what
pronounAsk someone to identify a thing or action.
- o que
O que is the basic question form here; qual asks for identification or selection and como assim? expresses surprise or asks for clarification.
What are you doing?
O que você está fazendo?
what
expressionconversationalTo express surprise or disbelief at what someone has said.
- como assim?conversational
Portuguese pattern: Como assim, ...?.
What do you mean, you’re leaving today?
Como assim, você vai embora hoje?
what
determinerAsks someone to identify or select an item.
- qual
Portuguese pattern: qual.
Which bus goes downtown?
Qual ônibus vai para o centro?
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Common translation choices are grouped by meaning. Follow each example and usage note to choose the right word for your sentence.
About this entry · automatically checked
AI-authored, source-checked content. Automated checking does not establish human review.
Original AI-authored bilingual entry. Translation contexts and examples were reread separately against the existing source-backed Portuguese senses; English word classes and inflections were checked separately. No human or native-speaker review. English coverage audit: common learner meanings, new choices and examples checked separately against consulted sources. Earlier source dates and original review status retained.