to rain) and haver (to be/exist) become chova and haja.
| Even though it is raining, I am going to the park. | Embora chova, eu vou ao parque. |
| Even though there is a thunderstorm, we continue to walk. | Embora haja uma trovoada, nós continuamos a caminhar. |
Sentence Structure with "Embora"
You can place the embora clause at the beginning of the sentence or in the middle. The rule remains the same: the verb describing the condition (tied to embora) must be in the subjunctive, while the main action you are taking stays in the indicative.
Notice how ver (to see) becomes veja, and ter (to have) becomes tenha.
| Even though she sees the lightning, she continues to walk. | Embora veja os relâmpagos, ela continua a caminhar. |
| I slip in the mud, even though I have boots. | Escorrego na lama, embora tenha botas. |
Overcoming Difficulties
When talking about pushing through tough situations, from braving terrible weather to overcoming a major obstacle, you will frequently pair indicative actions with subjunctive concessions.
Watch how estar (to be) turns into esteja to describe the freezing room, and ser (to be) turns into seja to describe the difficulty.
| Even though the room is freezing, I sweat a lot. | Embora o quarto esteja gelado, suo muito. |
| We overcome the difficulty, even though it is hard. | Ultrapassamos a dificuldade, embora seja difícil. |