B1 (Intermediate)Lesson 6: Advanced Connectors & Discourse
Portuguese cause/consequence connectors organize logical relationships in discourse, with "já que" introducing causes, while "por isso" and "portanto" present consequences at different formality levels, essential for constructing coherent arguments in both speech and writing.
já que = since/given that (introduces cause)
por isso = that's why/therefore (informal consequence)
portanto = therefore/thus (formal consequence)
Já que: beginning or middle position
Por isso: usually after comma
Portanto: flexible, often more formal
Logic flow: já que→result vs cause→por isso
Register: por isso < portanto
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já que + cause, consequence OR cause, por isso/portanto + consequence
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These connectors transform scattered thoughts into logical arguments! Brazilians use them constantly to explain, justify, and convince. "Já que" sets up reasoning ("Since you're here..."), while "por isso" and "portanto" deliver conclusions. The difference between "por isso" and "portanto" can mark you as casual or professional. Master these to argue persuasively, explain clearly, and understand how Brazilians build logical connections in everything from WhatsApp debates to business presentations.
Points backward to reason
Means: since, given that, seeing as
Sets up expectation of result
Can be argumentative or neutral
Points forward to result
Means: that's why, so, therefore
Natural in speech
"Tá muito trânsito, por isso vou demorar" (The traffic's terrible, so I'm going to be a while)
"Esqueci a carteira, por isso não pude pagar" (I forgot my wallet, so I couldn't pay)
"Por isso que eu sempre confirmo antes!" (That's exactly why I always check first!)
"Ele mentiu pra mim, por isso terminei" (He lied to me, so I ended it)
"As vendas caíram 20%; portanto, revisaremos a estratégia" (Sales fell 20%; therefore we will review the strategy)
"O candidato preencheu todos os requisitos. Portanto, foi aprovado" (The candidate met every requirement. Therefore he was accepted)
"Portanto, concluímos que o investimento é viável" (We therefore conclude that the investment is viable)
"A reunião foi cancelada; portanto, remarcaremos" (The meeting was cancelled; therefore we will reschedule)
Can emphasize a previously mentioned reason:
"Por isso mesmo!" (For exactly that reason!)
"Foi por isso!" (It was for that reason!)
Emphatic, but still linked to a reason
Can convey acceptance while giving a reason:
"Já que não tem jeito..." (resignation)
"Já que é assim..." (acceptance)
An emotional tone can accompany the causal meaning
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