Portuguese Phrase
Como isso aconteceu?
Meaning
This phrase is used to inquire about the circumstances or cause of a specific event. It uses the interrogative word 'como' (how) combined with the neutral demonstrative 'isso' (this) and the past tense of 'acontecer' (to happen).
When to use
Use this when you encounter an unexpected situation and want to know the backstory or the sequence of events that led to it. It is suitable for both informal and professional contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Comoissoaconteceu?
Como
An interrogative adverb used to ask about the manner or way something is done.
Isso
A neutral demonstrative pronoun used for things near the person spoken to or for abstract situations.
Aconteceu
The third-person singular past tense of the verb 'acontecer' (to happen).
🗨In Conversation
O vaso favorito da vovó está quebrado.
Grandma's favorite vase is broken.
Como isso aconteceu?
How did this happen?
✕Common Mistakes
Como isso acontece?
This is the present tense (How does this happen?); use 'aconteceu' for the past tense.
Como isso foi aconteceu?
In Portuguese, the past tense is built into the verb 'aconteceu', so you do not need the auxiliary verb 'foi'.
↔Alternatives
O que houve?
What happened?
Como foi que isso aconteceu?
How was it that this happened?
Cultural Tip
Brazilians often use this phrase with an exaggerated intonation to express shock. You might also hear 'Como assim?' which is a more idiomatic way to say 'How so?' or 'What do you mean?' when something doesn't make sense.