na hora
/na ˈɔ.ɾɐ/word by word
In Portuguese, 'right away' can be expressed as na hora or imediatamente.
Meaning: very soon (adv)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| na hora | /na ˈɔ.ɾɐ/ (Brazil, word by word) |
| imediatamente | /i.me.d͡ʒiˌa.taˈmẽ.t͡ʃi/ (Brazil) /i.meˌd͡ʒja.taˈmẽ.t͡ʃi/ (Brazil) |
Both terms are used to indicate that an action should happen very soon.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase na hora is a contraction of the preposition em (in/at) and the noun hora (hour/time), literally translating to 'at the hour'.
Which one should you use?
Na hora is more colloquial and common in spoken conversation. In contrast, imediatamente is more formal and precise, often used in formal writing or when emphasizing a sense of urgency and strictness.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the formal word imediatamente may be replaced by já in informal contexts.
How do you pronounce it?
/na ˈɔ.ɾɐ/
Did you know?
- The word hora shares a common ancestor with the English word 'hour' through Latin and Ancient Greek, originating from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'season' or 'time'.
- In Brazil, the word já is so versatile that it can function as 'right away' but also as a way to tell someone to stop doing something immediately.
- While imediatamente sounds quite official and heavy, using it in a casual conversation can make you sound overly dramatic or intense.
Examples in context
- Ela me reconheceu na hora.She recognized me right away.This sentence is useful for showing how someone is recognized instantly using na hora.Tatoeba #2442750 by alexmarcelo, translation #2438275 by Hybrid
- Eu fiz isso imediatamente.I did that right away.This sentence demonstrates the use of imediatamente to describe an action completed right away.Tatoeba #11226502 by omniglotman, translation #6356835 by CK
- Quero te ver imediatamente.I want to see you right away.This sentence shows how to express a desire to see someone right away using imediatamente.Tatoeba #8067671 by MacGyver, translation #6262606 by CK
- Preciso que você resolva isso imediatamenteI need you to solve this right away
- Por favor, tome medidas corretivas de imediatoPlease take corrective actions right away
- Peço que você retorne sem demoraI ask that you return right away
- Vou te ajudar na horaI'll help you right away
- Ela respondeu logoShe replied right away
- Peguei um táxi de imediatoI took a taxi right away
- Preciso que você termine esse relatório imediatamente, por favor.I need you to finish this report right away, please.
- Por favor, resolva essa situação de imediato!Please solve this situation right away!
- Ligue para o suporte técnico agora mesmo!Call technical support right away!
- Compre os ingressos sem demora, antes que se esgotem!Buy the tickets right away before they sell out!
- Vou verificar sua solicitação na hora.I'll check your request right away.
- Logo trarei a resposta que você precisa.I'll bring you the answer you need right away.
- Saia de casa de imediato, está chovendo muito!Leave the house right away, it's raining heavily!
- Traga a encomenda para mim na hora, por favor.Bring the package to me right away, please.
- 94 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Camila asks Lucas to help her with a heavy box.
- CamilaVocê pode me ajudar com isso?Can you help me with this?
- LucasClaro, eu vou na hora!Sure, I'll be there right away!
- CamilaObrigada, Lucas.Thank you, Lucas.
- LucasDe nada, Camila.You're welcome, Camila.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “right away” translations and entries na hora, imediatamente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (na, hora) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hora, imediatamente, na, na hora, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
