A1 Portuguese GrammarBasic Conjunctions
Learn essential Portuguese conjunctions: e (and), ou (or), mas (but), porque (because), que (that), quando (when), se (if). Connect ideas and form complex sentences.
1Coordinating Conjunctions
Coordinating conjunctions connect words or clauses of equal importance. E (and) is the most common. Ou (or) presents alternatives. Mas and porém (but) show contrast. Nem means 'nor'.
Basic Coordinating Conjunctions
| Portuguese | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| e | and | Café e leite |
| ou | or | Chå ou café? |
| mas | but | Caro mas bom |
| porĂ©m | however/but | Ă difĂcil, porĂ©m possĂvel |
| nem | nor/not even | Nem eu nem tu |
Examples
Falo portuguĂȘs e inglĂȘs.
I speak Portuguese and English.
e = and
Queres chå ou café?
Do you want tea or coffee?
ou = or
Ă caro, mas vale a pena.
It's expensive, but it's worth it.
mas = but
NĂŁo como carne nem peixe.
I don't eat meat or fish.
nem = nor
2Porque and Por que
Porque (one word) means 'because' and introduces reasons. Por que (two words) means 'why' in questions. PorquĂȘ (with accent) is used as a noun ('the reason') or at end of questions.
Porque Forms
| Form | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| porque | because | Estou cansado porque trabalhei |
| por que | why (question) | Por que estĂĄs triste? |
| porquĂȘ | why/reason (noun) | NĂŁo sei porquĂȘ |
| por quĂȘ | why (end of question) | Fizeste isso por quĂȘ? |
Examples
Fiquei em casa porque estava doente.
I stayed home because I was sick.
porque = because
Por que nĂŁo vieste?
Why didn't you come?
por que = why (question)
NĂŁo sei porquĂȘ.
I don't know why.
porquĂȘ as noun
Choraste por quĂȘ?
You cried - why?
por quĂȘ at end
3Que and Se
Que (that) introduces subordinate clauses after verbs of thinking, saying, knowing. Se (if/whether) introduces conditions and indirect questions. Both are essential connectors.
Que and Se Usage
| Conjunction | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| que | that (statement) | Sei que ele vem |
| que | than (comparison) | Mais alto que eu |
| se | if (condition) | Se puderes, vem |
| se | whether (question) | Perguntou se vinha |
Examples
Penso que tens razĂŁo.
I think (that) you're right.
que after verbs of thinking
Disse que vinha amanhĂŁ.
She said (that) she would come tomorrow.
que after verbs of saying
Se tiveres tempo, liga-me.
If you have time, call me.
se = if (condition)
NĂŁo sei se ele vem.
I don't know if/whether he's coming.
se = whether
4Temporal Conjunctions
Temporal conjunctions indicate when something happens: quando (when), enquanto (while), antes de (before), depois de (after). Antes de and depois de are followed by infinitives.
Time Conjunctions
| Portuguese | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| quando | when | Quando chegares |
| enquanto | while | Enquanto espero |
| antes de | before | Antes de sair |
| depois de | after | Depois de comer |
| até que | until | Até que venhas |
Examples
Quando cheguei, jĂĄ tinha saĂdo.
When I arrived, he had already left.
quando = when
Enquanto estudas, eu cozinho.
While you study, I cook.
enquanto = while
Antes de sair, apaga a luz.
Before leaving, turn off the light.
antes de + infinitive
Depois de jantar, vemos um filme.
After dinner, we watch a movie.
depois de + infinitive