então
/ẽˈtɐ̃w̃/
The English phrase "so" can be translated into Portuguese as então.
Dessa forma can be translated as "in this way" or "thus" and is used when explaining reasoning, and Aí is an informal expression that can be translated as "so" or "then". Daí is used in colloquial speech to convey cause and effect or to introduce a consequence.
How do you pronounce it?
/ẽˈtɐ̃w̃/
Did you know?
- The informal term daí literally means 'from there', but it has evolved into a causal 'so' in daily speech. It bridges the gap between a physical location and a logical consequence.
- In some dialects, então is used as an interjection of surprise or indignation. A person might exclaim Então! to express 'No way!' or 'You can't be serious!', depending on the inflection.
- The word então comes from the Vulgar Latin in tunc, which combines in and tunc to mean 'at that time'.
Examples in context
- E então, como foi?So, what was it like?Tatoeba #6568145 by bill, translation #5724907 by Hybrid
- Então como vai ser?So what is it going to be?Tatoeba #2594866 by alexmarcelo, translation #2583220 by VirtuOZ
- Então, quem é você?So who are you then?Tatoeba #8267121 by Ricardo14, translation #5965454 by thomsmells
- Eu estudei muito para o exame, portanto tenho grandes expectativas de obter uma boa nota.I studied a lot for the exam, so I have high expectations of getting a good grade.
- O projeto foi concluído no prazo, assim sendo, estamos satisfeitos com o resultado.The project was completed on time, so we are satisfied with the outcome.
- Vamos ao cinema hoje, então?Are we going to the movies then?
- A aula acabou, aí vamos sair para almoçar.The class is over, so let's go for lunch.
- 351 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila and Felipe are deciding what to do next.
- CamilaEntão, o que vamos fazer?So, what are we going to do?
- FelipeEu não tenho ideia.I have no idea.
- CamilaPodemos ir ao cinema.We could go to the cinema.
- FelipeBoa ideia, vamos!Good idea, let's go!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry então, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries então, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
