Part of speech we use a hundred times a day is conjunctions. We don’t even think about where, when and how to use them, because their placement is identical in all languages of the world. To make sure that in the Portuguese language the situation is completely similar, let’s look at conjunctions and conjunctive words extensively and with examples.
Conjunction “e”
Of course, the most popular conjunction is “e” (and). Its meaning can vary depending on the context. The main functions of the conjunction “e” in the language include addition, connection, reinforcement, and contrast. With the help of this conjunction, you can list actions, describe simultaneous events, unite cause and effect, as well as establish a logical connection between different parts of the text.
- Vou para a escola de metro e de bicicleta. (I go to school by metro and by bicycle.)
- Ele treina no parque e depois relaxa na sua piscina. (He trains in the park and then relaxes in his pool.)
Opposition
We continue to talk about the simplest and mention the second most popular conjunction “mas” (but). It is used when it is necessary to indicate a negative circumstance or an opposite statement in the context of the situation being considered. For example, opposition of desire and reality:
- Queremos ir passear, mas está a chover. (We want to go for a walk, but it’s raining.)
- Preferimos um carro azul a um branco, mas não há. (We prefer a blue car to a white one, but there isn’t one.)
Alternative
The third most popular conjunction, which does not complement, oppose, but offers to link two or more alternatives – the conjunction “ou” (or). Namely:
- Querem andar de skate ou de patins? (Do you want to skate or rollerblade?)
- Para ter sucesso na vida, é preciso trabalhar arduamente ou ter conexões fortes. (To succeed in life, you need to work hard or have strong connections.)
- Depois da escola, podes ir para a universidade e depois ocupar um cargo elevado, ou podes ir diretamente para o trabalho e começar em profissões básicas. (After school, you can go to university and then take on a high position, or you can go straight to work and start in basic professions.)
In the first example, you are offered to choose between two options, in the second – alternative conditions are proposed, and in the third – two completely different paths. The difference between the examples is barely noticeable, but it is there. That is, the conjunction “ou” can connect two complementary things (equal choice), or mutually exclusive things.
It is also important to highlight that here we are learning in a theoretical way. In our Portuguese classes near Lisbon we learn these details within a communicative context, which makes it much easier to understand and assimilate.
Double negation
We already know the negative particle “não” (not). You probably have already encountered another negative particle in texts – nem (neither), for using which you need to know some peculiarities. For example, when we use this particle alone, it carries an emphasis on the negation, that is, strengthens it. Let’s look at the difference in examples:
- Ele não me cumprimentou. (He didn’t greet me.) – This is just stating a fact.
- Ele nem me cumprimentou! (He didn’t even greet me!) – Emphasis on the negative action.
If we want to use double negation, then in the case of complementing one action with another, we use both negative particles:
- Não sei nem quero saber! (I don’t know and don’t want to know!)
- Não fez nem vai fazer! (He didn’t do and won’t do!)
- If we need to list equivalent actions or things, then we repeat the negative particle “nem” several times.
- Nem fizeste a tua cama nem lavaste a loiça! (You didn’t make your bed and didn’t wash the dishes!)
- Não havia vestido: nem preto nem vermelho. (There were no dresses neither black nor red.)
Adding information
Of course, each conjunction, conjunction word, and word combination adds some information. However, there are several more options that we want to describe in this article. For example, the expression “not only.., but also…” In Portuguese, we can say this in two ways:
- Ela não só me escreveu mas também me ligou. (She not only wrote to me, but also called me.)
- Ela não só me escreveu como (também) me ligou. (She not only wrote to me, but also called me.)
- Close in meaning, but different in writing expression – “as.., so…”:
- Tanto vou de metro para o trabalho como de bicicleta. (I go to work by metro as well as by bicycle.)
Explanation of the reason
To explain the reason, we are used to using the word “porque” (because). However, in Portuguese, there are several other options in everyday use. For example, the word “pois,” which in this situation should stand before the verb in the sentence. Exactly before it, but not necessarily next to it. For example:
- O Pedro deve estar ocupado, pois não veio à festa. (Pedro must be busy, because he didn’t come to the party.)
- A Maria tem de voltar para casa, pois esqueceu-se do telemóvel. (Maria has to go back home, because she forgot her phone.)
And if we go the shortcut route of the language, instead of “porque” we can rightfully use the familiar word “que” and the meaning of the sentence will not change. And we will prove it to you right now:
- O Manuel deve estar doente, que hoje faltou à escola. (Manuel must be sick, because he missed school today.)
- Ela deve ter alergia, que tem a cara vermelha. (She must have an allergy, because her face is red.)
Explanation of consequences
It is unexpected to encounter the Portuguese word “logo” in this section, which is usually translated as “immediately.” However, in this context, it has a different meaning. Let’s look at it.
- Não conseguiu estudar o suficiente para a prova, logo não conseguiu obter uma boa nota. (He couldn’t study enough for the test, so he couldn’t get a good grade.)
- Ganhei bem no mês passado, logo comprei um carro. (I earned well last month, so I bought a car.)
- Ele se dedicou muito ao projeto, logo obteve sucesso no final. (He dedicated himself a lot to the project, so he succeeded in the end.)
In this case, the word “logo” can be replaced by the familiar “por isso,” but Portuguese speakers can say it differently and we need to be ready for that.
Conclusion
That’s the uncomplicated topic we have today. We use most conjunctions automatically, but it’s always interesting to know the logical basis behind them. Firstly, it helps to remember the rules easier. Secondly, you will know how to explain it to others.
