e/ou/mas/porque

Basic Conjunctions

Foundations

Portuguese uses e (and), ou (or), mas (but), and porque (because) to build sentences. These words are 'invariable,' meaning they never change their form regardless of who is speaking or what is being described.

How It Works

These four conjunctions are among the most frequent function words in Portuguese and are essential for building fluency in every register.

  • e (and): Used to add information. Note: Use a comma before e if the next part of the sentence has a different subject.
  • ou (or): Used to present choices. In Brazil, the 'u' is often soft in fast speech, sounding like 'ô'.
  • mas (but): Used to show contrast. Crucial: You almost always need a comma before mas when connecting two full thoughts.
  • porque (because): Used to give a reason. While English often starts sentences with 'Because...', Portuguese speakers often prefer to start with como (since/as) in formal writing, keeping porque for the middle of the sentence.

Examples (4)

  1. Eu gosto de café, e ela prefere chá.

    I like coffee, and she prefers tea.

    Word by Word: I like of coffee, and she prefers tea.

    Shows 'e' adding two ideas. Note the comma because the subjects ('Eu' and 'ela') are different.

  2. Você quer ir ao cinema ou ficar em casa?

    Do you want to go to the movies or stay home?

    Word by Word: You want to-go to-the cinema or to-stay in house?

    Shows 'ou' presenting two alternatives.

  3. Estudei muito, mas não passei na prova.

    I studied a lot, but I didn't pass the test.

    Word by Word: I-studied much, but not I-passed in-the proof.

    Shows 'mas' introducing a contrast. Note the comma before 'mas'.

  4. Não fui trabalhar porque estava doente.

    I didn't go to work because I was sick.

    Word by Word: Not I-went to-work because I-was sick.

    Shows 'porque' providing the reason for the first action.

Common Mistakes

  • Confusing 'mas' (but) with 'mais' (more).

    Eu quero ir, mais não posso.
    Eu quero ir, mas não posso.

    In many regions, these sound identical. Remember: 'mas' is for contrast (but), 'mais' is for quantity (more).

  • Confusing 'e' (and) with 'é' (is).

    O café e quente.
    O café é quente.

    The accent matters! 'e' (no accent) sounds like 'ee' and means 'and'. 'é' (with accent) sounds like 'eh' and means 'is'.

  • Missing the comma before 'e' with different subjects.

    Eu como pão e ele come fruta.
    Eu como pão, e ele come fruta.

    While often omitted in casual texting, formal Portuguese requires a comma before 'e' when the two sentences have different subjects (in this case, 'Eu' and 'ele').

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e/ou/mas/porqueFoundationsBasic Conjunctions

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porque