Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| se | /si/ (Brazil) /sɨ/ (Portugal) |
| caso | /ˈka.zu/ (Brazil) /ˈka.zu/ (Portugal) |
The word se functions in two ways: as a conditional conjunction meaning 'supposing that' and as a conjunction for indirect questions meaning 'whether'.
Which one should you use?
While se is the standard word for 'if', caso is used in more formal contexts to mean 'in the event that' and is typically followed by the subjunctive mood.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using se to express a hypothetical or unlikely condition, such as 'If I were…', it is paired with the imperfect subjunctive. Additionally, when expressing a future condition, avoid using the future indicative. Instead, use the future subjunctive.
How do you pronounce it?
/si/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use se with the future indicative (for example, se eu serei) instead of the future subjunctive (for example, se eu for) when expressing a future condition.
Did you know?
- The word se is derived from two different Latin sources: the word 'sī' meaning 'if' and the word 'sē' used as a reflexive pronoun.
- The word se can act as both the conditional 'if' and as a reflexive pronoun meaning 'himself', 'herself' or 'itself'.
- In Portuguese, using the wrong verb mood after se is a classic giveaway of a non-native speaker. While English speakers might say 'if I will be', a Portuguese speaker must use the future subjunctive, 'se eu for', to sound natural.
Examples in context
- E se eu recusar?What if I refuse?This sentence is useful for asking about the consequences of a refusal using se.Tatoeba #7363567 by lucasmg123, translation #2235207 by Hybrid
- Se eu fosse você.If I were you.This sentence demonstrates using se to express a hypothetical condition.Tatoeba #1206526 by alexmarcelo, translation #10121564 by DJ_Saidez
- Não sei se quero.I don't know if I want to.This sentence shows how to use se to express an indirect question meaning 'whether'.Tatoeba #2141439 by alexmarcelo, translation #6996845 by Hybrid
- Se chover, ficaremos em casa.If it rains, we will stay at home.
- Diga-me se precisa de ajuda.Tell me if you need help.
- Caso precise, estarei disponível.If necessary, I will be available.
- Caso seja aprovado, receberá um e-mail.If approved, you will receive an email.
- Se você quiser, podemos sair amanhã.If you want, we can go out tomorrow.
- Fale comigo se precisar de algo.Talk to me if you need anything.
- Caso queira, podemos assistir a um filme.If you want, we can watch a movie.
- Caso ele não venha, vamos começar sem ele.If he doesn't come, we'll start without him.
- 4640 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Beatriz are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- LucasSe estiver sol, vamos à praia?If it is sunny, shall we go to the beach?
- BeatrizSim, eu adoraria ir com você.Yes, I would love to go with you.
- LucasSe eu comprar o carro, você vem?If I buy the car, will you come?
- BeatrizClaro, Lucas, eu irei com certeza.Of course, Lucas, I will definitely go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “if” translations and entries se, caso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caso, se, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
