Já Passaram: Entenda o Significado e Uso

In the realm of Brazilian Portuguese grammar, one of the most intriguing and often misunderstood concepts is the imperfect subjunctive, particularly the phrase "já passaram". This phrase, which translates to "they have already passed" in English, sparks debate among linguists, teachers, and language learners alike. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the intricacies of "já passaram", its usage, and the various contexts in which it appears.

The Imperfect Subjunctive: A Brief Overview

The imperfect subjunctive in Brazilian Portuguese is a complex tense that involves the use of the subjunctive mood, the imperfect aspect, and the indicative conjugation. It is generally used to express past actions in conjunction with other verbs that indicate the present or future. The imperfect subjunctive has a distinct set of rules, which are often challenging to grasp for non-native speakers.

Já Passaram in Past Tense

When using "já passaram" in the past tense, it is essential to understand that it is not the only correct option. In fact, several alternatives, such as "passaram já", "passavam", or even "já passara", can convey the same meaning. This seeming redundancy stems from the complex nature of the imperfect subjunctive and the various verb conjugations involved.

A Closer Look at Verb Conjugations

In Brazilian Portuguese, the verb "passar" has a unique conjugation pattern in the imperfect subjunctive:

• Eu: passasse
• Tu: passasses
• Ele/ela/ele/ela: passasse
• Nós: passássemos
• Vós: passásseis
• Eles/elas: passassem

Contextualizing the Verb Conjugations

When using "já passaram" in a sentence, the context plays a crucial role in determining the correct verb conjugation. For instance:

• "Eu espero que eles já passaram." (I hope they have already passed.)
• "Eu espero que eles passaram já." (I hope they passed already.)

Interactions with Other Verbs

In Brazilian Portuguese, the imperfect subjunctive often interacts with other verbs that indicate the present or future, such as "esperar" (to hope) or "querer" (to want). In these cases, the usage of "já passaram" can be nuanced and depends on the specific context:

• "Eu espero que eles já passaram." (I hope they have already passed.)
• "Eu quero que eles já passaram." (I want them to have already passed.)

Consecutivisms and the Imperfect Subjunctive

Consecutivisms refer to the combination of two or more verbs that express a cause-and-effect relationship. In the context of "já passaram", consecutivisms often involve the imperfect subjunctive, as demonstrated below:

• "Eu queria que eles passassem." (I wanted them to pass.)
• "Eu queria que eles já passassem." (I wanted them to have already passed.)

Já Passaram in Conditional Sentence

In conditional sentences, "já passaram" can be used to express hypothetical situations and their consequences:

• "Se eles já passaram, não será necessário que eu fale com eles." (If they have already passed, it will not be necessary for me to talk to them.)

já passaram vs. já passar

While "já passaram" is used in the past tense to indicate that someone or something has already passed, "já passar" is a separate verb conjugation used in the present tense to indicate that someone or something passes (is passing):

• "Eles já passarão no próximo ano." (They will pass next year.)

A Distinction in Usage

The key difference between "já passaram" and "já passar" lies in their usage and conjugation:

• "Já passaram" is used in the past tense to indicate an action that has been completed.
• "Já passar" is used in the present tense to indicate an action that is ongoing or will occur.

Conclusions

The phrase "já passaram" is a nuanced and complex element of Brazilian Portuguese grammar. Its use in various contexts, such as past tense, consecutivisms, and conditional sentences, requires a deep understanding of the imperfect subjunctive and the verb conjugations involved. By examining the intricacies of "já passaram", language learners and native speakers alike can refine their skills and better communicate in the Portuguese language.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the imperfect subjunctive in Brazilian Portuguese?

A: The imperfect subjunctive is a complex tense that involves the use of the subjunctive mood, the imperfect aspect, and the indicative conjugation.

Q: How is "já passaram" used in the past tense?

A: "Já passaram" is used in the past tense to indicate an action that has been completed.

Q: What is the difference between "já passaram" and "já passar"?

A: "Já passaram" is used in the past tense, while "já passar" is used in the present tense to indicate an action that is ongoing or will occur.

Q: Can "já passaram" be used with other verbs that indicate the present or future?

A: Yes, "já passaram" can be used with other verbs, such as "esperar" or "querer", to express a range of meanings.

Q: What role does contextualization play in determining the correct verb conjugation with "já passaram"?

A: Contextualization is crucial in determining the correct verb conjugation, as the meaning of "já passaram" can change depending on the surrounding context.

References

• [1] "A Gramática do Português Contemporâneo" - Celso Cunha
• [2] "Gramática de Português para Estrangeiros" - Maria Emília Martins
• [3] "Dicionário de Portuguese Brasileiro" - Antônio Machado
• [4] Instituto Brasil de Estudos Brasileiros - "Português Brasileiro: Uma Introdução"
• [5] "Língua Portuguesa" - Livraria Cultura