Meaning
Asks for the reason or cause of something.
Cultural Background
Brazilians often use 'Por que é que...' to make questions sound less blunt and more conversational. In Portugal, the pronunciation of 'que' is much more closed (/kɨ/) compared to the open Brazilian (/ke/). In texting (WhatsApp/Twitter), both 'Por que' and 'Porque' are almost always abbreviated to 'pq'.
The Space Rule
If you are asking, keep them apart. If you are telling, join them together.
The End Accent
Don't forget the hat (^) if the question ends the sentence: 'Você veio por quê?'
Meaning
Asks for the reason or cause of something.
The Space Rule
If you are asking, keep them apart. If you are telling, join them together.
The End Accent
Don't forget the hat (^) if the question ends the sentence: 'Você veio por quê?'
Texting Shortcut
Use 'pq' for everything in informal texts; Brazilians rarely write the full version on mobile.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with 'Por que' or 'Porque'.
_______ você não ligou para mim?
It is a question at the start of a sentence, so it must be two words.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
This is an indirect question in the middle of a sentence, requiring 'por que'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ______ você está atrasado? B: ______ o ônibus quebrou.
First is the question (two words), second is the answer (one word).
Match the 'porque' to the situation.
When do you use 'Por que'?
'Por que' is the standard question starter.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
The Four Porques
Practice Bank
4 exercises_______ você não ligou para mim?
It is a question at the start of a sentence, so it must be two words.
Choose the correct option:
This is an indirect question in the middle of a sentence, requiring 'por que'.
A: ______ você está atrasado? B: ______ o ônibus quebrou.
First is the question (two words), second is the answer (one word).
When do you use 'Por que'?
'Por que' is the standard question starter.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, 'Por que' is only for questions. To answer, you must use 'Porque' (one word).
The only difference is position. 'Por que' is for the start/middle, 'Por quê' is for the end.
It is neutral. It can be used in both formal and informal situations.
You say 'Por que não?'.
In speech, they sound the same. In writing, it is a sign of good education to use them correctly.
Not exactly. 'Pra quê' usually means 'What for' or 'To what end'.
Related Phrases
Porque
contrastBecause
Por quê
specialized formWhy (at the end)
O porquê
builds onThe reason
