Question 1

Why does this sentence use the present indicative viajas after sempre que, instead of the future subjunctive?

Accepted Answer

In Portuguese, sempre que (whenever) triggers the future subjunctive only when you are talking about a hypothetical future event. Because this sentence states a general, ongoing truth or habit (whenever you travel in general, it is expensive), we use the present indicative viajas.

Question 2

What nuance does só que add that just saying mas wouldn't?

Accepted Answer

Só que translates to 'except that' or 'the only thing is'. It introduces a specific complication or obstacle to what was just said. While mas would work, só que perfectly captures the feeling of 'you really want to, but there is this one catch.'

Question 3

Is there a difference between saying Tens vontade de regressar and Queres regressar?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Queres regressar simply means 'you want to return.' The phrase ter vontade de means 'to have the urge to' or 'to feel like.' It makes the desire sound more like a strong internal longing or craving rather than just a practical preference.

Question 4

Why is it é caro (masculine) when the earlier noun vontade is feminine?

Accepted Answer

The adjective caro is not modifying vontade. It is describing the entire situation of traveling (sempre que viajas). When an adjective refers to a general concept, action, or abstract situation rather than a specific noun, it always defaults to the masculine singular.

Tens vontade de regressar, só que sempre que viajas, é caro.

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