É que...
Littéralement: It is that...
Use `É que...` whenever you need to explain yourself politely without sounding defensive or rude.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to introduce an explanation or excuse.
- Equivalent to 'The thing is...' or 'The reason is...'.
- Softens the tone of a sentence to avoid bluntness.
Signification
This is the ultimate 'excuse starter' in Portuguese. It's how you gently introduce a reason, a justification, or a 'but' when you're about to explain why something happened or why you can't do something.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Explaining lateness to a friend
É que o trânsito estava horrível hoje.
The thing is, the traffic was horrible today.
Declining a dinner invitation
Adoraria ir, é que já tenho outro compromisso.
I'd love to go, it's just that I already have another commitment.
Explaining a delay to a boss
É que o relatório ainda não está pronto devido a um erro técnico.
The thing is, the report isn't ready yet due to a technical error.
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects the high-context nature of Lusophone cultures, where the 'how' of communication is as important as the 'what'. It is a linguistic tool used to maintain social harmony by softening potential friction in daily interactions. It is deeply rooted in the desire to be polite and avoid appearing confrontational.
The Softener
Use it even if you don't have a great excuse. It just sounds more polite than jumping straight into the reason.
Don't Overdo It
If you use it in every single sentence, you might sound like you're constantly making excuses for yourself.
En 15 secondes
- A polite way to introduce an explanation or excuse.
- Equivalent to 'The thing is...' or 'The reason is...'.
- Softens the tone of a sentence to avoid bluntness.
What It Means
Think of É que... as the verbal equivalent of a shrug and a sheepish smile. It literally means 'It is that,' but we use it like 'The thing is...' or 'The reason is...'. It’s your go-to tool for softening a blow. It signals to the listener that an explanation is coming. It helps you sound less blunt when delivering bad news. It’s the bridge between a problem and its cause.
How To Use It
You place it right at the start of your sentence. It’s almost always followed by a full explanation. You don't need fancy grammar after it. Just speak your mind normally. If someone asks why you're late, start with É que.... If you're declining a second slice of cake, start with É que.... It creates a little pause that prepares the other person for your reasoning. It’s incredibly versatile and works in almost any sentence structure.
When To Use It
Use it when you need to justify yourself without sounding defensive. It’s perfect for the 'I’m sorry, but...' moments. Use it at a restaurant if you need to change your order. Use it with your boss if a project is delayed. Use it when texting a friend to explain why you haven't replied. It’s the social lubricant of Portuguese explanations. It makes you sound more polite and less like you're making demands.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you want to be firm and direct. If you are giving a command, É que... will make you sound weak. Avoid it in very formal legal writing or academic papers. It’s a conversational filler, so overusing it in a speech might make you look unprepared. Also, don't use it if there's no explanation following it. It’s a connector, not a standalone word. Using it alone just leaves people hanging.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers generally value 'simpatia' and avoiding direct conflict. Being too blunt can sometimes feel rude or aggressive. É que... acts as a cultural buffer. It’s part of the 'jeitinho'—the way of navigating life’s little hurdles gracefully. It shows you care enough about the other person to explain yourself. It’s a linguistic hug before you deliver a 'no'.
Common Variations
You might hear O problema é que... for more serious issues. Or Acontece que... when something unexpected happened. In very casual speech, people might just say É que... and trail off. This implies the reason is obvious or too awkward to say. In Portugal, you might hear Pois é que... for extra emphasis. All of these serve the same purpose: making the conversation flow better.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is perfectly neutral. It bridges the gap between informal and formal speech, making it safe for almost any social situation where an explanation is required.
The Softener
Use it even if you don't have a great excuse. It just sounds more polite than jumping straight into the reason.
Don't Overdo It
If you use it in every single sentence, you might sound like you're constantly making excuses for yourself.
The Trailing Off
In Brazil, saying 'É que...' and then making a face often means the reason is too awkward to say out loud. Everyone will understand!
Exemples
6É que o trânsito estava horrível hoje.
The thing is, the traffic was horrible today.
Softens the excuse for being late.
Adoraria ir, é que já tenho outro compromisso.
I'd love to go, it's just that I already have another commitment.
A polite way to say no without being blunt.
É que o relatório ainda não está pronto devido a um erro técnico.
The thing is, the report isn't ready yet due to a technical error.
Professional but provides a clear justification.
Desculpa não atender, é que eu estava no banho!
Sorry for not answering, it's just that I was in the shower!
Common informal use to explain a delay.
É que o biscoito estava me chamando!
The thing is, the cookie was calling my name!
Uses the phrase to make a lighthearted joke.
É que eu ando um pouco triste ultimamente.
It's just that I've been a bit sad lately.
Introduces a personal feeling gently.
Teste-toi
Choose the best way to start an explanation for why you can't eat meat.
___ eu sou vegetariano.
`É que` is the most natural way to introduce this personal explanation in a conversation.
How would you tell a waiter you need a different table because of the sun?
Podemos mudar? ___ o sol está muito forte aqui.
It politely introduces the reason for the request to change tables.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'É que...'
Texting friends or family.
É que esqueci!
Daily interactions and work.
É que o ônibus atrasou.
Polite requests or explanations.
É que houve um imprevisto.
When to use 'É que...'
At a Restaurant
É que eu sou alérgico.
With Friends
É que estou sem bateria.
At Work
É que a reunião demorou.
Making Excuses
É que perdi a hora.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot exactly. Porque means 'because' and answers a direct question. É que is more like 'The thing is...' and introduces an explanation more broadly.
Yes, it is neutral enough for professional emails, especially when explaining a delay like É que tive um problema técnico.
It is used extensively in both countries. The usage and meaning are virtually identical across the Lusophone world.
Absolutely! In fact, starting a sentence with É que... is its most common use in spoken Portuguese.
It sounds like you're hesitating or hiding something. For example, É que... bem... suggests you don't want to tell the truth.
No, it's a standard neutral expression used by people of all ages and social classes.
It sounds like 'Eh-keh'. The 'é' is open like in 'egg', and the 'que' is short and snappy.
Yes, you can say É que você está cansado? to mean 'Is it that you're tired?', though it's less common than using it for statements.
No, É que remains singular even if you are explaining multiple things or speaking for a group.
Thinking it's a direct translation of 'Because'. Remember it's an introductory phrase, not just a conjunction.
Expressions liées
O fato é que...
Acontece que...
O problema é que...
Na verdade...
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