Não and basic questions
Não usually stands before the verb, and beginner Portuguese questions often rely on intonation or a question word.
Examples
PortugueseTranslation
Não entendo esta frase.
I do not understand this sentence.
Onde você mora agora?
Where do you live now?
Você trabalha aqui?
Do you work here?
Pattern
não + verb / question word + clause
How it works
Não usually stands before the verb, and beginner Portuguese questions often rely on intonation or a question word. This pattern typically appears as não + verb / question word + clause and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.
What to notice
- Não stays close to the verb it negates.
- Question words like onde, quando, and por que are especially common.
Why it matters
Keep the first interactions practical and flexible.
Use in context
This gives you a quick way to express limitation and ask for clarification.