Advanced Portuguese Connectors: Beyond 'But' (No entanto, Todavia)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Elevate your writing by replacing simple 'mas' with sophisticated connectors like 'no entanto' or 'todavia' to show nuanced contrast.
- Use 'no entanto' for strong, logical opposition: 'Ele é rico; no entanto, não é feliz.'
- Use 'todavia' in formal, literary contexts: 'O plano era bom; todavia, falhou.'
- Use 'contudo' to emphasize a surprising result: 'Estudou muito; contudo, reprovou no exame.'
Overview
Mastering advanced Portuguese connectors transcends mere vocabulary acquisition; it signifies a profound progression in your linguistic dexterity, particularly at the C1 level. While mas efficiently expresses simple opposition, its repetitive use can limit the sophistication and nuance of your discourse. Connectors such as no entanto, todavia, porém, contudo, and entretanto serve as rhetorical instruments, allowing you to articulate contrast, concession, and qualification with greater precision, formality, and stylistic elegance.
These are not merely synonyms for mas; they are distinct tools designed for complex argumentation and refined expression, reflecting a deeper command of the language’s intricate logical structures.
Employing these advanced adversative conjunctions demonstrates an ability to navigate subtle semantic distinctions, crucial for academic writing, professional communication, and nuanced everyday conversation. Their correct application can significantly alter how your ideas are perceived, signaling not just grammatical accuracy but also intellectual discernment. You are moving beyond basic sentence linking to constructing arguments that acknowledge counterpoints while asserting a primary thesis, a hallmark of advanced language proficiency.
This guide will meticulously unpack the mechanics, applications, and common pitfalls associated with these essential C1 connectors.
How This Grammar Works
no entanto, todavia, porém, contudo, and entretanto, fundamentally function as coordinating conjunctions. This classification is critical because it dictates their syntactic behavior: they connect two grammatically independent clauses that express contrasting or opposing ideas, without making one clause grammatically dependent on the other. Unlike subordinating conjunctions (e.g., embora, ainda que), which introduce a subordinate clause and often trigger the subjunctive mood, these advanced connectors maintain the indicative mood in both connected clauses, unless the verb itself inherently requires the subjunctive for other reasons.mas. They often imply a concession where the second clause presents an unexpected outcome or a limitation that does not entirely negate the first.Ele estudou muito; no entanto, não passou no exame (He studied a lot; however, he didn't pass the exam) implies that despite studying, the outcome was unexpected, rather than a direct contradiction. The semantic range extends from mild opposition to a formal acknowledgment of a difficulty or obstacle. In European Portuguese, there might be a subtle preference for no entanto in formal contexts, while Brazilian Portuguese often uses contudo and porém with similar frequency in comparable registers.mas. While mas must always initiate the second clause, no entanto, todavia, porém, and contudo can appear in various positions within the clause they introduce, offering stylistic choices for emphasis or rhythm. This flexibility, combined with their formal tone, makes them invaluable for crafting sophisticated arguments.Entretanto, however, carries a significant distinction between European and Brazilian Portuguese that you must master to avoid miscommunication. This distinction primarily concerns its temporal versus adversative meaning, which we will explore in detail.Formation Pattern
No entanto | Between clauses | , or ; | General contrast, however | He is intelligent, however, he lacks discipline. |
Todavia | Between clauses | , or ; | Stronger contrast, nevertheless | The plan is good, nevertheless, it needs adjustments. |
Porém | Between clauses | , or ; | Classic contrast, but/however | She tried, but she didn't succeed. |
Contudo | Between clauses | , or ; | Formal contrast, yet/however | It was difficult, yet we persisted. |
Entretanto| Between clauses | , or ; | Contrast (BP), meanwhile (EP) | They were tired, however, they kept walking. |
mas, which is fixed at the beginning of the second clause, no entanto, todavia, porém, and contudo can often be moved within the second clause for stylistic emphasis. This movement typically necessitates additional commas to set off the connector.
Ele trabalhou muito, no entanto, não conseguiu o resultado esperado. (He worked a lot, however, he didn't achieve the expected result.)
Ele trabalhou muito; não conseguiu, no entanto, o resultado esperado. (He worked a lot; he didn't achieve, however, the expected result.)
No entanto: Highly versatile and commonly used in both European and Brazilian Portuguese for formal contrast. Often seen at the start of a sentence or clause.
O relatório era complexo. No entanto, a equipe conseguiu apresentá-lo a tempo. (The report was complex. However, the team managed to present it on time.)
Todavia: Often perceived as slightly more literary or formal than no entanto. It carries a strong sense of "nevertheless" or "yet."
A tarefa parecia impossível; todavia, com esforço, ela foi concluída. (The task seemed impossible; nevertheless, with effort, it was completed.)
Porém: A classic adversative conjunction, frequently used in both dialects. It can be positioned flexibly, similar to no entanto.
A proposta tinha falhas, porém, oferecia algumas vantagens. (The proposal had flaws, however, it offered some advantages.)
A proposta tinha falhas; oferecia, porém, algumas vantagens. (The proposal had flaws; it offered, however, some advantages.)
Contudo: Very similar in meaning and usage to porém and no entanto. It's a strong choice for formal writing.
Os dados eram inconclusivos, contudo, a pesquisa prosseguiu. (The data was inconclusive, yet the research continued.)
Entretanto: This connector has a crucial dialectal difference. In Brazilian Portuguese (BP), entretanto functions almost exclusively as an adversative connector, meaning however or nevertheless, akin to no entanto.
O trânsito estava caótico; entretanto, chegamos a tempo. (The traffic was chaotic; however, we arrived on time.)
entretanto primarily denotes a temporal relationship, meaning meanwhile or in the meantime. While it can occasionally be used adversatively in EP, especially in very formal or archaic contexts, its temporal meaning is dominant. You should exercise caution when using entretanto adversatively in EP, opting for no entanto or todavia instead.
Ele esperou pelo autocarro; entretanto, leu um livro. (He waited for the bus; meanwhile, he read a book.)
,) if the clauses are relatively short and closely related, or a semicolon (;) if the clauses are longer, more complex, or present a stronger break in thought.
Estudou muito, porém falhou. (Studied a lot, but failed.)
A situação era delicada; contudo, a solução foi encontrada rapidamente. (The situation was delicate; yet, the solution was found quickly.)
A decisão, no entanto, não foi unânime. (The decision, however, was not unanimous.)
When To Use It
no entanto, todavia, porém, contudo, and entretanto when the simple opposition of mas fails to convey the precise shade of meaning required, or when the context demands a more formal or literary tone.- Formal Communication: In academic essays, research papers, professional emails, business reports, and formal presentations, these connectors lend gravitas and intellectual authority to your writing and speech. They are expected in contexts where precise language and nuanced arguments are paramount.
- Example:
A pesquisa apresentou dados promissores. No entanto, a amostra populacional era limitada, o que exige cautela na generalização dos resultados.(The research presented promising data. However, the population sample was limited, which requires caution in generalizing the results.) - Expressing Nuance and Subtlety: When you wish to introduce a contrasting idea that acts more as a qualification or an unexpected outcome rather than a direct contradiction. They allow for a more measured acknowledgment of opposing viewpoints or mitigating circumstances.
- Example:
O plano parecia infalível; todavia, os imprevistos surgiram com frequência.(The plan seemed infallible; nevertheless, unforeseen events frequently arose.) Here,todaviagently undercuts the 'infallible' claim without dismissing the plan entirely. - Varying Sentence Structure and Rhetorical Effect: Repetitive use of
mascan make your prose monotonous. These connectors provide stylistic variation, enhancing readability and listener engagement. Their flexibility in positioning within a clause also allows for emphasis on different parts of the sentence, contributing to a more dynamic rhythm. - Example:
Ele era um crítico voraz. Respeitava, porém, a integridade dos artistas.(He was a fierce critic. He respected, however, the integrity of the artists.) The delayedporémadds a touch of sophistication and emphasizes the contrasting respect. - Concession without Subordination: Unlike
emboraorapesar de, which subordinate a clause or phrase, these connectors present two equally weighted, yet contrasting, ideas. This is useful when you want to highlight the independence of both statements while still noting their opposition. - Cultural Insight: In Lusophone cultures, particularly in formal discourse, the ability to weave in such connectors gracefully is often associated with intellectual sophistication and eloquence. It reflects an educated use of the language, distinguishing you from a learner relying solely on basic conjunctions.
Common Mistakes
- The "Double But" — Redundancy with
Mas: This is perhaps the most egregious and common error. You must never combinemaswith any of these advanced connectors (no entanto,todavia,porém,contudo,entretanto). Sayingmas, no entantoormas, porémis grammatically redundant and stylistically clumsy. It's akin to saying "but, however" in English. Choose one connector to express the contrast and adhere to it. - Incorrect:
Eu queria ir à festa, mas, contudo, estava muito cansado. - Correct:
Eu queria ir à festa, contudo, estava muito cansado.(I wanted to go to the party, however, I was too tired.) - Correct (Alternative):
Eu queria ir à festa, mas estava muito cansado. - Misinterpreting
Entretanto(BP vs. EP): As highlighted earlier, the meaning ofentretantodiverges significantly between Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese, leading to frequent misunderstandings. In BP, it is almost exclusively an adversative connector, meaninghoweverornevertheless. - BP Example:
Não havia muitos clientes; entretanto, as vendas aumentaram.(There weren't many customers; however, sales increased.)
meanwhile or in the meantime. Using it adversatively in EP can sound awkward or dated to native speakers, who would overwhelmingly prefer no entanto, todavia, or contudo for contrast.- EP Example (Temporal):
Ela preparou o jantar; entretanto, ele arrumou a mesa.(She prepared dinner; meanwhile, he set the table.) - EP Example (Awkward Adversative):
O tempo estava bom; entretanto, decidiram não ir à praia.(The weather was good; meanwhile/however, they decided not to go to the beach.) —no entantowould be much more natural here. - Incorrect Punctuation: The correct use of commas and semicolons with these connectors is crucial for clarity and grammatical correctness. Omitting necessary punctuation or using it incorrectly can lead to run-on sentences or misinterpretations.
- Rule: When these connectors link two independent clauses, they are usually preceded by a comma or semicolon. If they are placed mid-clause, they must be set off by commas on both sides.
- Incorrect:
Ele estudou muito no entanto não passou.(Missing comma/semicolon) - Correct:
Ele estudou muito; no entanto, não passou. - Incorrect:
A decisão contudo foi respeitada.(Missing commas for mid-clause placement) - Correct:
A decisão, contudo, foi respeitada. - Over-formalizing Casual Speech: While these connectors elevate your language, using them in overly informal contexts can make you sound unnatural, pretentious, or even humorous (unintentionally). A simple
masis perfectly acceptable and often preferable in casual conversation. - Awkward:
Vou sair, todavia, volto já.(I'm going out, nevertheless, I'll be right back.) — A simplemasis far more natural here. - Confusing with Subordinating Conjunctions (e.g.,
Embora): Remember thatno entanto,todavia, etc., are coordinating conjunctions. They do not trigger the subjunctive mood in the following clause. Errors arise when learners, accustomed to the subjunctive after concessive subordinators, incorrectly apply the same rule here. - Incorrect:
Ele é inteligente; no entanto, seja preguiçoso.(Subjunctivesejais incorrect afterno entanto) - Correct:
Ele é inteligente; no entanto, é preguiçoso.(He is intelligent; however, he is lazy.)
Real Conversations
Integrating advanced adversative connectors into your active Portuguese vocabulary is pivotal for moving beyond textbook fluency to genuinely nuanced and effective communication across various registers. Observe how native speakers deploy no entanto, todavia, porém, contudo, and entretanto in scenarios ranging from formal discussions to more reflective personal exchanges. These examples illustrate the authentic application and the subtle impacts each connector can have.
1. Formal Academic/Professional Context:
- Scenario: A researcher presenting findings at a conference.
- Speaker: Os resultados preliminares indicam uma correlação positiva entre as variáveis. No entanto, a validação estatística completa ainda está pendente, o que requer estudos adicionais.
- Analysis: No entanto here elegantly introduces a crucial caveat to the promising initial findings. It acknowledges a limitation without dismissing the entire preliminary conclusion, maintaining an objective and scholarly tone. It's precise, formal, and allows for intellectual honesty.
2. Professional Email/Report:
- Scenario: A project manager providing an update on a challenging task.
- Speaker: A equipe conseguiu resolver o problema crítico de compatibilidade. Contudo, o prazo final será inevitavelmente adiado em dois dias devido aos recursos alocados para essa correção inesperada.
- Analysis: Contudo is a strong, formal choice for presenting an unavoidable consequence (deadline delay) after a positive development (problem solved). It's concise and professional, softening the bad news by first highlighting the achievement.
3. Opinion Piece/Editorial (Online or Print):
- Scenario: A journalist discussing an economic policy.
- Speaker: A nova medida visa estimular o mercado interno. Muitos analistas questionam sua eficácia; porém, poucos propõem alternativas viáveis neste momento.
- Analysis: Porém here functions as a classic "but" in a more elevated context, bridging the criticism of the policy with the lack of constructive counter-proposals. Its flexibility allows for a slight pause before the contrasting point, giving it weight. The semi-colon before porém (or a full stop, then starting with Porém,) is also common in this context.
4. Reflective Personal Discussion:
- Scenario: Two friends discussing a difficult life decision.
- Friend A: Eu realmente queria mudar de cidade para o novo emprego. O salário era ótimo.
- Friend B: Entendo. Todavia, você sempre valorizou muito a proximidade da sua família. Isso deve ter pesado na decisão.
- Analysis: Todavia is used here in a more thoughtful, empathetic way. It introduces a contrasting factor (family proximity) that was likely a significant consideration, suggesting a deeper understanding of the complexity of Friend A's decision. It's formal enough to convey seriousness but can fit into a reflective conversation, especially in Brazilian Portuguese where it's more common. (In EP, no entanto would be more typical here).
5. Social Media Comment (More Formal Discussion Thread):
- Scenario: Commenting on a complex news article or debate.
- Speaker: Compreendo a frustração gerada pela burocracia. No entanto, a regulamentação existe para proteger os consumidores e garantir a equidade do processo. É um equilíbrio delicado.
- Analysis: Even on social media, in more serious discussion threads, no entanto can be deployed to elevate the tone and introduce a balanced perspective. It contrasts the acknowledged frustração with the underlying purpose of regulation, demonstrating a reasoned approach rather than an emotional one. This avoids the often-confrontational nature of mas in online debates, making your argument sound more measured and persuasive.
These examples illustrate that the mastery of these connectors is not about replacing mas everywhere, but about making deliberate, context-aware choices to enhance the precision, tone, and rhetorical impact of your Portuguese.
Quick FAQ
no entanto, todavia, porém, contudo, and entretanto.- Are
no entanto,todavia,porém, andcontudointerchangeable? - Largely, yes, in terms of their core adversative meaning. They all introduce a contrast or concession. However, they vary slightly in their perceived level of formality and common usage.
Todaviacan feel slightly more literary or emphatic, whileno entantoandcontudoare highly versatile in formal and semi-formal contexts.Porémis a classic choice, slightly less formal thantodaviabut more formal thanmas.
- Can these connectors start a sentence?
- Absolutely, and it's a very common practice, particularly in formal writing or when you want to strongly emphasize the contrast with a preceding sentence. When starting a sentence, they are typically followed by a comma, but this is not always strictly mandatory if the flow is clear.
- Example:
Ele prometeu chegar cedo. No entanto, só apareceu depois da meia-noite.(He promised to arrive early. However, he only appeared after midnight.)
- Do these connectors require the subjunctive mood in the following clause?
- No, they do not. This is a critical distinction. As coordinating conjunctions, they connect two independent clauses, each typically using the indicative mood. The subjunctive mood is generally triggered by subordinating conjunctions of concession like
emboraorainda que, or by verbs/expressions of doubt, desire, necessity, etc. Do not confuse the two grammatical categories.
- What is the main difference between
entretantoin Brazilian Portuguese (BP) and European Portuguese (EP)? - In BP,
entretantois primarily an adversative connector, synonymous withhoweverornevertheless. In EP, its primary meaning is temporal, meaningmeanwhileorin the meantime. While occasional adversative use exists in very formal EP, you should default tono entanto,todavia, orcontudofor expressing contrast in EP to avoid sounding unnatural or being misunderstood.
- Is
masalways inappropriate for a C1 learner? - Not at all.
Masremains the most common and versatile adversative conjunction in everyday Portuguese. It is perfectly appropriate for simple contrasts in informal and semi-formal contexts. The C1 challenge is not to eliminatemas, but to diversify your linguistic toolkit and make informed choices about when to use a more sophisticated alternative for greater nuance, formality, or rhetorical effect.
- Which connector is generally considered the most formal?
- While subtle,
todaviaandnão obstante(though the latter is even more formal and less frequent) are often considered the most formal or literary among this group.No entantoandcontudoare also highly formal and widely used.Porémis slightly less formal thantodaviabut still much more elevated thanmas.
- How does the positioning of these connectors (e.g., mid-clause) affect meaning or style?
- Placing
no entanto,todavia,porém, orcontudomid-clause (e.g., after the verb or subject) generally adds a layer of formality, emphasizes the preceding element, and can create a more sophisticated, literary, or reflective tone. It breaks the typical subject-verb-object flow, drawing attention to the contrasting idea. This stylistic choice is a hallmark of advanced Portuguese prose. - Example:
A decisão foi difícil; revelou-se, porém, a mais acertada.(The decision was difficult; it turned out, however, to be the most correct one.)
Adversative Connector Usage
| Connector | Formality | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|
|
Mas
|
Neutral
|
Any context
|
|
Porém
|
Formal
|
Writing/Speech
|
|
No entanto
|
Formal
|
Professional
|
|
Contudo
|
Formal
|
Professional
|
|
Todavia
|
Very Formal
|
Literary
|
|
Não obstante
|
Very Formal
|
Academic
|
Meanings
These connectors function as adversative conjunctions that introduce a clause contrasting with the previous statement.
Strong Contrast
Introducing a fact that contradicts the previous expectation.
“Ele correu rápido; no entanto, perdeu o ônibus.”
“O sol brilhava; contudo, estava frio.”
Concessive Nuance
Acknowledging a point while pivoting to a different perspective.
“A ideia é válida; não obstante, precisamos de mais dados.”
“O preço é alto; ainda assim, vale a pena.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Mas
|
Clause 1 + mas + Clause 2
|
Estudei, mas falhei.
|
|
Porém
|
Clause 1; porém, Clause 2
|
Estudei; porém, falhei.
|
|
No entanto
|
Clause 1; no entanto, Clause 2
|
Estudei; no entanto, falhei.
|
|
Contudo
|
Clause 1; contudo, Clause 2
|
Estudei; contudo, falhei.
|
|
Todavia
|
Clause 1; todavia, Clause 2
|
Estudei; todavia, falhei.
|
|
Não obstante
|
Não obstante + noun, Clause
|
Não obstante o estudo, falhei.
|
Formality Spectrum
O plano é bom; todavia, é dispendioso. (Business proposal)
O plano é bom, mas é caro. (Business proposal)
O plano é legal, mas custa caro. (Business proposal)
O plano é massa, mas é caro pra caramba. (Business proposal)
The Contrast Spectrum
Neutral
- Mas But
Formal
- Porém However
- Contudo However
Academic
- Todavia Nevertheless
- Não obstante Notwithstanding
Examples by Level
Eu gosto de bolo, mas não gosto de torta.
I like cake, but I don't like pie.
O filme é bom, porém é muito longo.
The movie is good, but it is very long.
O plano parece bom; no entanto, é arriscado.
The plan seems good; however, it is risky.
O resultado foi positivo; contudo, precisamos de mais testes.
The result was positive; however, we need more tests.
A proposta foi aceita; todavia, restam dúvidas sobre o orçamento.
The proposal was accepted; nevertheless, doubts remain regarding the budget.
Não obstante as dificuldades, a equipe concluiu o projeto.
Notwithstanding the difficulties, the team finished the project.
Easily Confused
Learners confuse 'mas' (but) with 'mais' (more).
Learners often add 'que' to connectors.
They are similar, but 'entretanto' can also mean 'meanwhile'.
Common Mistakes
Eu quero ir mas não posso.
Eu quero ir, mas não posso.
Mas eu não sei.
Eu não sei.
Ele é alto mas magro.
Ele é alto, mas é magro.
Mas porém ele foi.
Porém, ele foi.
Ele é rico porém ele é triste.
Ele é rico; porém, ele é triste.
Todavia eu não vi.
Todavia, eu não vi.
No entanto que ele disse.
No entanto, ele disse.
Contudo ele não sabia.
Contudo, ele não sabia.
Não obstante que choveu.
Não obstante a chuva.
Ele é bom, no entanto, ele falhou.
Ele é bom; no entanto, ele falhou.
Todavia, ele foi, mas não gostou.
Todavia, ele foi; contudo, não gostou.
Ele é inteligente, todavia, não estuda.
Ele é inteligente; todavia, não estuda.
Não obstante, ele foi.
Não obstante o fato, ele foi.
Ele é, no entanto, rico.
No entanto, ele é rico.
Sentence Patterns
___, mas ___.
___; porém, ___.
___; no entanto, ___.
Não obstante ___, ___.
Real World Usage
A teoria é sólida; no entanto, carece de evidências.
O prazo é curto; contudo, faremos o possível.
O governo anunciou cortes; todavia, a economia cresce.
Tenho pouca experiência; no entanto, aprendo rápido.
O dia foi longo, mas valeu a pena.
Queria ir, mas não deu.
Use Semicolons
Avoid Overuse
Vary Your Vocabulary
Know Your Audience
Smart Tips
Swap every 'mas' for 'no entanto' or 'contudo'.
Use a semicolon to link two related ideas with a connector.
Use 'não obstante' followed by a noun.
Stick to 'porém' as it is the most versatile formal connector.
Pronunciation
Intonation
Pause slightly after the connector to emphasize the contrast.
Contrastive Stress
O plano é BOM; [pause] no entanto, é CARO.
Highlights the two opposing qualities.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember 'T-C-N' for formal: Todavia, Contudo, No entanto.
Visual Association
Imagine a bridge that is broken in the middle. You are on one side, and the goal is on the other. The connector is the sturdy plank you lay down to cross the gap.
Rhyme
Para contrastar com elegância, use todavia com perseverança.
Story
Maria wrote a letter. She used 'mas' too much. She changed it to 'no entanto' and 'contudo'. Her boss was impressed by her professional tone.
Word Web
Challenge
Write 3 sentences about your day using a different connector for each.
Cultural Notes
Brazilians use 'porém' frequently in speech, while 'todavia' is almost exclusively written.
Portuguese speakers often use 'contudo' more naturally in conversation than Brazilians.
In both countries, 'não obstante' is reserved for high-level academic or legal texts.
Most of these connectors derive from Latin roots indicating opposition.
Conversation Starters
O que você acha do novo projeto? (Use 'no entanto')
Você gosta de morar aqui? (Use 'porém')
O filme foi bom? (Use 'todavia')
Você estudou para a prova? (Use 'contudo')
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
O projeto é bom; ___ é caro.
Find and fix the mistake:
Ele estudou, no entanto ele falhou.
Which connector is most formal?
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Use 'contudo' to connect: 'O sol saiu' and 'está frio'.
Can you use 'mas' at the start of a sentence in formal writing?
A: O trabalho é difícil. B: ___.
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesO projeto é bom; ___ é caro.
Find and fix the mistake:
Ele estudou, no entanto ele falhou.
Which connector is most formal?
no entanto / é / o plano / bom / ; / , / arriscado / é
Match: 1. Mas, 2. Todavia
Use 'contudo' to connect: 'O sol saiu' and 'está frio'.
Can you use 'mas' at the start of a sentence in formal writing?
A: O trabalho é difícil. B: ___.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
10 exercises___ (Despite) todos os problemas, conseguimos finalizar o app.
não / todavia / passou / estudou / ele / ; / .
Notwithstanding the risks, we will invest in crypto.
Select the correct sentence:
Match the following:
O projeto é caro; é, ___, necessário.
Embora o Uber chegou, eu ainda não estou pronto.
Which of these is NOT a subordinating connector?
A noite estava fria; ___, o coração dele ardia de paixão.
do / calor / fomos / Apesar / praia / à / .
Score: /10
FAQ (8)
In casual speech, yes. In formal writing, it is better to use 'No entanto' or 'Contudo'.
'Mas' is 'but'; 'mais' is 'more'. They are completely different words.
When linking two independent clauses with a formal connector, yes, it is the standard punctuation.
It is used in writing, but rarely in daily speech. Brazilians prefer 'porém' or 'mas'.
Only if the email is very formal or legalistic. Otherwise, it sounds too stiff.
'No entanto' or 'porém' are excellent choices to sound professional.
Mostly yes, but they vary in register and intensity of contrast.
Rotate between 'no entanto', 'contudo', and 'porém'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
pero, sin embargo
Spanish 'mas' (without accent) is a literary 'but', whereas Portuguese 'mas' is standard.
mais, cependant
French 'cependant' is more common than the Portuguese 'todavia'.
aber, jedoch
German syntax is more rigid with verb placement after connectors.
demo, keredomo
Japanese connectors are often suffixes, not independent words.
lakin, wa-lakin
Arabic connectors are often attached to the following word.
danshi, keshi
Chinese lacks the complex punctuation-based register system of Portuguese.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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