Question Words

1. O quê?

   What?

   Usage

   The shortest question word; pair it with pointing

2. Onde?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; add a place name and you are understood

3. Quando?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times or opening times

4. Quem?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, e.g. who is in charge

5. Por quê?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason, e.g. a delay or a refusal

   Grammar Note

   Written "por quê" at the end of a sentence, "por que" inside one

6. Como?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method, including how to get somewhere

7. Quantos?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

   Grammar Note

   Masculine plural; use "Quantas?" with feminine nouns

8. Quanto custa?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The key price question, in markets and shops alike

9. Qual?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Used to pick from, or point at, a set of options

   Grammar Note

   Plural "Quais?"; the form is unchanged before a noun

10. O que é isto?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product and ask what it is

11. Onde fica a casa de banho?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions on any trip

    Grammar Note

    Portugal says "casa de banho"; Brazil says "banheiro"

12. Que horas são?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time, handy when making a connection

13. Tem?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or availability; name the item first

    Grammar Note

    Add the item: "Tem um mapa?"

14. É possível?

    Is it possible?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible or allowed

    Grammar Note

    A general way to ask if something is possible; "Pode?" asks the person

15. Tem de pagar?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, Wi-Fi, etc. costs money

16. É grátis?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free, e.g. samples or a map

17. Está bem assim?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Asks for permission; pair it with pointing

18. Não é permitido?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being turned down

19. Está bem?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing — a different role from "Está bem assim?" (asking permission)

20. A sério?

    Really?

    Usage

    A short reaction confirming something surprising

21. Tem a certeza?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Presses for confirmation of a fact — more formal than "A sério?"

22. De onde é?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

23. Como se chama?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

24. Quantos anos tem?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking someone's age at a first meeting can come across as intrusive; better saved until you know them a little

25. Podemos tirar uma foto juntos?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Asks for permission to take a photo together

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