A2 Portuguese GrammarCoordinating Conjunctions
Learn Portuguese coordinating conjunctions to connect words, phrases, and sentences. Master essential connectors like e (and), mas (but), ou (or), porque (because), and portanto (therefore). Understand how these conjunctions link ideas while maintaining the original word order in each clause.
1E, Nem (And, Nor)
E (and) is the most basic coordinating conjunction, connecting words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance. Before words starting with 'i' or 'hi', e can become 'e' for euphony, though this is optional. Nem means 'nor' or 'neither' and is used in negative constructions, often paired with itself: nem...nem (neither...nor).
E and Nem Usage
| Conjunction | Meaning | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| e | and | addition | café e leite |
| e | and | sequence | Entrou e sentou-se. |
| nem | nor/neither | negative addition | Não como nem bebo. |
| nem...nem | neither...nor | double negative | Nem eu nem tu. |
Examples
Comprei pão e manteiga.
I bought bread and butter.
e connects two nouns
Ela é inteligente e trabalhadora.
She is intelligent and hardworking.
e connects two adjectives
Não tenho tempo nem dinheiro.
I have neither time nor money.
nem in negative context
Nem ela nem ele vieram à festa.
Neither she nor he came to the party.
nem...nem = neither...nor
2Mas, Porém, Contudo (But, However)
Mas (but) expresses contrast or opposition between two ideas. It's the most common adversative conjunction. Porém and contudo also mean 'however/but' but are more formal. Unlike mas which starts the clause, porém and contudo can appear in different positions within the sentence.
Adversative Conjunctions
| Conjunction | Meaning | Register | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| mas | but | neutral | beginning of clause |
| porém | however | formal | beginning or middle |
| contudo | however | formal | beginning or middle |
| no entanto | nevertheless | formal | beginning |
Examples
Quero ir, mas não posso.
I want to go, but I can't.
mas introduces contrast
É caro, mas vale a pena.
It's expensive, but it's worth it.
mas shows opposition
Tentei, porém não consegui.
I tried, however I couldn't.
porém = more formal 'but'
Estava cansado; contudo, continuou a trabalhar.
He was tired; nevertheless, he kept working.
contudo = however (formal)
3Ou (Or) - Alternatives
Ou (or) presents alternatives or choices. It can connect single words or entire clauses. Ou...ou (either...or) emphasizes the choice between two options. In questions, ou presents options for the listener to choose from. The verb agrees with the closest subject when ou connects subjects.
Ou Constructions
| Pattern | Meaning | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|---|
| A ou B | A or B | chá ou café | tea or coffee |
| ou...ou | either...or | ou sim ou não | either yes or no |
| ou então | or else | Vem ou então... | Come or else... |
| ou seja | that is/in other words | ou seja, amanhã | that is, tomorrow |
Examples
Preferes carne ou peixe?
Do you prefer meat or fish?
ou offers alternatives in question
Podemos ir de carro ou de comboio.
We can go by car or by train.
ou presents options
Ou fazes agora ou nunca mais fazes.
Either you do it now or you never will.
ou...ou = either...or (emphatic)
Vem às oito, ou seja, depois do jantar.
Come at eight, that is, after dinner.
ou seja = that is to say
4Porque, Pois, Portanto (Because, Therefore)
Porque (because) introduces a reason or explanation. Pois can mean 'because' or 'for' and is slightly more formal. Portanto (therefore) and por isso (that's why) introduce conclusions or results. Note: porque (one word) means 'because', while por que (two words) means 'why' in questions.
Causal and Conclusive Conjunctions
| Conjunction | Meaning | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| porque | because | cause/reason | Fiquei porque queria. |
| pois | because/for | explanation | SaÃ, pois estava tarde. |
| portanto | therefore | conclusion | Logo, portanto... |
| por isso | that's why | result | Por isso estou aqui. |
Examples
Não fui porque estava doente.
I didn't go because I was sick.
porque = because (reason)
Estudo português, pois quero viajar.
I study Portuguese because I want to travel.
pois = because (slightly formal)
Está a chover, portanto leva o guarda-chuva.
It's raining, therefore take the umbrella.
portanto = therefore (conclusion)
Perdi o autocarro, por isso cheguei tarde.
I missed the bus, that's why I arrived late.
por isso = that's why (result)