então

Então is a common word in Portuguese that functions as an adverb and a subordinating conjunction. It has several related senses, most notably indicating a sequence in time (“then”) and signaling consequence or result (“therefore”, “so”). It also serves as a discourse marker to manage the flow of conversation.

In temporal use, então introduces the action that follows a previous event or statement: “Primeiro, ele chegou; então começamos a reunião.” It can appear at the start of a sentence to mark the next step in a narrative, as in “Então, o que aconteceu?” In Brazilian Portuguese, it is particularly frequent in spoken language.

In causal or inferential use, então marks a conclusion drawn from what precedes: “Não estudou, então não passou no exame.” It can be synonymous with portanto, por isso, logo, or assim; in formal writing, alternatives may be preferred.

As a discourse marker, então often appears at the beginning or middle of a clause to invite response, propose a plan, or signal a transition: “Então, vamos?” “Se não houver objeções, então seguimos.” It can function as a filler with pragmatic meaning, not altering the propositional content.

Etymology: então comes from a combination of the preposition em (“in” or “at”) and tão (“so, such”), historically forming a phrase meaning “in such a way” and evolving to a marker of sequence or consequence. The form may have undergone consonant simplification over time.

See also: Portuguese conjunctions and adverbs of sequence and consequence.