How to Say ‘But why’ in Portuguese
Mas por que
MAHS POHR KEE
[MAHS POHR KEE]
💬 Usage Tip: por que is the question form why, while porque usually answers it: Mas por que? / Porque sim.. That two-word vs one-word contrast is worth noticing early.
Phrase Breakdown
Mas
[MAHS]
But
Used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned.
Ele queria ajudar, mas por que ele não fez nada?
He wanted to help, but why didn't he do anything?
Por que
POHR KEE
Words in this phrase
por
[POHR]
For
Indicating the use of something.
Mas por que razão ele saiu?
But for what reason did he leave?
que
[KEE]
That
Used to indicate the subject of the question.
Por que você está triste?
Why are you sad?
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