The use of "whys/porquês” is a highly debated topic and gathers many uncertainties when learning the Portuguese language, even for native speakers! Therefore, it's crucial to be attentive when writing, as a misplaced accent or the use of incorrect words can completely change the meaning of the sentence.
Is it genuinely challenging, or are we overcomplicating things? With this blog post, you'll learn more about the correct usage and clarify when to use each word ;)
Are you ready?
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→ Por que
We use "por que" when there is a combination of the preposition "por" with the interrogative pronoun "que" or the relative pronoun "que." To simplify, it can be replaced by "por qual razão," "pelo qual," "pela qual," "pelos quais," "pelas quais," or "por qual."
Por que não me disse a verdade? (= por qual razão)
Why didn't you tell me the truth? (= for what reason)Gostaria de saber por que não me disse a verdade. (= por qual razão)
I would like to know why you didn't tell me the truth. (= for what reason)As causas por que falei com ela são particulares. (= pelas quais)
The reasons for which I talked with her are private. (= for which)
→ Porque
The conjunction "porque" (without an accent) has the same meaning as "pois," "já que," "visto que," "uma vez que," or "em razão de que":
Choro porque me magoei no tornozelo.
I cry because I hurt my ankle.Ele foi descansar porque dormiu tarde.
He went to rest because he slept late.
Porque é que não falas mais alto? – Porque não.
Why don't you speak louder? - Because I don't want to.
Attention! When we use "porque" at the beginning of a sentence, it's not possible to replace this conjunction with "pois." This is because the conjunction "pois" has an explanatory, not causal, character.
→ Por quê
Whenever the word "que" is at the end of a sentence, it should receive an accent, regardless of what precedes it.
Ela não me ligou e nem disse por quê.
She didn't call me, and she didn't say why.Estás a rir-te de quê?
What are you laughing at?
→ Porquê
It has a causative value in direct interrogative sentences, being taken to mean "por que motivo" or "por que razão."
Porquê complicar tanto as coisas mais simples?
Why complicate such simple things?Estamos muito felizes. – Porquê?
We are very happy. - Why?
It might seem like a lot of information, but believe me, with some practice, the correct use of words will become easy! Are you ready to practice? Click on the following discussion topic, and let's improve our language skills together!
➡️ Let's talk about Grammar: “Whys/Porquês”!
See you soon,
Juliane, OLS Community Manager - Portuguese