❓😟

How to Say ‘What's the matter?’ in Portuguese

O que se passa?

oh keh seh PAH-sah

[oh keh seh PAH-sah]

💬 Usage Tip: Word for word this is "what is passing itself?", and passar-se is the everyday way to say something is going on. You'll also hear O que é que se passa? with the same meaning.

Phrase Breakdown

O que

oh keh

What

Pronounced quickly as 'u-kə'. It's the usual way to start a 'what' question.

Example

O que queres?

What do you want?

Words in this phrase

[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

Used with 'o' to form 'what' in questions.

Example

O que queres comer?

What do you want to eat?

se passa?

seh PAH-sah

is going on?

'Passar-se' means to happen. Say 'si PA-sa', with your voice rising at the end.

Example

Aqui não se passa nada.

Nothing happens here.

Words in this phrase

[seh]

(reflexive particle)

Reflexive pronoun used in the expression 'passar-se' (to happen).

Example

O que se passa contigo?

What's going on with you?

passa

[PAH-sah]

is happening

From 'passar'; 'passar-se' means to happen or go on.

Example

Não sei o que se passa.

I don't know what's going on.

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.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Moved to Lisbon with zero Portuguese and honestly thought I’d be pointing at menus forever. Three weeks in and I’m having real conversations with my landlord.”

Priya N., 35, Freelance Designer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer