Portuguese Phrase
Com que frequência passam os trens?
Meaning
This sentence asks about the regularity of train service: 'How often do the trains run?' It focuses on the interval between departures rather than a specific time.
When to use
Use this question when you need to plan a trip, ask a local for the train schedule, or compare the reliability of different transport lines.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Comquefrequênciapassamostrens?
Com que (interrogative)
The combination 'com que' introduces a question about manner, degree, or frequency, similar to 'how' in English.
frequência (noun)
A feminine noun meaning 'frequency' or 'how often'. It requires the preposition 'de' only when used with 'qual', not with 'com que'.
passam (verb)
Third‑person plural present indicative of 'passar' (to pass, to go by). The subject follows the verb in Portuguese questions.
os trens (subject)
Definite article + plural noun; the verb agrees in number (passam).
Question mark
In Portuguese, the opening '¿' is not used; only the closing '?' is required.
🗨In Conversation
Com que frequência passam os trens?
How often do the trains run?
Eles passam a cada 15 minutos nas horas de pico e a cada 30 minutos fora do horário de pico.
They run every 15 minutes during rush hour and every 30 minutes off‑peak.
✕Common Mistakes
Que frequência passam os trens?
Missing the preposition 'com' changes the structure; the correct interrogative for 'how often' is 'com que frequência'.
Com que frequência passa os trens?
The verb must agree with the plural subject 'os trens'; use 'passam', not 'passa'.
Com que frequência passam os trem?
The noun 'trem' needs the definite article and plural form: 'os trens'.
↔Alternatives
Qual a frequência dos trens?
What is the frequency of the trains?
Com que regularidade circulam os trens?
With what regularity do the trains circulate?
Quantas vezes por hora passam os trens?
How many times per hour do the trains pass?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, public‑transport schedules are often expressed in terms of 'frequência' rather than exact timetables, especially for urban trains and metros. When speaking to a conductor or station employee, a polite 'Com licença' before the question is appreciated. In Portugal, you might hear 'Qual a periodicidade dos comboios?' – note the regional word 'comboios' for trains.