Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| pergunta | /peʁˈɡũ.tɐ/ (Brazil) /peɾˈɡũ.tɐ/ (São Paulo) |
feminine |
| questão | /kesˈtɐ̃w̃/ (Brazil) /kwesˈtɐ̃w̃/ (Brazil) |
feminine |
Both words refer to a 'question', but they are used in different contexts. pergunta refers to a specific inquiry or a request for information, such as a question asked during an interview or in a classroom. questão refers to a matter, a topic of discussion, a problem or a specific item on an exam or test.
Which one should you use?
Use pergunta when you are referring to an inquiry. Use questão when you are referring to a matter, a topic or a problem.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of pergunta is perguntas. The plural of questão is questões. Both words are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /peʁˈɡũ.tɐ/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using questão to mean 'a question I have' when you are seeking information. If you want to ask for information, use pergunta instead.
Did you know?
- In Portuguese, you do not 'ask a question' using the verb 'ask', but rather 'make a question' using the verb fazer in the phrase fazer uma pergunta.
- If you use questão to ask a person for information, you might sound like you are discussing a complex philosophical matter rather than seeking a simple answer.
- The word questão shares an ancient root with the English word 'inquest', both originating from the Latin 'quaestiōnem'.
Examples in context
- Qual é a pergunta?What's the question?This sentence is useful for asking what the inquiry is.Tatoeba #6970261 by Ricardo14, translation #2234123 by CK
- A pergunta é quem.The question is who.This sentence is useful for identifying the subject of a question.Tatoeba #8807066 by arademaker, translation #3403179 by CK
- Essa é a pergunta.That's the question.This sentence is useful for pointing out a specific question.Tatoeba #9604551 by Ricardo14, translation #2251278 by CK
- Eu tenho uma pergunta para você.I have a question for you.
- Gostaria de fazer uma indagação sobre o relatório.I would like to ask a question regarding the report.
- Essa questão será discutida na próxima reunião.This matter will be discussed in the next meeting.
- Eu tenho uma dúvida sobre essa matéria.I have a question about this subject.
- O professor está respondendo perguntinhas dos alunos.The teacher is answering little questions from the students.
- 578 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz is helping Rodrigo with his homework.
- RodrigoBeatriz, eu tenho uma pergunta.Beatriz, I have a question.
- BeatrizPode fazer a sua pergunta, Rodrigo.You can ask your question, Rodrigo.
- RodrigoEsta pergunta é muito difícil.This question is very difficult.
- BeatrizEu vou te ajudar com a pergunta.I will help you with the question.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “question” translations and entries pergunta, questão, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pergunta, questão, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
