Interrogative pronouns are a type of pronoun used to ask questions. In Portuguese, there are several interrogative pronouns, each with its own specific use. For a total beginner, it is essential to understand the meaning and usage of each interrogative pronoun.
Quem – Who
Quem is the Portuguese interrogative pronoun used to ask about a person’s identity. It is equivalent to the English “who.” Here’s an example sentence:
Quem é o seu irmão? (Who is your brother?)
In this sentence, quem is used to ask about the identity of the speaker’s brother.
O que – What
O que is the Portuguese interrogative pronoun used to ask about a thing or an action. It is equivalent to the English “what.” Here’s an example sentence:
O que você está fazendo? (What are you doing?)
In this sentence, o que is used to ask about the action the speaker is currently performing.
Qual – Which
Qual is the Portuguese interrogative pronoun used to ask about a choice between options. It is equivalent to the English “which.” Here’s an example sentence:
Qual é a sua cor favorita? (Which is your favorite color?)
In this sentence, qual is used to ask about the speaker’s preference between different colors.
Quando – When
Quando is the Portuguese interrogative pronoun used to ask about the time of an event or action. It is equivalent to the English “when.” Here’s an example sentence:
Quando você vai ao cinema? (When are you going to the movies?)
In this sentence, quando is used to ask about the time the speaker plans to go to the movies.
Onde – Where
Onde is the Portuguese interrogative pronoun used to ask about the location of a person, thing, or event. It is equivalent to the English “where.” Here’s an example sentence:
Onde fica a estação de metrô? (Where is the subway station?)
In this sentence, onde is used to ask about the location of the subway station.
Por que – Why
Por que is the Portuguese interrogative pronoun used to ask about the reason for an action or event. It is equivalent to the English “why.” Here’s an example sentence:
Por que você está triste? (Why are you sad?)
In this sentence, por que is used to ask about the reason for the speaker’s sadness.
Como – How
Como is the Portuguese interrogative pronoun used to ask about the way or manner of doing something. It is equivalent to the English “how.” Here’s an example sentence:
Como você chegou aqui? (How did you get here?)
In this sentence, como is used to ask about the manner in which the speaker arrived at the location.
Quanto – How much/many
Quanto is the Portuguese interrogative pronoun used to ask about the amount or quantity of something. It is equivalent to the English “how much/many.” Here’s an example sentence:
Quanto custa essa camiseta? (How much does this shirt cost?)
In this sentence, quanto is used to ask about the price of the shirt.
Que – What (used in a more specific context)
Que is the Portuguese interrogative pronoun used to ask about a specific thing or action. It is equivalent to the English “what.” Here’s an example sentence:
Que filme você quer assistir? (What movie do you want to watch?)
In this sentence, que is used to ask about a specific movie that the speaker wants to watch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, interrogative pronouns are essential in Portuguese as they allow you to ask questions and obtain information. By understanding the meaning and usage of each interrogative pronoun, you can communicate effectively in Portuguese and obtain the information you need. With practice, you can become more confident in using interrogative pronouns and develop your language skills in Portuguese.
Originally posted 2023-07-17 13:36:43.