Restrictive phrases (que eu saiba, que eu me lembre)

When catching up with friends, you might share unverified rumors or gossip.

What a surprise, you guys are gossiping without me!
Que surpresa, vocês estão a fofocar sem mim!

To state something that might not be 100% true, you can limit your claims using restrictive phrases. These fixed expressions use the subjunctive mood because they frame the information as a personal, subjective limitation rather than an absolute fact.

Que eu me lembre (As far as I remember)

This phrase uses the present subjunctive of lembrar-se (to remember). It restricts a statement to your own memory of events.

As far as I remember, we shouldn't gossip about that fling.
Que eu me lembre, não devemos fofocar sobre esse namorico.
As far as I remember, the actress usually falls out with the ex-husband.
Que eu me lembre, a atriz costuma zangar-se com o ex-marido.

Que eu saiba (As far as I know)

This expression uses the present subjunctive of saber (to know). It is perfect for hedging your bets when sharing what you think is true.

As far as I know, that fling supposedly already ended.
Que eu saiba, esse namorico supostamente já acabou.
As far as I know, the ex-wife wanted to get divorced a long time ago.
Que eu saiba, a ex-mulher queria divorciar-se há muito tempo.

Notice how the restrictive phrase usually sits at the beginning of the sentence, while the main event remains in the normal indicative mood.

As far as I remember, the director secretly has a lover.
Que eu me lembre, o diretor tem um amante secretamente.