q
q is an informal abbreviation for the Portuguese word 'que'.
The letter q is used almost exclusively in digital communication, such as text messaging, social media and instant messaging.
Which one should you use?
While q is common in chats, que is the full, grammatically correct word used in standard grammar.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
q is an informal abbreviation, whereas que is the correct spelling required for formal writing.
Did you know?
- Because q is so common in text messaging, some Brazilian teenagers even use it in handwritten notes to friends to appear more 'digital' or casual.
- The use of q is so pervasive in digital Portuguese that it often appears in non-formal public advertisements and social media marketing to create a sense of youthfulness and intimacy.
- The abbreviation q is often paired with other 'digital' shortcuts, such as vc for você and tb for também, forming a distinct visual style of 'internet Portuguese'.
Examples in context
- O q vc quer dizer?What do you mean?
- Espero q o tempo ajude.I hope the weather helps.
- Diz q vc vai vir.Say that you are coming.
Example conversation
Felipe and Camila are texting each other on their phones.
- FelipeVc viu o q aconteceu?Did you see what happened?
- CamilaNão, q coisa foi essa?No, what was that?
- FelipeFoi uma surpresa muito louca!It was a very crazy surprise!
- CamilaQuero saber q tipo de surpresa!I want to know what kind of surprise!
