como

Relative Adverb Como

Level 4

The relative adverb como connects a description of 'how' something happens to a specific noun like modo (mode), maneira (way), or forma (form).

How It Works

In Portuguese, como acts as a relative adverb when it introduces a clause that characterizes a noun expressing manner.

1. Specific Antecedents:
It is almost exclusively used with a small group of nouns:

  • Modo (Mode/Way)
  • Maneira (Way/Manner)
  • Forma (Form/Way)
  • Jeito (Way - more informal)

2. Syntactic Function:
Inside the relative clause, como represents the way the action is performed. For example, in 'O modo como ele fala' (The way he speaks), como replaces 'daquele modo' (in that way) within the sub-clause.

3. No Prepositions:
A critical rule to become proficient in is that the relative adverb como is never preceded by a preposition. Unlike onde (which can become aonde or donde), como remains invariable. Avoid incorrect constructions like 'o modo de como'; simply use 'o modo como'.

4. Register and Alternatives:
In formal writing, como is the standard choice. However, it can often be replaced by em que or no qual/na qual. While colloquial speech sometimes uses the simple que (e.g., 'o jeito que ele olha'), using como is preferred for clarity and formal correctness.

5. Distinction from Conjunctions:
Do not confuse this with como used for comparisons ('Ele corre como um atleta') or causes ('Como estava cansado, dormiu'). The relative como always follows a noun.

Examples (4)

  1. Não gostei do modo como ela me respondeu.

    I didn't like the way she answered me.

    Word by Word: Not I-liked of-the mode how she me answered.

    Here, 'como' refers back to 'modo' and describes the manner of the response.

  2. A maneira como você organiza os livros é muito eficiente.

    The way you organize the books is very efficient.

    Word by Word: The way how you organize the books is very efficient.

    In this sentence, 'como' links the action of organizing to the noun 'maneira'.

  3. Precisamos mudar a forma como lidamos com o lixo.

    We need to change the way we deal with trash.

    Word by Word: We-need to-change the form how we-deal with the trash.

    The relative 'como' describes the method or 'form' of dealing with the trash.

  4. Eu admiro o jeito como ele resolve problemas difíceis.

    I admire the way he solves difficult problems.

    Word by Word: I admire the way how he solves problems difficult.

    'Jeito' is a common, slightly more informal antecedent for the relative 'como'.

Common Mistakes

  • Omitting the noun antecedent (transfer from English 'how').

    Eu gosto como você canta.
    Eu gosto da forma como você canta.

    In English, you can say 'I like how you sing.' In Portuguese, 'como' as a relative requires a noun like 'forma' or 'maneira' to refer back to.

  • Using 'onde' (where) to describe a manner.

    Esta é a maneira onde fazemos as coisas.
    Esta é a maneira como fazemos as coisas.

    'Onde' is strictly for physical or figurative places. For 'manner' or 'way', you must use 'como' or 'em que'.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

comoLevel 4Relative Adverb Como

Learn This First

To understand 'como' as a relative adverb of manner, the learner needs to be familiar with its basic use as a question word and its comparative function. Additionally, a foundational understanding of how relative pronouns (like 'que') link clauses is essential for identifying 'como' as a tool to refer back to a previously mentioned manner or way of doing something.

Words in This Pattern