o quê en 30 secondes
- O quê means 'What' and is used to ask questions.
- It's a versatile pronoun for inquiring about things and actions.
- Use it at the beginning of questions or after prepositions.
- Essential for basic Portuguese communication.
- Meaning
- 'O quê' is a Portuguese interrogative pronoun that translates to 'What' in English. It is used to ask for information about things, actions, or situations. It's a fundamental word for forming questions and expressing curiosity about the world around you.
- Usage
- It is typically used at the beginning of a question, or after a preposition. For example, when you want to know what someone is doing, or what something is. It's very common in everyday conversations, whether you're asking for clarification, expressing surprise, or simply trying to understand something new. Its versatility makes it indispensable for beginners learning Portuguese.
Você quer o quê?
Não entendi o quê.
- Contexts
- You'll hear 'o quê' in a wide range of situations. When you're ordering food, asking for directions, inquiring about someone's feelings, or trying to understand a new concept. It’s also used in exclamations of surprise or disbelief. For instance, if someone tells you something unexpected, you might exclaim, 'O quê?!' (What?!). It's a word that bridges the gap between not knowing and understanding.
O que é isso?
Ele disse o quê?
- Basic Questions
- The most common use of 'o quê' is to ask a direct question about something. It usually appears at the beginning of the sentence or after a verb. For example, 'O que é isso?' (What is this?) is a very basic and useful phrase. When you want to ask what someone is doing, you can say, 'O que você está fazendo?' (What are you doing?). These simple structures are perfect for beginners to start forming their own questions and interacting with native speakers.
O que você comeu no café da manhã?
- After Prepositions
- 'O quê' frequently follows prepositions to ask about the object or nature of something related to that preposition. For instance, 'Com o quê você escreveu?' (With what did you write?). This construction is crucial for more nuanced questions. Another example is 'Para o quê serve isso?' (What is this for?). Mastering these post-prepositional uses will significantly improve your ability to ask precise questions and understand detailed responses.
De o quê ele está falando?
Em o quê você pensa?
- Indirect Questions and Exclamations
- 'O quê' can also be used in indirect questions, though less commonly at the A1 level. For example, 'Eu queria saber o quê você quer.' (I wanted to know what you want.). More frequently, it's used in exclamations to express surprise or disbelief. A simple 'O quê?!' can convey a strong reaction. These uses add emotional depth and conversational flair to your Portuguese.
O quê?! Isso não é possível!
- Everyday Conversations
- 'O quê' is a cornerstone of everyday Portuguese. You'll hear it constantly in casual chats. Imagine yourself in a café in Lisbon or Rio de Janeiro. The waiter might ask, 'O que você vai pedir?' (What are you going to order?). A friend might inquire, 'O que você fez no fim de semana?' (What did you do on the weekend?). Even simple interactions, like asking for the time, might involve 'o quê' indirectly. It’s the sound of genuine communication.
O que você está lendo?
- Media and Entertainment
- From Portuguese television shows and movies to radio programs and podcasts, 'o quê' is ubiquitous. News anchors might ask, 'O que aconteceu na bolsa de valores hoje?' (What happened on the stock market today?). In a dramatic scene, a character might exclaim, 'O que você fez comigo?!' (What have you done to me?!). Even in songs, you'll find this versatile pronoun used to express longing, confusion, or curiosity. Listening to Portuguese media is an excellent way to internalize its natural usage.
O que mais te preocupa?
- Educational Settings
- In classrooms, teachers use 'o quê' to guide learning. 'O que significa esta palavra?' (What does this word mean?) is a common question. Students also use it to seek clarification: 'Professor, o que devo fazer agora?' (Teacher, what should I do now?). It's a fundamental tool for language acquisition, helping learners to ask for definitions, instructions, and explanations.
O que você aprendeu hoje?
- Confusing with 'Que'
- A common pitfall for learners is not distinguishing between 'que' and 'o quê'. While 'que' can also mean 'what', 'o quê' is specifically used as an interrogative pronoun, especially after prepositions or at the end of a sentence where a pronoun is needed. For example, 'Que livro você está lendo?' (What book are you reading?) uses 'que' as a determiner, modifying 'livro'. However, 'Você gosta de o quê?' (What do you like?) requires 'o quê' because it stands alone as the object of the preposition 'de'. Overusing 'que' where 'o quê' is needed can sound unnatural or even incorrect.
Incorrect: De que você está pensando?
- Omitting the Article
- Another frequent mistake is forgetting the definite article 'o' before 'quê' when it functions as a pronoun. While 'que' alone can sometimes function as 'that' or 'which', when asking 'what', especially after a preposition or in certain sentence structures, 'o quê' is grammatically correct. For instance, saying 'Estou pensando que' sounds like 'I'm thinking that', not 'I'm thinking about what'. The correct form would be 'Estou pensando em o quê'.
Incorrect: Você precisa de que?
- Incorrect Word Order
- While Portuguese word order can be flexible, certain patterns are more natural. Placing 'o quê' in an awkward position can lead to confusion. For example, trying to ask 'What are you doing?' as 'Você o quê está fazendo?' is incorrect. The standard and most natural way is 'O que você está fazendo?'. Similarly, questions starting with 'O quê' are very common and generally safe for learners.
Incorrect: Você o quê quer comer?
- 'Que' (Interrogative Determiner)
- 'Que' is often confused with 'o quê'. While 'o quê' is a pronoun, 'que' can function as an interrogative determiner, meaning it modifies a noun. It essentially asks 'Which' or 'What' followed by a noun. For example, 'Que livro você está lendo?' (What book are you reading?). Here, 'que' specifies the type of book. 'O quê', on the other hand, stands alone as the object of inquiry. 'Você está lendo o quê?' (What are you reading?). In this case, 'o quê' is the direct object and refers to the content being read.
Using 'Que': Que cor você prefere?
- 'O que' (Interrogative Pronoun - less formal/spoken)
- In spoken Portuguese, especially in Brazil, 'o que' is frequently used as a more informal or colloquial alternative to 'o quê', particularly when it starts a sentence. For example, 'O que você quer?' is very common and perfectly acceptable. However, after a preposition, 'o quê' is generally preferred for clarity and grammatical correctness, though 'o que' might still be heard in very informal speech. For learners, sticking to 'o quê' after prepositions is a safer bet to avoid errors.
Using 'O que' (common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese): O que você está fazendo?
- 'Qual' (Interrogative Pronoun)
- 'Qual' is another interrogative pronoun that translates to 'Which' or 'What'. It is used when there is a choice among a set of options or when asking for a specific item from a known group. For instance, 'Qual é o seu nome?' (What is your name?). You wouldn't ask 'O quê é o seu nome?'. 'Qual' is also used when asking for a specific thing among others. 'Qual livro você prefere?' (Which book do you prefer?). 'O quê' is more general and asks about the nature or identity of something without implying a choice.
Using 'Qual': Qual é a sua cor favorita?
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The transformation from Latin 'quid' to Portuguese 'o quê' illustrates how languages evolve through phonetic changes and grammatical additions. The addition of the article 'o' helped to solidify its function as a pronoun asking 'what' specifically, rather than just the interrogative particle 'que'.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing the 'o' as in 'hot'.
- Pronouncing 'quê' as 'kwee'.
- Not stressing the 'quê' syllable.
Niveau de difficulté
At the A1 CEFR level, 'o quê' is introduced as a fundamental question word. Understanding its basic usage in simple sentences is straightforward. Learners will encounter it frequently in beginner texts and dialogues.
Forming simple questions with 'o quê' is manageable for A1 learners. The main challenge lies in remembering to use it correctly after prepositions and distinguishing it from 'que'.
Exemples par niveau
O que é isso?
What is this?
'O que' is used here to ask for the identity of an object.
Você quer o quê?
What do you want?
'O quê' follows the verb 'querer' (to want) to ask about the object of desire.
Não entendi o quê.
I didn't understand what.
'O quê' is used here to refer to the thing not understood.
O que você está fazendo?
What are you doing?
A common question structure using 'o que' to inquire about an ongoing action.
O que é isso aqui?
What is this here?
Similar to 'O que é isso?', but emphasizes the immediate location.
O que você disse?
What did you say?
Used to ask for clarification of something previously spoken.
O que você come?
What do you eat?
A simple question about dietary habits or current food choices.
O que isso significa?
What does this mean?
Used to ask for the meaning of something.
Com o quê você escreveu este texto?
With what did you write this text?
'O quê' follows the preposition 'com' to ask about the tool used.
Para o quê serve este objeto?
What is this object for?
'O quê' follows the preposition 'para' to ask about the purpose.
Você está pensando em o quê?
What are you thinking about?
'O quê' follows the preposition 'em' to inquire about someone's thoughts.
De o quê você está falando?
What are you talking about?
'O quê' follows the preposition 'de' to ask about the subject of conversation.
O que você comprou na loja?
What did you buy at the store?
A common question about recent purchases.
O que você aprendeu na aula de hoje?
What did you learn in today's class?
Used to inquire about knowledge gained from a lesson.
O que aconteceu ontem à noite?
What happened last night?
A question about past events.
O que você acha desta ideia?
What do you think of this idea?
Used to ask for an opinion.
Não sei de o quê você está reclamando.
I don't know what you are complaining about.
'O quê' is used in a subordinate clause after the preposition 'de'.
Explique-me o quê você quer dizer com isso.
Explain to me what you mean by that.
'O quê' introduces a noun clause explaining what needs to be explained.
Queria saber em o quê você está trabalhando.
I wanted to know what you are working on.
Indirect question structure using 'o quê' after a preposition.
O que motivou você a fazer essa escolha?
What motivated you to make this choice?
A more complex question asking about the driving force behind an action.
O que você espera alcançar com este projeto?
What do you hope to achieve with this project?
Focuses on aspirations and outcomes.
O que você faria se ganhasse na loteria?
What would you do if you won the lottery?
A hypothetical question exploring possibilities.
O que o levou a se interessar por este assunto?
What led you to become interested in this subject?
Asks about the origin of an interest.
O que podemos fazer para melhorar a situação?
What can we do to improve the situation?
A question focused on problem-solving and collective action.
O que você entende por 'liberdade de expressão'?
What do you understand by 'freedom of expression'?
Asks for a definition or interpretation of an abstract concept.
O que o levou a questionar as normas estabelecidas?
What led you to question the established norms?
Probes into the reasons behind dissent or critical thinking.
Em o quê você baseia sua opinião sobre este tema?
On what do you base your opinion on this topic?
Asks for the foundation or evidence supporting a belief.
O que você acha que será o impacto a longo prazo?
What do you think will be the long-term impact?
Predictive question about future consequences.
O que o levou a discordar do consenso geral?
What led you to disagree with the general consensus?
Investigates the reasons for diverging from popular opinion.
O que você considera ser o principal desafio desta empreitada?
What do you consider to be the main challenge of this undertaking?
Asks to identify the primary obstacle in a complex endeavor.
O que você faria para reverter essa tendência?
What would you do to reverse this trend?
Focuses on corrective actions for a negative pattern.
O que te impede de alcançar seus objetivos?
What is preventing you from achieving your goals?
Identifies barriers to personal or professional aspirations.
O que você postula acerca da natureza da consciência?
What do you postulate about the nature of consciousness?
Uses formal vocabulary ('postula') to ask for a theoretical proposition.
O que o levou a adotar uma postura tão cética?
What led you to adopt such a skeptical stance?
Explores the origins of a critical or doubtful perspective.
Em o quê se fundamenta a sua crítica?
On what is your criticism based?
Asks for the theoretical or factual basis of a critique.
O que você prevê como as consequências éticas?
What do you foresee as the ethical consequences?
Focuses on the moral ramifications of an action or development.
O que o levou a reavaliar seus princípios fundamentais?
What led you to re-evaluate your fundamental principles?
Investigates the catalyst for a shift in core values.
O que você propõe como solução para este dilema social?
What do you propose as a solution for this social dilemma?
Asks for a proposed resolution to a complex societal issue.
O que você considera ser o cerne da questão?
What do you consider to be the core of the issue?
Seeks to identify the central element of a problem.
O que o levou a transcender as limitações impostas?
What led you to transcend the imposed limitations?
Explores the motivation for overcoming barriers.
O que você infere das evidências apresentadas?
What do you infer from the presented evidence?
Asks for deductions based on provided information.
O que o levou a questionar a ortodoxia científica?
What led you to question scientific orthodoxy?
Probes the reasons for deviating from mainstream scientific thought.
Em o quê se alicerça a sua argumentação?
On what is your argumentation founded?
Asks for the fundamental basis of a complex argument.
O que você antevê como as repercussões paradigmáticas?
What do you foresee as the paradigmatic repercussions?
Predicts profound, transformative consequences.
O que o levou a reinterpretar os textos canônicos?
What led you to reinterpret the canonical texts?
Investigates the motivation for a new reading of foundational works.
O que você propõe como um novo paradigma para a resolução de conflitos?
What do you propose as a new paradigm for conflict resolution?
Asks for a groundbreaking model for resolving disputes.
O que você considera ser o nexo causal entre estes fenômenos?
What do you consider to be the causal nexus between these phenomena?
Seeks to identify the direct cause-and-effect relationship.
O que o levou a transcender as fronteiras disciplinares?
What led you to transcend disciplinary boundaries?
Explores the motivation for cross-disciplinary innovation.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— This is a fundamental question used to ask 'What is this?'. It's perfect for identifying objects around you.
Você aponta para um objeto estranho e pergunta: 'O que é isso?'
— A direct way to ask 'What do you want?'. It can be used in various situations, from ordering in a restaurant to understanding someone's needs.
O vendedor pergunta ao cliente: 'O que você quer?'
— This phrase means 'What happened?'. Use it when you notice something unusual or want to know about a past event.
Você ouve um barulho alto e pergunta: 'O que aconteceu?'
— This translates to 'What are you doing?'. It's used to inquire about someone's current activity.
Você vê seu amigo ocupado e pergunta: 'O que você está fazendo?'
— Meaning 'What does it mean?', this is essential for understanding new words or concepts.
Você encontra uma palavra desconhecida e pergunta: 'O que significa esta palavra?'
— This means 'What do you think?'. It's used to ask for someone's opinion or thoughts on a matter.
Você apresenta uma ideia e pergunta: 'O que você acha?'
— A common expression meaning 'I don't know what to do.' It expresses uncertainty or indecision.
Diante de um problema complexo, você diz: 'Não sei o que fazer.'
— 'What did you say?' Used when you didn't hear or understand something someone said.
Você não ouviu bem e pede: 'Desculpe, o que você disse?'
— Means 'What else?'. Used to inquire if there is anything further needed or to be added.
Após receber um item, o cliente pergunta: 'O que mais?'
— Literally 'What is good?', this can be used informally to ask 'What's up?' or 'What's good?' in a casual greeting.
Encontrando um amigo, você pode perguntar: 'E aí, o que é bom?'
Expressions idiomatiques
— This is an emphatic construction, often used to draw attention to the question. It doesn't change the meaning significantly but adds emphasis. It's like saying 'What is it that...?'
O que é que você quer de mim?
Neutral/Slightly Emphatic— This construction implies 'What does one do...' or 'What is done...'. It's often used for general advice or common practices.
O que se faz em caso de emergência?
Neutral/General— This idiom means 'What's wrong with...' or 'What's the matter with...'. It's used to inquire about a problem or issue.
O que há com o carro? Ele não liga.
Informal/Problem-focused— A colloquial expression meaning 'What's gotten into you?' or 'What's wrong with you?'. It's used when someone is behaving unusually.
Você está agindo de forma estranha. O que é que deu em você?
Informal/Surprised— This proverb translates to 'What the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't feel.' It suggests that ignorance is bliss, or that if you don't know about something bad, you won't suffer from it.
Ele traiu a esposa, mas ela não sabe. Afinal, o que o olho não vê, o coração não sente.
Proverbial/Folk Wisdom— Literally 'What comes, is welcome.' This implies an attitude of acceptance and resilience towards whatever happens, good or bad.
Não sei o que o futuro reserva, mas o que vier, a bem-vindo.
Philosophical/Resilient— This proverb means 'What you sow, you shall reap.' It emphasizes that actions have consequences.
Ele sempre foi honesto e trabalhador, e agora está prosperando. O que se planta, se colhe.
Proverbial/Moral— This saying translates to 'What cannot be cured must be endured.' It's about accepting unavoidable hardships.
Com a sua doença incurável, ele aprendeu a viver com ela: o que não pode ser curado, deve ser suportado.
Philosophical/Stoic— This means 'What is worth it, is worth waiting for.' It emphasizes patience for valuable outcomes.
Ele trabalhou anos para construir sua empresa. O que vale a pena, vale a pena esperar.
Proverbial/Patient— This phrase means 'What is meant to be, will be.' It reflects a sense of destiny or fate.
Por mais que tentem mudar o curso dos eventos, ela acredita que o que é para ser, será.
Fatalistic/ResignedFamille de mots
Apparenté
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a detective asking 'O quê?' (What?) to a suspect, pointing at a mysterious object. The 'o' sounds like the detective's round eyes widening in surprise, and 'quê' sounds like the sharp, questioning 'kay' of his voice.
Association visuelle
Picture a question mark (?) with a small, masculine article 'o' floating beside it. The question mark represents the inquiry, and the 'o' signifies the masculine pronoun asking 'What?'.
Word Web
Défi
For the next hour, try to consciously use 'o quê' in your thoughts or in practice sentences. Ask yourself 'O que é isso?' about objects around you, or 'O que eu preciso fazer agora?'.
Origine du mot
The Portuguese word 'o quê' originates from Latin. It evolved from the phrase 'quid', meaning 'what'. Over time, the article 'o' (the masculine definite article) was added, creating 'o quid', which then transformed into the modern 'o quê'. This is a common pattern in Romance languages where an article is prefixed to interrogative pronouns.
Sens originel : What?
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > PortugueseContexte culturel
While 'o quê' is a neutral interrogative, the tone and context in which it's used can convey politeness, impatience, or surprise. For example, an abrupt 'O quê?' might sound rude, whereas a softer 'O quê?' after a preposition indicates a genuine request for clarification.
In English, 'What?' is a very direct question. 'O quê?' serves a similar purpose in Portuguese, but its usage after prepositions is more common and grammatically required than in English.
Summary
Master 'o quê' to confidently ask 'What?' in Portuguese, covering everything from simple object identification to complex inquiries about actions and ideas. It's your essential tool for curiosity and understanding.
- O quê means 'What' and is used to ask questions.
- It's a versatile pronoun for inquiring about things and actions.
- Use it at the beginning of questions or after prepositions.
- Essential for basic Portuguese communication.
Exemple
O que é isto?
Contenu associé
Plus de mots sur communication
a gente
A1Une façon informelle de dire 'nous' en portugais. On l'utilise avec un verbe au singulier.
a menos que
A2À moins que tu ne viennes, je ne partirai pas.
a respeito de
A2En ce qui concerne; à propos de.
aconselhar
A2Conseiller quelqu'un sur une décision. 'Je vous conseille de partir.' (Je te conseille de partir).
Adeus
A1Adieu. Utilisé pour un départ définitif ou très formel.
Adeus!
A2Un mot utilisé pour dire au revoir de manière formelle ou définitive.
agradecer
A1To express gratitude or thanks to someone.
aguardar
A1Attendre quelqu'un ou quelque chose avec patience.
anunciar
B1Annoncer quelque chose publiquement ou officiellement.
aplaudir
A2Applaudir signifie frapper des mains pour exprimer son approbation.
