Mas vs. Porém in Portuguese: Choose the Right “But”
Mas is the everyday connector for “but”; porém can also mean “however” and often sounds more formal or emphatic.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Mas is the common everyday equivalent of but. It connects two ideas that contrast or qualify one another: queria ir, mas estava trabalhando (I wanted to go, but I was working).
Use mas for a direct contrast
In speech, mas usually links the clauses without the stronger pause English speakers may place before however.
O lugar é pequeno, mas muito acolhedor.
The place is small but very welcoming.
Eu entendi a pergunta, mas não sei a resposta.
I understood the question, but I don’t know the answer.
Use porém for a marked contrast
Porém also expresses contrast and is often translated as however. It can sound more formal, deliberate, or emphatic than mas, especially in writing, though it is also used in conversation.
It may appear between commas or after a pause: o caminho, porém, estava fechado. Punctuation depends on its position in the sentence.
A passagem é curta; porém, o caminho é íngreme.
The passage is short; however, the path is steep.
Queria aceitar. Não posso, porém, mudar meus planos.
I wanted to accept. I can’t, however, change my plans.
Choose the connector for tone and structure
In casual conversation, mas is a reliable default. Use porém when you want the contrast to stand out or the style is more formal. The meanings are similar, but rhythm and placement differ.
Do not copy English punctuation mechanically. Read the whole sentence aloud and check whether porém interrupts a clause or begins a new one.
A ideia é boa, mas precisamos de mais tempo.
The idea is good, but we need more time.
A ideia é boa. Porém, precisamos de mais tempo.
The idea is good. However, we need more time.
Put it into practice
Use mas as the natural everyday ‘but.’ Choose porém for a more marked or formal ‘however,’ and punctuate according to its position.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “The passage is short; however, the path is steep”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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