como
/ˈkõ.mu/
In Portuguese, 'how' is translated as como.
como is the most straightforward translation of 'how' in Portuguese. It is used in questions to ask about the manner or state of something, much like the English 'how'. However, note that como can also mean 'as' or 'like' when used in a comparative or conjunctive sense.
Meaning: in what manner (adv)
Which one should you use?
While como is the standard way to ask 'how', you should use quão or o quanto when 'how' is being used to ask about the degree of an adjective, such as in the question 'How big?' Additionally, if you want to ask 'in what way' in a formal context, you may use De que forma or De que maneira.
How does it change in a sentence?
In questions, como functions to ask about the manner or state of a person or thing.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of como is /ˈkõ.mu/. It has two syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- If you say como? with a rising intonation in response to someone, it functions as 'pardon?' or 'what did you say?' rather than asking about a method.
- The Portuguese como shares a deep ancestral root with the English word 'mode', via the Latin 'modus'.
- In Brazil, you might hear people use como in the phrase como é que é?, which is a common colloquial way to express disbelief or ask for clarification.
Examples in context
- Como ele o fez?How did he do it?This example shows how to use como to ask how someone performed an action.Tatoeba #873584 by alexmarcelo, translation #873583 by CM
- Como foi o voo?How was the flight?This example uses como to ask about the state or quality of a flight.Tatoeba #5093478 by bill, translation #2548867 by CK
- Como vai o Tom?How is Tom doing?This example uses como to ask about a person's current status.Tatoeba #5979347 by Ricardo14, translation #2261907 by CK
- Como você chegou aqui?How did you get here?
- De que forma você pretende solucionar esse problema?In what way do you intend to solve this problem?
- De que maneira podemos melhorar essa situação?In what way can we improve this situation?
- Como é que é? Tudo bem?What's up? How's it going?
- Como é que tá? Tudo em cima?How are things? Everything alright?
- 3034 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Camila are at a coffee shop discussing a project.
- LucasComo você fez isso?How did you do that?
- CamilaEu usei uma ferramenta nova.I used a new tool.
- LucasIsso é muito impressionante.That is very impressive.
- CamilaObrigada, Lucas.Thank you, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “how” translations and entries como, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries como, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
