Contanto que

From 'contar' (to count, to tell) + 'tanto' (so much) + 'que' (that). The phrase 'contanto que' literally translates to 'counting so much that' or 'so long as,' indicating a condition or proviso. It has been used in Portuguese for centuries to introduce a condition under which something else can occur. The evolution of this phrase likely reflects a shift from a literal counting or recounting of conditions to a more abstract expression of contingency. Its usage is well-established in both formal and informal contexts, serving as a common conjunction to express stipulations. The construction 'contanto que' is a classic example of how Portuguese, like other Romance languages, forms complex conjunctions from simpler words, often involving verbs and adverbs to convey nuanced meanings of conditionality.