Describing the Unknown
When you describe a specific person or thing that you know exists, you use the indicative. However, when describing someone or something that is hypothetical, unknown, or might not exist, Portuguese requires the subjunctive in the relative clause (the part of the sentence starting with que).
This frequently happens when you are searching for an ideal candidate or a perfect solution. Notice how the verbs falar (to speak) and ter (to have) become fale and tenha.
| I am looking for a translator who speaks English. | Procuro um tradutor que fale inglês. |
| We want an ideal candidate who has a good resume. | Queremos um candidato ideal que tenha um bom currículo. |
Asking if Something Exists
Because the subjunctive deals with uncertainty, you must also use it when asking if a person or thing fitting a certain description exists.
Questions using words like algum/alguma (any) or alguém (someone) trigger the subjunctive because you do not yet know the answer. Watch how ser (to be) becomes seja and exigir (to require) becomes exija.
| Do you know any translator who is fluent? | Conheces algum tradutor que seja fluente? |
| Is there any vacancy that requires a fluent person? | Há alguma vaga que exija uma pessoa fluente? |
Expressing Non-Existence
If you declare that something definitely does not exist, the thing you are describing is not real. Therefore, negative statements using words like nenhum/nenhuma (none/no) will also force the following verb into the subjunctive. Notice how garantir (to guarantee) becomes garanta.
| There is no candidate who is fluent. | Não há nenhum candidato que seja fluente. |
| There is no requirement that guarantees creativity. | Não há nenhum requisito que garanta a criatividade. |
