Portuguese Phrase
E depois, o que aconteceu?
Meaning
This is a common conversational filler and prompt used to encourage a speaker to continue their story. It functions as a bridge between events, showing the listener is engaged and wants to know the outcome.
When to use
Use this phrase whenever someone is recounting a series of events, a story, or a specific incident. It is appropriate for both informal chats with friends and more formal descriptions of events.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Edepoiso queaconteceu
O que
This compound pronoun is used for 'what' in questions. The 'o' acts as a neutral article making 'que' a noun-like entity.
Aconteceu
This is the third-person singular form of 'acontecer' in the Pretérito Perfeito, used for finished actions in the past.
🗨In Conversation
Eu estava andando na rua e vi um cachorro com óculos escuros.
I was walking down the street and I saw a dog wearing sunglasses.
E depois, o que aconteceu?
And then, what happened?
✕Common Mistakes
E depois, o que acontece?
Use the past tense 'aconteceu' to ask about a completed event in a story, rather than the present 'acontece'.
E depois, que aconteceu?
In Portuguese, 'o que' is the standard way to say 'what' when it stands alone as the subject of the question.
↔Alternatives
E aí?
And then? / And so?
O que houve depois?
What happened after?
Conte o resto.
Tell the rest.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, active listening is highly valued. Using phrases like this shows you are following the narrative closely. In Brazil, 'E aí?' is a very common informal shorthand for the same sentiment.