Question Word: POR QUE (why)

In English, we just use "why." Portuguese likes to be a bit more specific. The term por que is actually two words. You have por (for/by) and que (what/that). When you put them together, they mean "for what reason." This version is your best friend for starting questions. You will see it at the beginning of a sentence mostly. It can also hide in the middle of a sentence. This happens when you are asking something indirectly. Imagine you are curious but trying to be subtle. It is like the grammar version of a detective’s magnifying glass. You are looking for a reason or a cause.

1. 1Start with the word por. It is short and sweet.
2. 2Add a single space. This space is very important. Without it, you are giving an answer, not asking a question!
3. 3Add the word que. No accent marks yet. We are keeping it light.
4. 4Place it at the start of your question. For example: Por que você está aqui? (Why are you here?)
5. 5For indirect questions, drop it into the middle. Example: Eu não sei por que ele saiu. (I don't know why he left.)

Use por que when you want to know the motive behind something. Are you at a restaurant? Ask Por que o café está frio? (Why is the coffee cold?). Maybe you are lost in Lisbon or São Paulo. Ask Por que este ônibus demora tanto? (Why is this bus taking so long?). It works perfectly for job interviews too. You might ask Por que a empresa está contratando? (Why is the company hiring?). It is also the go-to for casual chats with friends. "Why did you buy that?" becomes Por que você comprou isso?. Basically, if you are seeking a reason and you are not at the very end of your sentence, this is your guy.

There are a few "no-go" zones for por que. First, do not use it to answer a question. That is the job of porque (all one word). If someone asks why you are late, do not start your excuse with the two-word version. Second, do not use it at the very end of a sentence. If the "why" is the last word before a question mark, it needs a little "hat" or accent: por quê. Think of the accent as a shield for the question mark's impact. Lastly, do not use it as a noun. If you want to say "The why of the situation," you need o porquê. It is like a grammar traffic light. If you see the end of a sentence or an answer, stop and switch versions!

• The "Glue" Mistake: Writing it as one word (porque) when asking a question. This is the most common trip-up. Remember: questions need space to breathe!
• The "Missing Hat": Forgetting to add an accent if the word moves to the end. Você não veio, por que? is wrong. It needs to be por quê.
• Overthinking it: Many people panic because of the four versions. Just remember: por que (separated) = questioning at the start/middle. Most of the time, this will be your correct choice.
• Translation Traps: In English, we use "why" for everything. In Portuguese, precision is key. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes, so do not be too hard on yourself!

Let's compare por que with its siblings. Think of them as a family. por que is the curious child asking questions. porque is the helpful parent giving answers. por quê (with the hat) is the dramatic teenager who always has the last word at the end of a sentence. Finally, o porquê is the formal grandfather who acts like a noun. If you are starting a sentence, stick with the curious child. If you are explaining, use the parent. If you are ending a sentence, give the teenager his hat. It is a bit like a dance. Each one has its own specific step and timing.