Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to ask “What time is it?” in Portuguese! Whether you’re travelling to a Portuguese-speaking country, planning to meet up with locals, or simply want to enhance your language skills, knowing how to ask for the time is an essential skill. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to ask about the time, focusing primarily on standard Portuguese used in different regions. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Ask the Time
In formal situations, it’s important to use the appropriate language to show respect. Here are some formal ways to ask for the time:
1. “Que horas são?”
This is the most common and neutral way to ask for the time in Portuguese. It literally translates to “What time is it?” and can be used in any Portuguese-speaking country.
Example: Passenger: “Desculpe, que horas são?” (Excuse me, what time is it?)
Local: “São três e meia da tarde.” (It’s half past three in the afternoon.)
2. “Poderia me dizer as horas, por favor?”
This polite phrase translates to “Could you tell me the time, please?” It’s a more formal way to ask for the time, suitable for situations where you want to show extra politeness.
Example: Visitor: “Poderia me dizer as horas, por favor?” (Could you tell me the time, please?)
Local: “Claro, são duas horas da manhã.” (Of course, it’s two o’clock in the morning.)
Informal Ways to Ask the Time
When interacting with friends, family, or in informal settings, you can use these less formal ways to ask for the time:
1. “Que horas são, meu/minha amigo(a)?”
This phrase adds an informal touch and translates to “What time is it, my friend?” It’s commonly used among close friends or in casual conversations.
Example: Friend: “Oi, que horas são, meu amigo?” (Hey, what time is it, my friend?)
Friend: “São seis e dez da noite.” (It’s six ten in the evening.)
2. “Você sabe me dizer a hora?”
In a more informal context, you can use this phrase which means “Do you know what time it is?” It’s a relaxed way to ask for the time.
Example: Person: “Você sabe me dizer a hora?” (Do you know what time it is?)
Person: “Sim, são onze e meia da manhã.” (Yes, it’s half past eleven in the morning.)
Tips and Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood, there can be variations in regional vocabulary or pronunciation. Here are some tips:
1. Portugal
In Portugal, the phrase “Que horas são?” is used universally. However, the word for “hour” is “hora” (singular) instead of “horas” (plural) as used in Brazil.
2. Brazil
Brazilian Portuguese commonly employs the 24-hour clock system (military time). Therefore, when telling the time, Brazilians use numbers from 0 to 23 for the hours and from 0 to 59 for the minutes.
3. Other Lusophone Countries
Portuguese is also spoken in other countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and more. While the basic phrases remain the same, there might be slight variations in vocabulary or accent.
Remember, practice is key to mastering any language! These phrases will help you confidently ask for the time in Portuguese, whether in a formal or informal setting. Don’t hesitate to engage with native speakers and immerse yourself in the language to improve your conversational skills. Boa sorte! (Good luck!)
