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How to Say ‘What happens?’ in Portuguese

O que acontece?

oh keh ah-kohn-TEHS

[oh keh ah-kohn-TEHS]

Phrase Breakdown

[oh]

what

Used to refer to a thing or things previously mentioned or easily identified.

Example

O que é isso?

What is this?

que

[keh]

what

With 'o', 'o que' means 'what' in questions.

Example

O que está incluído no menu?

What is included in the menu?

acontece

[ah-kohn-TEHS]

happens

Present tense of 'acontecer', to happen.

Example

Isso acontece às vezes.

That happens sometimes.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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