Portuguese Connectors: Mas, Então, Porque, and Também
Use four common Portuguese connectors to make short answers more complete and help a conversation flow from one idea to the next.
Real Life Portuguese · 7 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Mas means but and connects two ideas that contrast: I want to go, but I am working. Place it before the contrasting idea. A short sentence with mas is often easier to follow than two separate statements with no clear relationship.
Use mas to add a contrast
Use a comma before mas when it joins two complete clauses in writing. In speech, a small pause can help your listener hear where the contrast begins.
Quero ir, mas estou trabalhando.
I want to go, but I’m working.
O café é pequeno, mas é aconchegante.
The café is small, but it’s cozy.
Entendi a pergunta, mas não sei a resposta.
I understood the question, but I don’t know the answer.
Use porque to explain a reason
Porque means because when it introduces a reason. It answers a why question: Fiquei em casa porque estava chovendo (I stayed home because it was raining). Connect the reason to the action it explains.
Do not confuse porque (because) with por que in questions such as Por que você ficou em casa? (Why did you stay home?). Learn the question and answer forms together so the spelling difference has a clear job.
Vou de metrô porque é mais rápido.
I’m taking the subway because it’s faster.
Ela estudou porque tinha uma prova.
She studied because she had a test.
Por que você chegou cedo? Porque queria tomar café.
Why did you arrive early? Because I wanted to have coffee.
Use então to continue or show a result
Então can mean then when you describe sequence and so when you describe a result. The surrounding sentence tells you which connection makes sense: first an event happens, and then you take a next step or describe its consequence.
Because então has more than one translation, remember a complete example rather than memorizing one English equivalent. It can also begin a response that moves the conversation forward.
O ônibus atrasou, então pedi um carro.
The bus was late, so I ordered a car.
Primeiro vamos almoçar, então seguimos para o museu.
First we’ll have lunch, then we’ll go to the museum.
Então, você já conhece o Rio?
So, do you already know Rio?
Use também to add matching information
Também means also or too. Its position can vary, but it commonly appears before the verb or after a verb phrase: Eu também gosto de música (I also like music) and Eu gosto de música também (I like music too). Choose a position that keeps your sentence clear.
Practice connecting two ideas: add a contrast with mas, give a reason with porque, show a next step with então, and add a related point with também. These four connectors can make a one-line answer sound complete without requiring advanced grammar.
Meu irmão também estuda português.
My brother also studies Portuguese.
Gosto de samba e também de bossa nova.
I like samba and bossa nova too.
Está chovendo, mas quero caminhar mesmo assim.
It’s raining, but I still want to go for a walk.
Put it into practice
Write four short sentences about one plan: add one mas, one porque, one então, and one também. Say them aloud and check that each connector shows the relationship you intend.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “My brother also studies Portuguese”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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