Question words
Words like quem, onde, quando, qual, and por que help Portuguese ask for specific missing information instead of a general yes-no answer.
Examples
PortugueseTranslation
Por que você chegou tão tarde?
Why did you arrive so late?
Quem mora aqui agora?
Who lives here now?
Qual livro você quer ler primeiro?
Which book do you want to read first?
Pattern
question word + clause
How it works
Words like quem, onde, quando, qual, and por que help Portuguese ask for specific missing information instead of a general yes-no answer. This pattern typically appears as question word + clause and becomes easier when you meet it again in short, readable examples.
What to notice
- Question words usually open the clause.
- Por que is written as two words in direct questions.
Why it matters
Keep the first interactions practical and flexible.
Use in context
This deserves focused attention because real conversation depends on asking for the exact missing piece clearly.