Which one should you use?
While portanto is the standard translation, you may encounter logo to express the same logical consequence. However, logo is a common and slightly more informal alternative. In Brazilian Portuguese, por conseguinte is another formal way to say 'hence'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
portanto is a formal term suitable for academic contexts, formal writing and structured arguments. The alternative logo is more informal, while por conseguinte is a formal option used in Brazilian Portuguese.
Is it said differently in some regions?
por conseguinte is a formal translation specifically noted for use in Brazilian Portuguese.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverb, portanto typically functions as a connective between two clauses to indicate a logical conclusion.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables with the stress on the second syllable: /poʁˈtɐ̃.tu/.
Did you know?
- While portanto is formal, using logo in a philosophical context often evokes René Descartes' famous 'cogito, ergo sum', translated into Portuguese as penso, logo existo.
- In Portuguese, the word logo can mean 'hence' or 'therefore', but it also means 'soon'.
- Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and French all share a similar linguistic root for this concept, using variations of 'for' and 'so much' to build their versions of 'hence'.
Examples in context
- Ele escapou a esse destino porque os seus advogados argumentaram com sucesso que ele era menor de 21 e portanto menor de idade para a corda do carrasco.He escaped that fate because his lawyers successfully argued that he was under 21 and hence underage for the hangman's noose.This sentence shows how to use portanto to connect a logical consequence in a formal context.Tatoeba #11261675 by Cangarejo, translation #11261668 by Cangarejo
- Ele estudou bastante, portanto foi aprovado no exame.He studied hard, hence he passed the exam.
- A situação financeira estava difícil, logo foi necessário tomar medidas drásticas.The financial situation was tough, hence it was necessary to take drastic measures.
- Ela estava cansada, então decidiu ir dormir mais cedo.She was tired, hence she decided to go to bed early.
- Choveu muito, por isso a estrada está alagada.It rained a lot, hence the road is flooded.
- Estudei muito, portanto estou preparado para o teste.I studied a lot, therefore I am prepared for the test.
- O voo foi cancelado, portanto chegaremos atrasados.The flight was cancelled, therefore we will arrive late.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Juliana are discussing a late train.
- GabrielO trem está atrasado hoje.The train is late today.
- JulianaChegaremos tarde, portanto perderemos o início do filme.We will arrive late, therefore we will miss the start of the movie.
- GabrielVocê tem razão, Juliana.You are right, Juliana.
- JulianaVamos tentar comprar outro ingresso.Let's try to buy another ticket.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hence” translations and entries portanto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries portanto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
