A Menos Que: How to Say ‘Unless’ in Portuguese
A menos que introduces an exception to a plan and is commonly followed by the present subjunctive in future situations.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
A menos que means “unless.” It introduces the condition that would change or prevent the main plan. In a future situation, Portuguese commonly uses the present subjunctive after a menos que.
Use a menos que to introduce an exception
The verb form may look present, but the clause often points to a future possibility: A menos que chova, vamos caminhar (Unless it rains, we’ll go for a walk). The main clause gives the plan that depends on that condition.
A menos que chova, vamos almoçar no jardim.
Unless it rains, we’ll have lunch in the garden.
A menos que ela precise de ajuda, termino o relatório hoje.
Unless she needs help, I’ll finish the report today.
A menos que haja uma mudança, a aula começa às nove.
Unless there is a change, class starts at nine.
Recognize the subjunctive after a menos que
Common forms include chova (it rains), precise (you or she need), and haja (there is). For regular -ar verbs, the present subjunctive often ends in -e for você/ele/ela; regular -er and -ir verbs often end in -a.
Use se (if) for many direct conditions with a future meaning: se chover, vamos ficar em casa. Both se and a menos que can introduce a condition, but a menos que specifically frames it as an exception to the main plan.
A menos que o ônibus atrase, chegaremos antes das dez.
Unless the bus is delayed, we’ll arrive before ten.
Se o ônibus atrasar, mando uma mensagem.
If the bus is delayed, I’ll send a message.
A menos que você tenha outra ideia, vamos reservar esta mesa.
Unless you have another idea, we’ll reserve this table.
Put it into practice
Use a menos que for ‘unless’ and expect the subjunctive in its clause; the main clause states what will happen if the exception does not occur.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “If the bus is delayed, I’ll send a message”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
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