Yes/no questions without inversion

In brief

In Brazilian Portuguese, a yes/no question usually keeps the same word order as a statement. In speech, your voice signals that you are asking; in writing, use a question mark. Unlike English, you do not move a verb before the subject or add a word like ‘do’ just to make a question.

Form

Statement word order + question intonation (spoken) or ? (written): Você mora aqui. → Você mora aqui?

Usage

• Use this pattern to ask for a yes or no answer about everyday facts, plans, or preferences.
• Keep the subject before the verb when it is expressed: Ela está em casa?
• In conversation, question intonation matters because the words alone can look like a statement.

Examples

• Você mora aqui? — Do you live here?
• Ela está em casa? — Is she at home?
• Você quer água? — Do you want water?

Common mistake

❌ Você faz querer água?

✅ Você quer água?

English uses ‘do’ in ‘Do you want water?’, but Brazilian Portuguese does not add fazer to form a yes/no question. Keep the ordinary verb and use question intonation.

Remember

For a basic yes/no question, keep the statement’s word order and ask it as a question.