Brazilian Portuguese, spoken by approximately 210 million people, is the official language of Brazil, while European Portuguese, spoken by about 10 million people, is mainly used in Portugal. Although there are regional variations, the ways to say “next week” in both Brazilian and European Portuguese are quite similar. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express “next week” and provide you with numerous tips and examples to enhance your understanding. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “Next Week” in Portuguese
Formal language is generally used in official settings, business environments, or when addressing people you are not familiar with. The formal way to say “next week” in Portuguese is:
Na próxima semana
This phrase literally translates to “in the next week.” Here, “na” is a contraction of the preposition “em” (in) with the feminine article “a” (the), and “próxima” is the feminine form of “próximo” (next). Let’s see some examples:
Examples:
- Teremos uma reunião importante na próxima semana. (We will have an important meeting next week.)
- Os resultados serão apresentados na próxima semana. (The results will be presented next week.)
- O evento está agendado para acontecer na próxima semana. (The event is scheduled to take place next week.)
Using the formal expression is appropriate in professional settings and when speaking with individuals who deserve respect or hold higher authority. However, in informal situations or when conversing with friends, family, or colleagues with whom you are on familiar terms, a more relaxed option can be chosen.
Informal Ways to Say “Next Week” in Portuguese
Informal language allows for a more casual and friendly tone. Instead of using the formal phrase mentioned above, you can use the following expressions to convey the idea of “next week” in a relaxed manner:
- Na semana que vem: This phrase is the informal version of “na próxima semana” (in the next week). It is widely used among Brazilian and European Portuguese speakers in colloquial conversations.
- Semana que vem: If you omit the preposition “na” (in) from the previous expression, you still have a valid and widely used way of saying “next week” in a more informal context.
- Próxima semana: A simplified way to express “next week,” where “próxima” (next) is a straightforward adjective modifying “semana” (week).
- Daqui a sete dias: Literally translating to “in seven days,” this informal expression is less commonly used but still understood by Portuguese speakers. It provides a precise timeframe counting from the current day.
Let’s take a look at some examples:
Examples:
- Nos vemos na semana que vem. (See you next week.)
- Vou viajar na semana que vem. (I’m going to travel next week.)
- Semana que vem estaremos ocupados. (Next week we’ll be busy.)
- Irei ao médico daqui a sete dias. (I will go to the doctor in seven days.)
By using these informal variations, you create a friendly atmosphere in conversations while maintaining clarity regarding the timeframe you’re referring to.
Regional Variations
As mentioned earlier, both Brazilian and European Portuguese share similar ways to express “next week.” However, there might be some regional variations or local slang that differ across Portuguese-speaking countries, regions, or even cities. Here, we will briefly cover a few regional variations:
Brazilian Portuguese Regional Variations
Despite the vast geographical area of Brazil, the variations in how “next week” is expressed are relatively minimal. However, there are some slang expressions, especially in informal settings:
- Semana que vem mesmo: This slang phrase is commonly used in Brazil and means “next week for real.” It adds emphasis to the expression.
- Semaninha que vem: Adding the diminutive suffix “-inha” to the word “semana,” this slang expression means “little next week” and is used as a friendly and colloquial way of referring to the timeframe.
European Portuguese Regional Variations
European Portuguese, mainly spoken in Portugal, also has a couple of variations for expressing “next week” in informal contexts:
- Para a semana: In Portugal, “para a semana” is an informal expression that can be used interchangeably with “na semana que vem” (in the next week).
- Na semana a seguir: Another way to refer to “next week” in European Portuguese is “na semana a seguir.” This expression, while more formal in other contexts, is often used informally as well.
Remember, these regional variations may not be universally understood, so it is best to stick with the commonly used phrases and expressions mentioned earlier to ensure effective communication.
Wrap Up
Now, armed with both the formal and informal ways to say “next week” in Portuguese, you can adapt your language accordingly to various situations or individuals you interact with. Remember, the formal phrase “na próxima semana” is suitable for professional settings or when addressing people you don’t know well, while the informal expressions provide a more friendly tone within relaxed environments or conversations with friends and family. Pay attention to the regional variations, particularly when interacting with specific Portuguese-speaking communities. Practice using these phrases, and you’ll soon feel confident incorporating them effortlessly into your Portuguese conversations. Good luck and enjoy exploring the beauty of the Portuguese language!
