The Portuguese Interrogative "Quem" (Who)

In Brazilian Portuguese, the interrogative word quem translates to the English word who (or whom). It is used to ask questions about people.

General Rule: Singular Verbs

When quem acts as the subject of a sentence, it is typically followed by a verb conjugated in the third-person singular. This remains true even if you suspect the answer might involve more than one person.

• Quem pegou a minha caneta? (Who took my pen?)
• Quem quer sobremesa? (Who wants dessert?)

Using "Quem" with Prepositions

Just like in English, quem can be used with prepositions (such as com, de, para, etc.) when asking about the object of an action. In Portuguese, the preposition always comes immediately before quem.

• Com quem ela estava falando? (Who was she talking to? / With whom was she talking?)
• Para quem você deu o presente? (Who did you give the gift to?)

The Exception: The Verb "Ser" (To Be)

There is a notable exception to the singular verb rule. When using quem with the verb ser (to be), the verb can take a plural form if it is identifying a plural noun or pronoun. This is very similar to how it works in English.

• Quem são aqueles homens ali? (Who are those men over there?)
• Quem foram os primeiros habitantes desta região? (Who were the first inhabitants of this region?)

In these examples, because "aqueles homens" (those men) and "os primeiros habitantes" (the first inhabitants) are plural, the verb ser agrees with them and becomes plural (são and foram).