Portuguese Phrase
Quais são as tuas paixões?
Meaning
Literally, “What are your passions?” It asks the listener to name the activities, topics, or causes they feel strongly about. The question is informal because it uses the possessive ‘tuas’, which pairs with the pronoun ‘tu’. It can refer to hobbies, career interests, artistic pursuits, or any deep enthusiasm.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual conversation with friends, classmates, or colleagues you address with ‘tu’. It works well when you want to get to know someone better, especially in ice‑breaker activities, language‑exchange meet‑ups, or when discussing personal motivations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quaissãoastuaspaixões?
Quais (interrogative pronoun)
Used to ask about plural items; matches the gender and number of the noun it modifies.
são (verb ser)
Third‑person plural of the verb ‘ser’, used for permanent characteristics or identity.
as (definite article)
Feminine plural article that agrees with the noun ‘paixões’.
tuas (possessive adjective)
Feminine plural form of ‘teu/tuas’, used with the informal ‘tu’ pronoun.
paixões (noun)
Feminine plural of ‘paixão’, meaning ‘passion(s)’ or strong interests.
🗨In Conversation
Quais são as tuas paixões?
What are your passions?
Adoro fotografia, música e cozinhar. E tu?
I love photography, music and cooking. And you?
✕Common Mistakes
Qual é as tuas paixões?
‘Qual’ is singular; the sentence asks about multiple passions, so ‘quais’ is required.
Quais é as tuas paixões?
Do not use the singular verb ‘é’ because ‘paixões’ is plural.
Quais são as seus paixões?
‘Seus’ matches the formal ‘você’; with the informal ‘tu’ you must use ‘tuas’.
↔Alternatives
O que te apaixona?
What do you love?
Quais são as suas paixões?
What are your passions? (formal)
O que gostas de fazer nas horas livres?
What do you like to do in your free time?
Cultural Tip
In Portugal the informal ‘tu’ is common among peers, while in Brazil the same sentence would usually be phrased with ‘você’: “Quais são as suas paixões?”. Be aware of the regional preference for ‘tu’ vs ‘você’, because using the wrong form can sound overly familiar or oddly distant. Also, ‘paixões’ can imply strong, almost obsessive interests, so if you want a lighter tone you might opt for ‘hobbies’ (hobbies) instead.