Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “hour” in Portuguese! Whether you’re traveling to a Portuguese-speaking country or simply curious about the language, understanding how to express time is essential. In this guide, we will provide you with formal and informal ways to say “hour” in Portuguese, including useful tips, examples, and even regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Hour” in Portuguese
When it comes to expressing time formally, Portuguese offers a variety of terms and expressions. Here are some commonly used ones:
1. Hora
The most common and straightforward term for “hour” in Portuguese is “hora.” It serves as the standard formal way to express time. For example:
São dez horas. (It is ten o’clock.)
2. Horário
Another formal word used to refer to “hour” in Portuguese is “horário.” It often relates to schedules or specific timetables. For instance:
Qual é o horário da reunião? (What is the time of the meeting?)
3. Tempo
Though primarily meaning “time,” “tempo” can also be used to indicate “hour” in formal contexts:
A que hora chega o voo? (What time does the flight arrive?)
Informal Ways to Say “Hour” in Portuguese
Informal situations often call for a more relaxed vocabulary. Here are a few popular ways to say “hour” informally:
1. Hora/Horinha
Using the same term as the formal setting, adding the diminutive suffix “inha” to “hora” makes it sound more casual. It reflects a friendly and informal tone:
Já são dez horinhas. (It’s already ten o’clock – in a casual context)
2. Bicada
An interesting slang term to say “hour” informally is “bicada.” It is mostly used in specific regions of Portugal and Brazil, particularly in a more informal setting:
Que horas são? – Umas bicadas. (What time is it? – A few sips/hour.)
3. “Onze”/”Twelve”
In some colloquial contexts, people might mention the specific number that represents the hour instead of using the word “hour” itself. For instance:
Já são onze. (It’s already eleven – informally)
Regional Variations
While Portuguese is primarily spoken in Portugal and Brazil, regional variations exist across different lusophone countries. These variations can influence the way people say “hour.” Here are some noteworthy examples:
1. Meia
In Portugal, it is common to use “meia” to refer to half an hour (30 minutes). For instance:
São seis e meia. (It’s half past six.)
2. Cá por
In European Portuguese, particularly in informal settings, people might say “cá por” followed by the hour to indicate a rough approximation or estimation. For example:
Cá por sete horas. (Around seven o’clock.)
Tips and Common Phrases
Here are some additional tips and common phrases to help you master time-related vocabulary in Portuguese:
- Use “de manhã” for “in the morning,” “de tarde” for “in the afternoon,” and “de noite” for “at night” to be more specific.
- When asking about the time, you can use “Que horas são?” (informal) or “Pode me dizer as horas?” (formal).
- Always try to use gestures or context clues to enhance understanding when communicating about time.
- In Brazil, it is common to use a 24-hour clock system (e.g., 16:00 for 4:00 PM).
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to navigate time-related conversations with ease!
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned multiple formal and informal ways to say “hour” in Portuguese. Remember to adapt your vocabulary based on the formality of the situation and the regional variations you may encounter. By practicing and using the provided examples, you’ll soon become proficient in expressing time in Portuguese. Enjoy your language journey, and may you have a great time exploring the Portuguese-speaking world!
