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A2 conjunction #800 más común 12 min de lectura

por isso

Top 800

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to 'por isso' as a simple way to connect two basic ideas. It is often taught alongside 'porque' (because) to show cause and effect. At this stage, the focus is on daily survival language. For example, 'I am hungry, so I eat' (Estou com fome, por isso como). The learner should understand that 'por isso' comes before the action that results from a situation. It is a vital tool for making simple sentences sound more connected and less like a list of isolated facts. Teachers emphasize that it is two separate words and that it helps answer the question 'What happened next?'. It is one of the first 'logic' words a student learns to move beyond just naming objects and basic actions.

At the A2 level, 'por isso' becomes a staple for describing routines and personal experiences. Learners use it to explain why they made certain choices in the past or what they plan to do. For instance, 'The weather was bad, so I didn't go to the beach' (O tempo estava mau, por isso não fui à praia). At this stage, students start to notice the comma usage and the slightly more formal 'é por isso que' structure. They are encouraged to use it to provide justifications in simple conversations. The focus is on fluency—being able to link two sentences without a long pause. It is also the level where the distinction between 'por isso' (result) and 'para' (purpose) is clarified to avoid common logical errors.

At the B1 level, learners use 'por isso' to discuss more abstract topics, such as work, education, and social issues. They can handle longer sentences and use 'por isso' to structure a short argument or a detailed explanation. For example, 'The company is facing financial difficulties, therefore it will reduce costs' (A empresa está a enfrentar dificuldades financeiras, por isso vai reduzir os custos). Students at this level are expected to use 'por isso' correctly in written compositions, following punctuation rules. They also begin to compare it with synonyms like 'portanto' and 'então', choosing the right word based on the context. The emphasis is on using the phrase to create a cohesive and logical narrative in both speech and writing.

At the B2 level, 'por isso' is used with nuance and precision. Learners understand its role in different registers and can use it to emphasize specific points in a debate or a formal presentation. They are comfortable with the 'é por isso que' structure for rhetorical effect. For example, 'It is precisely for that reason that we must act now' (É precisamente por isso que temos de agir agora). At this stage, students can distinguish between 'por isso' and more formal alternatives like 'por conseguinte' or 'consequentemente', using them appropriately in academic or professional settings. They also recognize how 'por isso' can be used to summarize a complex set of reasons mentioned previously in a text.

At the C1 level, the use of 'por isso' is sophisticated and integrated into a wide range of complex linguistic structures. The learner can use it to manage flow in long, academic essays or high-level professional reports. They understand the subtle stylistic differences between 'por isso', 'assim sendo', and 'desta forma'. They can use 'por isso' to refer back to large blocks of information or complex theories. For example, 'Given the evidence presented in the previous chapters, therefore...' (Dadas as evidências apresentadas nos capítulos anteriores, por isso...). At this level, the focus is on stylistic variety and the ability to use 'por isso' to create a compelling, logical progression in highly nuanced arguments.

At the C2 level, 'por isso' is used with the mastery of a native speaker. The learner understands its historical roots and its place within the broader system of Portuguese discourse markers. They can use it in creative writing, legal documents, or philosophical treatises with perfect accuracy and stylistic flair. They are aware of regional variations in its use and can adapt their choice of conjunction to suit any specific Lusophone audience. At this level, 'por isso' is not just a connector; it is a tool for precision, used to delineate the exact boundaries of cause and effect in the most complex and abstract discussions. The learner can also identify and use archaic or highly literary synonyms when appropriate for the genre.

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

por isso en 30 segundos

A vital conjunction meaning 'therefore' or 'so' used to link a cause to its logical result in any situation.
Formed by 'por' (for) and 'isso' (that), it is universally understood and used across all Portuguese-speaking regions.
It is grammatically simple as it does not require the subjunctive mood, making it easy for beginners to use.
A neutral term that works perfectly in both casual conversations and formal writing to provide clear justifications.

The Portuguese conjunction por isso is one of the most fundamental tools for establishing logical connections between ideas. At its core, it functions as a causal bridge, translating most directly to the English phrases 'therefore,' 'that is why,' or 'so.' It is composed of the preposition por (meaning 'for' or 'because of') and the demonstrative pronoun isso (meaning 'that'). When combined, they literally mean 'because of that' or 'for that reason.' This expression is indispensable for anyone moving beyond basic vocabulary into the realm of complex thought and storytelling. It allows a speaker to present a premise and immediately follow it with its natural consequence, creating a flow of logic that is essential for both daily conversation and formal writing.

Semantic Function: It serves as a transition word that indicates a result or a conclusion derived from the preceding statement. It is the linguistic equivalent of an arrow pointing from a cause to an effect.

Estava a chover muito, por isso decidimos ficar em casa e ver um filme.

In the hierarchy of Portuguese conjunctions, por isso sits in a sweet spot of versatility. While words like portanto or consequentemente might feel slightly more academic or stiff, and então can sometimes feel too informal or vague, por isso is universally accepted across all registers. Whether you are explaining to a friend why you are late or writing a business report about declining sales, this phrase fits perfectly. It provides a clear, unambiguous signal to the listener that the next piece of information is the direct result of what was just mentioned. This clarity is particularly helpful for language learners who need to structure their thoughts in a way that native speakers can easily follow.

Syntactic Placement: It usually appears at the beginning of the second clause, often preceded by a comma or a semicolon, or it can start a completely new sentence to provide emphasis on the result.

Ele não estudou nada para o exame. Por isso, a nota dele foi bastante baixa.

Furthermore, por isso is often used in the emphatic structure é por isso que (it is for that reason that / that is why). This adds a layer of focus to the reason being provided. For example, instead of saying 'I like you, so I help you,' one might say 'I like you, that is why I help you' (Eu gosto de ti, é por isso que te ajudo). This structure is incredibly common in spoken Portuguese and helps to highlight the motivation behind an action. Understanding this variation is key to sounding more natural and expressive in the language.

Register and Tone: It maintains a neutral to slightly formal tone, making it safer than 'então' in professional settings but more approachable than 'por conseguinte' in casual chats.

A empresa quer expandir o mercado, por isso estamos a contratar novos funcionários.

Tu esqueceste-te das chaves, por isso agora temos de esperar pelo teu pai.

Using por isso correctly involves understanding its role as a coordinating conjunction that links two independent clauses. The most common structure involves stating a fact or situation in the first clause, followed by a comma, then por isso, and finally the consequence. This structure mirrors the English 'so' or 'therefore.' It is important to note that por isso does not trigger the subjunctive mood, which is a relief for many learners. It simply describes a factual result of a factual cause, keeping the verbs in the indicative mood.

The Comma Rule: In written Portuguese, por isso is almost always preceded by a comma when it connects two clauses within the same sentence. If it starts a new sentence, it is followed by a comma.

O trânsito estava horrível, por isso cheguei atrasado à reunião importante.

When you want to emphasize the reason, you can use the phrase at the start of a sentence. This creates a more dramatic pause and forces the listener to reflect on the cause mentioned in the previous sentence. This is particularly effective in persuasive speaking or storytelling. For example: 'The team worked through the night. Therefore, the project was a success.' In Portuguese: 'A equipa trabalhou durante toda a noite. Por isso, o projeto foi um sucesso.' Notice the comma after por isso in this specific starting position.

Logical Flow: Always ensure the clause following por isso is the effect. Swapping them would change the meaning entirely or make the sentence nonsensical.

Ela adora animais, por isso decidiu tornar-se veterinária no futuro.

Another sophisticated way to use this term is in combination with 'é' to form 'é por isso que.' This is a cleft sentence structure used for focus. It identifies the specific reason for an action. For instance, 'It is because of the rain that I am wet' becomes 'É por causa da chuva que estou molhado,' but if the rain was already mentioned, you say 'É por isso que estou molhado.' This is very common when answering 'why' questions. If someone asks 'Why are you angry?', you might point to a broken vase and say, 'Por isso!' (Because of that!).

Negative Sentences: The phrase itself doesn't change in negative contexts. You simply negate the verb in the following clause: 'Ele não tem dinheiro, por isso não vai viajar.'

Não tínhamos os ingredientes necessários, por isso não fizemos o bolo de chocolate.

O bilhete era muito caro, por isso optámos por ir ao cinema em vez do concerto.

You will hear por isso everywhere in the Lusophone world, from the busy streets of Luanda to the cafes of Lisbon and the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. It is a workhorse of the Portuguese language. In daily conversation, it acts as the glue that holds explanations together. When a Portuguese person is explaining a delay, a choice, or a feeling, por isso is the most natural way to link the cause to the outcome. It is less formal than the literary destarte and more precise than the ubiquitous então, which can often just be a filler word.

In Media and News: Journalists use it to explain the consequences of political decisions or economic shifts. 'The inflation rose, therefore prices are higher' is a classic news structure.

A greve continua amanhã, por isso os comboios não vão circular durante a manhã.

In the workplace, por isso is essential for professional communication. It is used in meetings to justify strategies or explain project timelines. If a manager says, 'We have a deadline on Friday, por isso we need everyone to focus,' they are using the phrase to create a sense of logical necessity. It sounds professional and clear. In Brazilian Portuguese, you might notice a slight melodic lift when 'por isso' is used to emphasize a point, whereas in Portugal, it might be spoken more quickly and integrated into the rhythm of the sentence.

In Education: Teachers use it constantly to explain rules or scientific concepts. 'Water freezes at zero degrees, therefore it becomes ice' is a typical classroom sentence.

O triângulo tem três lados, por isso a soma dos seus ângulos internos é 180 graus.

In pop culture, particularly in music and soap operas (telenovelas), por isso is used to express emotional causality. A character might say, 'You lied to me, por isso I can never trust you again.' It provides the dramatic justification for their actions. In Fado, the traditional Portuguese music, it often appears when the singer is explaining their saudade or their fate. The word carries the weight of destiny—because things happened a certain way, the current state of sorrow or longing is inevitable.

Regional Nuance: While 'por isso' is universal, some regions might favor 'daí' (from there/hence) in very informal speech to mean the same thing.

Ele é o meu melhor amigo, por isso eu confio nele cegamente.

A bateria do telemóvel acabou, por isso não pude ligar-te mais cedo.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is confusing por isso with porque (because). While they are related in meaning, they function in opposite directions. Porque introduces the cause, while por isso introduces the effect. For example, 'I am tired because I worked' (Estou cansado porque trabalhei) vs 'I worked, therefore I am tired' (Trabalhei, por isso estou cansado). Reversing these will make your sentence logically backward and confusing to a native speaker.

Direction of Logic: Mistake: [Effect] por isso [Cause]. Correct: [Cause] por isso [Effect]. Always check if the result comes after the phrase.

Incorrect: Estudei muito porque passei no exame. (I studied because I passed - logically wrong).

Another common mistake is the spelling and spacing. Learners sometimes write it as one word *porisso or confuse it with por isto (for this). While por isto is grammatically correct, it refers specifically to something physically close or just mentioned in the immediate present, whereas por isso is the standard abstract conjunction for 'therefore.' Additionally, some learners forget the comma in written Portuguese, which can make long sentences difficult to parse. Punctuation in Portuguese is often used to signal these logical transitions clearly.

Spelling and Spacing: Always write it as two separate words: 'por' and 'isso'. Never combine them into a single word in formal writing.

Incorrect: Cheguei tarde porisso perdi o início. (Spelling error).

A more subtle mistake is using por isso when para isso (for that purpose) is intended. Por isso explains a reason that already happened, while para isso explains a goal or intention for the future. For example, 'I want to learn Portuguese, para isso (for that purpose) I study every day.' If you said por isso there, it would imply that studying is the result of wanting to learn, which is also logically sound but carries a different nuance of 'that's why' rather than 'in order to achieve that.'

Cause vs. Purpose: Use 'por isso' for results and 'para isso' for objectives. Confusing the two can make your intentions unclear.

Quero ser médico, por isso estudo biologia. (Correct: studying is the result of the desire).

Quero ser médico; para isso, preciso de entrar na faculdade. (Correct: entering college is the requirement/purpose).

While por isso is incredibly common, expanding your vocabulary with its synonyms will make your Portuguese sound more sophisticated and varied. The most direct formal synonym is portanto. It is used in exactly the same way but carries a slightly more 'written' or 'official' weight. In an essay or a formal speech, portanto is often preferred. Another alternative is assim (thus/so), which is shorter and very common in both speech and writing to show how one thing leads to another.

Formal Alternatives: Words like 'consequentemente' (consequently) and 'por conseguinte' (therefore/hence) are used in academic or legal texts to denote a strict logical progression.

O réu não estava presente; por conseguinte, o julgamento foi adiado.

In very informal, everyday speech, especially in Brazil, you will often hear então used where an English speaker would use 'so.' While então can also mean 'then' (referring to time), it is frequently used to mean 'therefore.' For example, 'I was hungry, so I ate' could be 'Estava com fome, então comi.' However, por isso remains more precise because então is often used as a filler word without much causal meaning. Another colloquial Brazilian option is daí, which literally means 'from there' but is used to mean 'and then/so' in storytelling.

Comparison: Por isso vs. Portanto: 'Por isso' is neutral and versatile. 'Portanto' is slightly more formal and conclusive. Both are interchangeable in most contexts.

Temos pouco tempo, portanto vamos ser breves na nossa explicação.

For learners who want to sound very natural in Portugal, the phrase por causa disso is a common variation that emphasizes the 'cause' aspect. It is slightly more wordy but very clear. On the other hand, desse modo or desta forma (in this way/manner) are excellent for describing the 'how' of a result. If you are explaining a process, these alternatives can provide more clarity than a simple por isso. Understanding these nuances allows you to tailor your speech to the specific context and your desired level of formality.

Summary of Alternatives: Neutral: por isso, então. Formal: portanto, por conseguinte, logo. Descriptive: por causa disso, desse modo.

Ele não cumpriu as regras; desse modo, foi desqualificado da competição.

Não havia luz, logo não conseguimos ler o livro até ao fim.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"A empresa registou perdas; por isso, o conselho decidiu reestruturar o departamento."

Neutral

"O comboio está atrasado, por isso vou chegar tarde."

Informal

"Tô sem grana, por isso não vou."

Child friendly

"O lobo tem dentes grandes, por isso ele consegue comer a maçã."

Jerga

"Ele vacilou, por isso se deu mal."

Dato curioso

The word 'isso' is part of a three-way demonstrative system in Portuguese (este, esse, aquele) which is more complex than the English 'this/that' system. 'Isso' specifically refers to something near the listener.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /puɾ ˈisu/

US /poʊr ˈisu/

The stress is on the first syllable of 'isso' (IS-so).

Rima con

disso misto visto quisto lixo (near rhyme) bicho (near rhyme) riso (near rhyme) fixo

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'por' like the English word 'pore' with an open 'o'.
Pronouncing the 'ss' in 'isso' like a 'z'. It should always be a voiceless 's' sound.
Merging the two words into one sound without a slight break.
Nasalizing the 'i' in 'isso' unnecessarily.
Over-emphasizing the 'r' at the end of 'por' in European Portuguese (where it is often soft).

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it always appears between related ideas.

Escritura 2/5

Requires correct punctuation (commas) to look professional.

Expresión oral 2/5

Easy to use, but requires practice to avoid confusing it with 'porque'.

Escucha 1/5

Clear pronunciation makes it easy to spot in conversation.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

por isso porque mas e

Aprende después

portanto então visto que embora contudo

Avanzado

por conseguinte destarte consequentemente assim sendo posto isto

Gramática que debes saber

Coordinating Conjunctions

Used to join two independent clauses without changing verb mood.

Punctuation with Conjunctions

Always use a comma before 'por isso' when connecting two clauses.

Demonstrative Pronouns

Understanding 'isso' (near listener) vs 'isto' (near speaker).

Causal Clauses

Distinguishing between cause (porque) and consequence (por isso).

Cleft Sentences

Using 'É por isso que...' for focus and emphasis.

Ejemplos por nivel

Estou cansado, por isso vou dormir.

I am tired, so I am going to sleep.

Simple cause and effect using the present tense.

Tenho sede, por isso bebo água.

I am thirsty, so I drink water.

Connecting two basic physiological states.

Está frio, por isso uso um casaco.

It is cold, so I wear a coat.

Using 'por isso' to explain a choice based on weather.

Gosto de fruta, por isso como uma maçã.

I like fruit, so I eat an apple.

Expressing a preference and its result.

O carro é velho, por isso é lento.

The car is old, so it is slow.

Linking a characteristic to a consequence.

É tarde, por isso vou para casa.

It is late, so I am going home.

Using 'por isso' to justify an action.

O livro é bom, por isso eu leio.

The book is good, so I read it.

Simple logical connection.

Tenho fome, por isso faço uma sanduíche.

I am hungry, so I make a sandwich.

Cause (hunger) leads to action (making food).

Não tenho dinheiro, por isso não vou ao cinema.

I don't have money, so I'm not going to the cinema.

Negative result based on a lack of resources.

Ela estuda muito, por isso tem boas notas.

She studies a lot, so she has good grades.

Connecting effort with success.

O restaurante está cheio, por isso vamos a outro.

The restaurant is full, so we are going to another one.

Making a decision based on a situation.

Perdi o autocarro, por isso cheguei atrasado.

I missed the bus, so I arrived late.

Explaining a past event and its consequence.

Eles são amigos, por isso jogam futebol juntos.

They are friends, so they play football together.

Social relationship leading to shared activity.

Amanhã é feriado, por isso não trabalho.

Tomorrow is a holiday, so I don't work.

Future state resulting from a scheduled event.

O filme é triste, por isso ela chora.

The movie is sad, so she cries.

Emotional reaction to a stimulus.

Está a chover, por isso levo o guarda-chuva.

It is raining, so I take the umbrella.

Practical response to weather conditions.

O trânsito estava muito condicionado, por isso demorei uma hora a chegar.

Traffic was very restricted, therefore it took me an hour to arrive.

Using 'por isso' with more complex time expressions.

A empresa quer poupar energia, por isso desligamos as luzes à noite.

The company wants to save energy, so we turn off the lights at night.

Justifying a collective policy or action.

Ele não se sentia bem, por isso decidiu marcar uma consulta no médico.

He wasn't feeling well, so he decided to book a doctor's appointment.

Connecting a physical state to a medical decision.

O computador avariou, por isso tive de comprar um novo para trabalhar.

The computer broke down, so I had to buy a new one for work.

Explaining a necessary purchase.

A cidade é muito bonita, por isso muitos turistas visitam-na todos os anos.

The city is very beautiful, therefore many tourists visit it every year.

General statement about tourism and its cause.

Não percebi a explicação, por isso pedi ao professor para repetir.

I didn't understand the explanation, so I asked the teacher to repeat.

Communication breakdown and its resolution.

Eles querem comprar uma casa, por isso estão a poupar dinheiro todos os meses.

They want to buy a house, so they are saving money every month.

Long-term goal and the resulting behavior.

O concerto foi cancelado, por isso ficámos muito desiludidos.

The concert was cancelled, so we were very disappointed.

Passive voice and emotional consequence.

A inflação subiu inesperadamente, por isso o governo teve de ajustar as taxas de juro.

Inflation rose unexpectedly, therefore the government had to adjust interest rates.

Economic context and formal policy reaction.

O projeto foi concluído antes do prazo, por isso a equipa recebeu um bónus.

The project was completed before the deadline, so the team received a bonus.

Professional achievement and reward.

Houve uma falha no sistema de segurança, por isso os dados foram comprometidos.

There was a failure in the security system, therefore the data was compromised.

Technical failure and its serious consequence.

Ela tem um talento natural para a música, por isso foi aceite na melhor academia.

She has a natural talent for music, so she was accepted into the best academy.

Linking innate ability to a prestigious outcome.

O debate foi muito intenso, por isso ainda não chegámos a um consenso final.

The debate was very intense, so we haven't reached a final consensus yet.

Complex social interaction and its lack of result.

A tecnologia está a evoluir rapidamente, por isso precisamos de nos atualizar constantemente.

Technology is evolving rapidly, therefore we need to update ourselves constantly.

General trend and the resulting necessity.

O autor utiliza muitas metáforas, por isso o livro é difícil de interpretar.

The author uses many metaphors, so the book is difficult to interpret.

Literary analysis and its effect on the reader.

Não houve investimento suficiente na educação, por isso os resultados escolares baixaram.

There wasn't enough investment in education, so school results dropped.

Socio-political cause and effect.

A teoria carece de fundamentação empírica, por isso a comunidade científica permanece cética.

The theory lacks empirical foundation, therefore the scientific community remains skeptical.

Academic discourse and intellectual stance.

O declínio demográfico é uma realidade, por isso urge implementar políticas de apoio à natalidade.

Demographic decline is a reality, therefore it is urgent to implement birth support policies.

High-level social commentary and urgency.

A obra reflete as tensões da época, por isso é considerada um marco do modernismo.

The work reflects the tensions of the era, so it is considered a landmark of modernism.

Art criticism and historical categorization.

O sistema jurídico é complexo, por isso a interpretação das leis exige especialistas qualificados.

The legal system is complex, therefore the interpretation of laws requires qualified specialists.

Legal context and professional requirement.

A escassez de recursos naturais é alarmante, por isso a sustentabilidade tornou-se uma prioridade global.

The scarcity of natural resources is alarming, so sustainability has become a global priority.

Global issues and shifting priorities.

O filósofo questiona a natureza da realidade, por isso a sua obra é frequentemente mal compreendida.

The philosopher questions the nature of reality, so his work is often misunderstood.

Philosophical analysis and reception.

A volatilidade dos mercados é elevada, por isso os investidores devem ser cautelosos nas suas decisões.

Market volatility is high, therefore investors should be cautious in their decisions.

Financial advice and market conditions.

A narrativa é fragmentada e não linear, por isso exige uma atenção redobrada por parte do leitor.

The narrative is fragmented and non-linear, so it requires extra attention from the reader.

Advanced literary technique and its demands.

A ontologia do ser precede a sua existência social, por isso a liberdade individual é um imperativo ético.

The ontology of being precedes its social existence, therefore individual freedom is an ethical imperative.

Deep philosophical reasoning.

A jurisprudência evoluiu significativamente, por isso a aplicação da norma deve ser contextualizada.

Jurisprudence has evolved significantly, therefore the application of the rule must be contextualized.

Advanced legal theory.

A entropia do sistema tende a aumentar, por isso a manutenção da ordem exige um aporte constante de energia.

The entropy of the system tends to increase, so the maintenance of order requires a constant input of energy.

Scientific principle and its logical consequence.

O paradigma estético sofreu uma rutura, por isso as formas tradicionais de representação foram abandonadas.

The aesthetic paradigm underwent a rupture, therefore traditional forms of representation were abandoned.

Art history and paradigm shifts.

A hermenêutica do texto revela camadas de significado ocultas, por isso a sua leitura nunca é unívoca.

The hermeneutics of the text reveal hidden layers of meaning, so its reading is never univocal.

Advanced textual analysis.

A soberania nacional é um conceito em mutação, por isso as relações internacionais exigem novos quadros teóricos.

National sovereignty is a changing concept, therefore international relations require new theoretical frameworks.

Political science and global theory.

A neuroplasticidade permite a reconfiguração cerebral, por isso a aprendizagem ao longo da vida é biologicamente possível.

Neuroplasticity allows for brain reconfiguration, so lifelong learning is biologically possible.

Neuroscience and its implications.

O determinismo histórico é frequentemente contestado, por isso a agência humana recupera o seu papel central na narrativa.

Historical determinism is often contested, therefore human agency recovers its central role in the narrative.

Historiography and philosophical debate.

Colocaciones comunes

é por isso que

só por isso

precisamente por isso

talvez por isso

mesmo por isso

também por isso

justamente por isso

não é por isso

por isso tudo

e por isso

Frases Comunes

Por isso mesmo!

É por isso que...

Só por isso?

Não foi por isso.

Por isso, cuidado.

Foi por isso que...

Por isso e muito mais.

Apenas por isso.

Por isso não!

E por isso?

Se confunde a menudo con

por isso vs porque

Porque introduces the reason (cause), while por isso introduces the result (effect).

por isso vs para isso

Para isso means 'for that purpose' (goal), while por isso means 'therefore' (result).

por isso vs por isto

Por isto refers to something physically present or just said, while por isso is the general conjunction.

Modismos y expresiones

"Por isso e por aquilo"

For one reason or another; for various reasons.

Ele não veio por isso e por aquilo.

Informal

"Não é por isso que o mundo vai acabar"

It's not the end of the world; it's not that serious.

Perdeste o jogo, mas não é por isso que o mundo vai acabar.

Colloquial

"Por isso mesmo é que a porca torce o rabo"

That's exactly where the problem lies (Brazilian idiom).

Temos de pagar hoje? Por isso mesmo é que a porca torce o rabo.

Slang/Idiomatic

"Fazer por isso"

To work for it; to make an effort to achieve something.

Queres ser rico? Tens de fazer por isso.

Neutral

"Dar por isso"

To notice something; to realize.

Ele entrou na sala e eu nem dei por isso.

Neutral

"Não ser por isso"

Don't mention it; it's nothing (response to thanks).

— Obrigado pela ajuda. — Não seja por isso.

Polite

"Por isso ou por assado"

One way or another; for this reason or that.

Ele acaba sempre por ganhar, por isso ou por assado.

Informal

"Ir por isso abaixo"

To go downhill; to fail miserably.

O negócio foi por isso abaixo depois da crise.

Informal

"Por isso é que a gente se entende"

That's why we get along so well.

Tu gostas de pizza e eu também, por isso é que a gente se entende.

Informal

"Passar por isso"

To go through that (usually a difficult experience).

Eu sei o que sentes, eu já passei por isso.

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

por isso vs pois

Both can mean 'therefore'.

'Pois' is more formal when it means 'therefore' and usually comes after the verb or at the start of a sentence.

Estudei; passei, pois, no exame.

por isso vs então

Both mean 'so'.

'Então' can also mean 'then' (time), whereas 'por isso' is strictly causal.

Fui ao mercado, então (then) fui ao banco.

por isso vs assim

Both show consequence.

'Assim' often means 'thus' or 'in this way', focusing on the manner of the result.

Ele fez assim, por isso funcionou.

por isso vs logo

Both mean 'therefore'.

'Logo' implies an immediate logical deduction or 'soon'.

Penso, logo existo.

por isso vs daí

Both used for results.

'Daí' is very informal and common in Brazil to mean 'and then/so'.

Ele caiu, daí começou a chorar.

Patrones de oraciones

[Subject] [Verb], por isso [Verb].

Eu como, por isso estou satisfeito.

[Clause], por isso não [Verb].

Não tenho tempo, por isso não vou.

É por isso que [Subject] [Verb].

É por isso que eu estudo muito.

[Past Clause], por isso [Past Verb].

Choveu, por isso fiquei em casa.

[Complex Clause]; por isso, [Result].

A economia abrandou; por isso, o desemprego subiu.

Justamente por isso [Clause].

Justamente por isso eu não aceitei a proposta.

Talvez por isso [Subject] [Verb].

Talvez por isso a obra seja tão famosa.

Por isso tudo, [Conclusion].

Por isso tudo, conclui-se que a teoria é válida.

Familia de palabras

Relacionado

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Portuguese.

Errores comunes

Estudei muito porque passei. → Estudei muito, por isso passei.
The speaker reversed the logic. You study (cause), therefore you pass (result). 'Porque' introduces the cause.
Eu gosto de chocolate porisso como sempre. → Eu gosto de chocolate, por isso como sempre.
'Por isso' is always two words. Also, a comma is needed before the conjunction.
Estou doente, para isso não vou trabalhar. → Estou doente, por isso não vou trabalhar.
'Para isso' means 'for that purpose'. 'Por isso' is used for results.
Por isso eu não fui à festa. → Por isso, eu não fui à festa.
When starting a sentence with 'Por isso', a comma is required after it for correct punctuation.
Ele é rico por isso que ele tem um carro caro. → Ele é rico, por isso tem um carro caro. (OR) É por isso que ele tem um carro caro.
Don't mix 'por isso' and 'por isso que' in the same simple structure without 'é'.

Consejos

Comma Usage

Always remember to put a comma before 'por isso' when it's in the middle of a sentence. It makes your writing look much more professional and easier to read.

Natural Flow

In casual conversation, you can use 'então' as a shortcut, but 'por isso' will make your explanations sound clearer and more logical.

Variety is Key

If you find yourself using 'por isso' too much in a text, try swapping some instances with 'portanto' or 'assim' to keep your writing interesting.

Listen for Emphasis

Native speakers often stress the 'isso' part when they want to make a strong point. Listen for this to understand what they consider the most important reason.

Formal Reports

In business or academic writing, 'por conseguinte' is a great alternative to 'por isso' that will impress your readers with your vocabulary range.

The Equal Sign

Think of 'por isso' as the '=' sign in a math problem. Cause + por isso = Result. This helps you remember the correct order of the sentence.

Regional Choice

In Brazil, don't be surprised to hear 'por causa disso' more often in casual talk. It's just a slightly more descriptive way of saying the same thing.

Don't Confuse with 'Porque'

Always double-check: are you giving the reason (porque) or the result (por isso)? Reversing them is the most common mistake for learners.

Daily Routine

Try to describe your day using 'por isso'. For example: 'Acordei tarde, por isso tive de correr.' It's a great way to practice logical linking.

Cleft Sentences

Master the 'É por isso que...' structure. It's a very 'native' way to emphasize reasons and will make you sound much more fluent.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'POR' as 'FOR' and 'ISSO' as 'THAT'. 'FOR THAT' reason, I am doing this. It sounds like 'Poor Issue'—if you have a poor issue, *therefore* you need a solution.

Asociación visual

Imagine a giant arrow pointing from a dark cloud (cause) to an umbrella (result). The arrow has 'POR ISSO' written on it.

Word Web

Causa Efeito Razão Consequência Portanto Explicação Lógica Conjunção

Desafío

Try to use 'por isso' three times in your next conversation to explain your daily routine.

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the combination of the Latin preposition 'per' (through, by means of) and the Latin demonstrative 'ipsum' (itself, that very thing). Over centuries of linguistic evolution in the Iberian Peninsula, 'per' became 'por' and 'ipsum' evolved into 'isso'.

Significado original: Because of that very thing / Through that.

Romance (Indo-European)

Contexto cultural

There are no specific sensitivities; it is a neutral, safe conjunction.

English speakers often over-rely on 'so'. Learning 'por isso' helps break the habit of using 'então' for everything.

Used frequently in the lyrics of Amália Rodrigues (Fado singer). Common in the philosophical writings of Fernando Pessoa. A staple in the dialogues of Brazilian 'Novelas' like 'O Clone'.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Giving Directions

A rua está fechada, por isso vire à esquerda.
O mapa é antigo, por isso tenha cuidado.
É longe, por isso vá de carro.
O sinal está vermelho, por isso pare.

At Work

O chefe está em reunião, por isso não entre.
O prazo é hoje, por isso despache-se.
O ficheiro é grande, por isso demora a enviar.
Temos visitas, por isso limpe a mesa.

Shopping

É caro, por isso não compro.
Está em promoção, por isso levo dois.
Não serve, por isso vou trocar.
É de boa qualidade, por isso dura muito.

Health

Dói-me a cabeça, por isso vou descansar.
Tenho febre, por isso não saio.
É contagioso, por isso use máscara.
Estou melhor, por isso vou trabalhar.

Socializing

É o teu aniversário, por isso parabéns!
Gosto de ti, por isso convidei-te.
Não conheço ninguém, por isso estou tímido.
A festa é longe, por isso vamos juntos.

Inicios de conversación

"O tempo está ótimo hoje, por isso o que queres fazer?"

"Eu adoro comida italiana, por isso conheces algum bom restaurante?"

"Amanhã não trabalho, por isso queres ir dar um passeio?"

"O meu telemóvel está sem bateria, por isso podes emprestar-me o teu?"

"Ainda não vi esse filme, por isso não me contes o final!"

Temas para diario

Hoje acordei muito cedo, por isso o meu dia foi...

Quero aprender português fluentemente, por isso todos os dias eu...

A minha cidade favorita é..., por isso eu gostaria de...

Sinto-me muito feliz quando..., por isso tento sempre...

O meu maior objetivo este ano é..., por isso estou a planear...

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, you can start a sentence with 'Por isso' to provide emphasis. In this case, you should follow it with a comma. For example: 'Por isso, decidimos cancelar a viagem.' This is very common when you want to link back to a long explanation in the previous sentence.

'Por isso' is neutral and used in everyday conversation. 'Portanto' is slightly more formal and is more common in writing or professional settings. They are generally interchangeable in terms of meaning, but 'portanto' sounds more conclusive and polished.

No, 'por isso' is an invariable phrase. It never changes to 'por essa' or 'por esses' when used as a conjunction meaning 'therefore'. It always remains 'por isso' regardless of the nouns in the sentence.

Yes, 'por isso' is used and understood perfectly in all Portuguese-speaking countries. While Brazil has some colloquial alternatives like 'daí', 'por isso' remains the standard and most correct way to express 'therefore' in both variants.

Generally, no. 'Por isso' introduces a factual result of a factual cause, so it is used with the indicative mood. You would say 'Por isso eu vou' (indicative) rather than 'Por isso eu vá' (subjunctive).

The most natural way to say 'That's why' is 'É por isso que'. For example: 'É por isso que eu estou aqui' (That's why I am here). You can also just say 'Por isso' if the context is already clear.

It is always two separate words: 'por' and 'isso'. Writing it as 'porisso' is a common spelling mistake that should be avoided in all forms of writing.

You should use a comma before 'por isso' when it connects two clauses in the same sentence. If 'Por isso' starts a new sentence, place a comma after it. This helps the reader identify the logical transition.

Yes, literally it means 'because of that' or 'for that reason'. It points back to the reason mentioned just before it. If you want to say 'because of this' specifically, you could use 'por isto', but 'por isso' is the standard conjunction.

There isn't a single word opposite, but phrases like 'apesar disso' (despite that) or 'mesmo assim' (even so) are used to show that a result happened contrary to what the cause would suggest.