Question 1

Why is seja in the subjunctive when we are stating a clear fact that the disorder is serious?

Accepted Answer

The conjunction daí que (hence / that is why) is a fixed trigger for the subjunctive in Portuguese, even when expressing a factual result. Because it frames the second clause as a logical deduction originating from the first clause (daí = from there), the grammar rules require the subjunctive (seja) rather than the indicative (é).

Question 2

If I wanted to avoid the subjunctive, could I use a different conjunction here?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you use por isso (for that reason) or portanto (therefore), you use the normal indicative mood. You could say: O distúrbio afeta a saúde, por isso é grave. Both convey the same consequence, but daí que sounds slightly more elevated.

Question 3

Can I use daí without que to simplify the sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but you cannot follow it with the indicative. If you drop que, you must use the infinitive instead. You can say daí ser grave (hence being serious). This is a very natural and common way to express the exact same idea without needing the subjunctive.

Question 4

Why use grave for 'serious' instead of sério?

Accepted Answer

In Portuguese, grave is used for situations, illnesses, or problems that are severe or critical (like a serious disorder or a serious mistake). Sério is usually reserved for personality traits (a serious person who doesn't laugh much) or to mean 'not joking'. For health matters, always use grave.

O distúrbio afeta a saúde, daí que seja grave.

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