Replacing Repeated Conjunctions
When building complex sentences with two linked conditions or time clauses, you might naturally think to repeat the subordinating conjunction. For example, you might want to say "When X happens and when Y happens" or "If X is true and if Y is true."
In Portuguese, rather than repeating a conjunction like quando (when) or se (if), we replace the second instance with que. This substitution makes the sentence flow much more naturally and avoids clunky repetition. Let's see this in action at the ski resort:
| the resort (e.g., ski, spa) | a estância |
| When you go to the resort and you ski again, you will have fun. | Quando fores à estância e que voltes a esquiar, vais divertir-te. |
| If the slope is open and you have been practicing, you will improve. | Se a encosta estiver aberta e que andes a praticar, vais melhorar. |
Keeping Your Sentences Smooth
You will use this exact same e que structure to connect your thoughts cleanly. Notice how the second condition simply tags along with que rather than forcing you to say se all over again.
| If you are a good skier and you do this fast, you win. | Se fores um bom esquiador e que faças isto rápido, ganhas. |
| the beginner | o principiante |
| If you are a beginner and you don't know how to ski, you must be careful. | Se fores principiante e que não saibas esquiar, deves ter cuidado. |
Stating Facts and Ongoing Events
This replacement rule is highly versatile. In the previous examples, we used it with hypothetical future scenarios. However, it works exactly the same way when you are stating established facts, describing routines, or observing ongoing weather conditions. Simply swap the second quando or se with que.
| When he goes skiing and takes his skis, he is not cold. | Quando ele vai esquiar e que leva os esquis dele, não tem frio. |
| If it is snowing heavily and the wind is strong, an avalanche can happen. | Se está a nevar muito e que o vento está forte, pode acontecer uma avalanche. |