Portuguese · Greetings & Essentials
"Because" in Portuguese: porque
porque
Because in Portuguese is porque. Give reasons with fico porque chove. Por que (two words) asks why; porque (one word) answers because.
Canceling plans
Não vou porque estou doente.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce porque
Say it
por-KEH
/ˈpoʁq.ui/
por-KEH
"Because" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| porque | because Reason (one word). | Reason (one word). |
| por que | why Question (two words). | Question (two words). |
| é porque | it’s because Explanation start. | Explanation start. |
| já que | since / because Softer reason. | Softer reason. |
How to use porque in real life
- 1Canceling plans
Não vou porque estou doente.
I’m not going because I’m sick.
Excuse.
- 2Choosing a seat
Sentei aqui porque tem sombra.
I sat here because there’s shade.
Reason.
- 3Food preference
Peço água porque não bebo refrigerante.
I order water because I don’t drink soda.
Preference.
Mistakes English speakers make with porque
Incorrect: Não vou por que estou doente. (as because)
Correct: Não vou porque estou doente.
Because is one word: porque. Por que asks why.
Incorrect: Não vou because estou cansado.
Correct: Não vou porque estou cansado.
Use porque, not English because.
Good to know
Spelling trips everyone: por que (why), porque (because), porquê (the noun why), por quê (why at the end). Speech sounds the same; writing is where Brazilians double-check.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Explaining a late arrival
ChatPal
Você atrasou porque pegou trânsito?
Were you late because you hit traffic?
You
Sim, porque o ônibus quebrou no caminho.
Yes, because the bus broke down on the way.
ChatPal
Entendi. Avisou porque tinha sinal?
Got it. Did you message because you had signal?
You
Avisei assim que consegui.
I messaged as soon as I could.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Because" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Because" in Portuguese
Because?
Porque (one word).
Why?
Por que (two words).
It’s because…?
É porque…
Softer option?
Já que / como.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
