Why (Porque vs Porquê)

Porque

'Porque' without a circumflex accent, can be an interrogative adverb (why) or a conjunction (because). Here are some examples:

• Why ➡ As an interrogative adverb followed or not by “é que” (is it that): “Porque não vais?” (Why aren’t you going?). In that case, it means “why.”
• Because ➡ As a conjunction that means “because”: “Não vou porque estou cansado” (I won’t go because I’m tired).

Porquê

Is an adverb. It may be used in four ways:

• As an isolated word: “Porquê?” (Why?)
• At the end of a sentence: “Não vais porquê?” (You don’t go why?)
• Followed by a verb in the infinitive: “Porquê complicar?” (Why complicate it?)
• Followed by an omitted verb: “Porquê tanta pressa?” (Why such a hurry?). The verb “ter” (to have/having) is omitted.

It may also be a noun, meaning “reason” like in the following sentence: “Preciso de saber o porquê de tanta confusão.” (I need to know the reason for so much confusion.).