Contudo
حرفيًا: With all
Use `contudo` when you want to sound professional and provide a clear contrast between two ideas.
في 15 ثانية
- A formal alternative to the word 'but' or 'however'.
- Perfect for writing, professional settings, and serious discussions.
- Adds a layer of sophistication to your Portuguese vocabulary.
المعنى
Think of it as a fancy way to say 'however' or 'nevertheless'. It's that pivot word you use when you want to add a 'but' that sounds a bit more sophisticated or structured.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Writing a work email
O projeto está atrasado; contudo, a qualidade é excelente.
The project is late; however, the quality is excellent.
Reviewing a restaurant
O serviço foi lento, contudo, a comida estava divina.
The service was slow, nevertheless, the food was divine.
Discussing a movie with a date
O filme é longo, contudo, prende a atenção do início ao fim.
The movie is long; however, it keeps your attention from start to finish.
خلفية ثقافية
The word stems from the Latin 'cum' (with) and 'totus' (all), implying 'with all that has been said.' It is a staple of Portuguese literature and news broadcasting, representing the 'educated' register of the language.
Punctuation is key
In writing, always put a comma after `contudo` if it starts a sentence. It makes you look like a grammar pro.
Don't overdo it
If you use `contudo` in every sentence, you'll sound like a 19th-century poet. Mix it up with `mas` for a natural flow.
في 15 ثانية
- A formal alternative to the word 'but' or 'however'.
- Perfect for writing, professional settings, and serious discussions.
- Adds a layer of sophistication to your Portuguese vocabulary.
What It Means
Contudo is a conjunction used to contrast two ideas. It is the sophisticated cousin of the word mas (but). When you use it, you are acknowledging the first part of your sentence. Then, you are introducing a surprising or opposing second part. It feels like saying, "Everything I just said is true; even so, here is another fact."
How To Use It
You usually place contudo at the start of a second sentence. You can also place it after a semicolon or a comma. It creates a pause that builds anticipation for your counter-point. In writing, it often has a comma right after it. For example: "The food was expensive; contudo, it was delicious."
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound polished. It is perfect for business emails or academic essays. Use it during a job interview to show off your vocabulary. It also works well in serious conversations with friends. It helps you sound balanced and thoughtful rather than impulsive.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid contudo at a loud, rowdy football match. Don't use it while shouting to a friend across the street. It is too heavy for very casual texting with your best friend. In those cases, just stick to mas. Using contudo while ordering a hot dog might get you some funny looks.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers take pride in their rich vocabulary. Using words like contudo shows you have moved beyond basic survival Portuguese. It reflects a culture that values formal education and eloquent speech. It has roots in Latin, which gives it that timeless, intellectual weight. It hasn't changed much over centuries of use.
Common Variations
You will often hear no entanto or todavia. These are direct synonyms for contudo. No entanto is very common in spoken European Portuguese. Todavia feels even more literary and old-fashioned. If you want to be super casual, just use mas or porém.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This is a high-register word. Use it in writing or when you want to impress someone with your command of the language. Avoid it in very relaxed, slang-heavy environments.
Punctuation is key
In writing, always put a comma after `contudo` if it starts a sentence. It makes you look like a grammar pro.
Don't overdo it
If you use `contudo` in every sentence, you'll sound like a 19th-century poet. Mix it up with `mas` for a natural flow.
The 'Sophistication' Secret
Using `contudo` in a casual setting is a common way for Portuguese speakers to be playfully sarcastic or mock-serious.
أمثلة
6O projeto está atrasado; contudo, a qualidade é excelente.
The project is late; however, the quality is excellent.
Shows you are professional even when delivering bad news.
O serviço foi lento, contudo, a comida estava divina.
The service was slow, nevertheless, the food was divine.
Balances a negative point with a strong positive one.
O filme é longo, contudo, prende a atenção do início ao fim.
The movie is long; however, it keeps your attention from start to finish.
Adds a sophisticated touch to a casual debate.
Eu quero emagrecer; contudo, a pizza me chama pelo nome.
I want to lose weight; however, the pizza calls me by name.
The formal word makes the silly situation funnier.
Eu te amo; contudo, não podemos mais ficar juntos.
I love you; however, we can no longer be together.
The formality adds a sense of finality and weight.
Posso ir à reunião; contudo, chegarei dez minutos atrasado.
I can go to the meeting; however, I will arrive ten minutes late.
A polite way to set expectations.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the best word to make this sentence sound professional.
Estudamos muito para o exame; ___, os resultados foram baixos.
The sentence presents a contrast between studying hard and getting low marks, so 'contudo' (however) is the best fit.
Which word is the most formal synonym for 'mas'?
Gosto de viajar, ___ prefiro ficar em casa no inverno.
While 'mas' would work, 'contudo' is the formal choice for providing contrast.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
The 'But' Formality Scale
Everyday, casual 'but'
Quero ir, mas não posso.
Neutral, slightly more elegant
Fui lá, porém não o vi.
Formal, professional, literary
O plano é bom; contudo, é caro.
Where to drop a 'Contudo'
Job Interview
Tenho experiência; contudo, quero aprender mais.
Writing an Essay
A teoria é válida; contudo, faltam provas.
Polite Disagreement
Entendo seu ponto; contudo, discordo.
News Report
O sol brilha; contudo, há previsão de chuva.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةYes, it has the same basic function as mas, but it is much more formal and usually appears in writing or professional speech.
You can, but it might make you sound a bit stiff or overly serious unless you are doing it for a humorous effect.
It usually goes at the beginning of the second clause, often after a semicolon or a period, like: Ele tentou; contudo, falhou.
Yes, it is used in both countries, primarily in formal writing, news, and academic contexts.
They are virtually identical in meaning. No entanto is slightly more common in spoken European Portuguese, while contudo is very common in written Brazilian Portuguese.
Absolutely! It is a great way to start a sentence that contradicts the previous one. Just remember the comma: Contudo, não foi assim.
Not at all. It is the opposite of slang; it is a high-register, formal conjunction.
Literally, yes (com + tudo), but in practice, it never means that. It only means 'however' or 'nevertheless'.
Using it without a comma afterward in formal writing is a frequent mistake. Always write Contudo, ....
To vary your vocabulary and sound more educated or professional, especially in reports or emails.
عبارات ذات صلة
No entanto
However / Nevertheless
Todavia
Yet / Still (very formal)
Entretanto
Meanwhile / However
Porém
But / However (mid-level formality)
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