Breakdown of Se o árbitro visse a falta, o jogo seria diferente.
ser
to be
ver
to see
o jogo
the game
diferente
different
se
if
o árbitro
the referee
a falta
the foul
Questions & Answers about Se o árbitro visse a falta, o jogo seria diferente.
Why is visse used here instead of the regular past tense viu?
Because this is a hypothetical situation. When we use se (if) to talk about imaginary or unlikely scenarios, we must follow it with the Imperfect Subjunctive. visse is that form for the verb ver (to see).
Could I say o jogo era diferente instead of o jogo seria diferente?
Yes, absolutely! In spoken Portuguese, people very often replace the Conditional (seria) with the Imperfect Indicative (era) in everyday conversation. Both are completely correct here and mean the exact same thing.
I know falta usually means a lack or shortage of something. Why does it translate to 'foul' here?
In sports contexts, uma falta specifically refers to a foul or rule violation. It comes from the same general idea of a fault or failing to follow the rules, even though in everyday life you will usually see it meaning a lack or absence.
Is there a trick to remembering how to form the Imperfect Subjunctive like visse?
Learn Se o árbitro visse a falta, o jogo seria diferente and more in Portuguese
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free