Basic conjunctions: e, mas, ou, porque

E (And) - Addition and Connection

Basic uses:

• Connects words: "café e leite" (coffee and milk)

• Connects phrases: "alto e magro" (tall and thin)

• Connects clauses: "Trabalho e estudo" (I work and study)

Common patterns:

• Lists: "Comprei pão, leite e ovos" (comma before last item optional)

• Actions in sequence: "Acordei e tomei banho e saí"

• Emphasis through repetition: "E falou, e falou, e falou..."

Daily Conversations

• "Acordei cedo e fui trabalhar" (I woke up early and went to work)

• "Quero ir, mas não tenho dinheiro" (I want to go, but I don't have money)

• "Vamos de carro ou de metrô?" (Shall we go by car or by subway?)

• "Não saí porque estava chovendo" (I didn't go out because it was raining)

Making Choices

• "Pizza ou hambúrguer?" (Pizza or hamburger?)

• "Ou você paga agora, ou paga depois" (Either you pay now, or you pay later)

• "Não sei se vou ou fico" (I don't know if I'll go or stay)

• "É pegar ou largar" (Take it or leave it)

E becoming I

Pronunciation shift:

• Written: "José e Maria"

• Spoken: "José i Maria"

• Never written as "i"

Mas starting sentences

Grammar says no, Brazilians say yes:

• "Mas também, né?"

• "Mas é claro!"

• "Mas que coisa!"