Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “when” in Portuguese! Whether you’re traveling to a Portuguese-speaking country or simply expanding your language skills, knowing how to express the concept of time is crucial in everyday conversations. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to talk about “when” in Portuguese, providing you with tips, examples, and even a few regional variations along the way.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions for “When” in Portuguese
Let’s start with formal expressions, which are typically used in professional settings or when speaking with individuals you aren’t familiar with. These expressions will help you engage in polite and respectful conversations:
1. Quando
The most common and versatile word for “when” in Portuguese is “quando.” Whether you’re asking a question or making a statement, “quando” can be your go-to word. Take a look at these examples:
Example 1: Quando é o seu aniversário? (When is your birthday?)
Example 2: Precisamos discutir esse assunto na próxima semana, quando todos estiverem presentes. (We need to discuss this matter next week, when everyone is available.)
2. Em que dia
If you need to be more specific about a particular day, you can use the expression “em que dia” (on which day). This phrase is commonly used when talking about appointments, events, or scheduling:
Example 3: Em que dia você vai ao médico? (On which day are you going to the doctor?)
3. A que horas
To ask or state a specific time, you can use the phrase “a que horas” (at what time). This expression is perfect for discussing appointments, meetings, or any time-related matter:
Example 4: A que horas o voo chega ao destino? (At what time does the flight arrive at the destination?)
Example 5: Nos encontraremos amanhã a que horas? (What time will we meet tomorrow?)
Informal Expressions for “When” in Portuguese
Turning to informal expressions, these are commonly used among friends, family members, or acquaintances you’re familiar with. Here are some informal ways to say “when” in Portuguese:
1. Quando é que
A relaxed way to say “when” in informal conversations is by using “quando é que.” This phrase adds a casual tone and is often used in everyday speech:
Example 6: Quando é que você vai ao cinema com a gente? (When are you going to the movies with us?)
Example 7: A festa começa a que horas, quando é que devo chegar? (The party starts at what time, when should I arrive?)
2. Que horas
A very informal way to ask for the time or specify a particular hour is by just using “que horas” (what time). This phrase is commonly heard in casual conversations:
Example 8: Que horas são agora? (What time is it now?)
Example 9: Vamos sair sábado, que horas você prefere? (We’re going out on Saturday, what time do you prefer?)
Regional Variations
While the expressions covered so far are widely used across Portuguese-speaking countries, there can be regional variations in how “when” is expressed. Here are a couple of examples of regional differences:
1. Brazil: Quando?
In Brazil, it’s common to simply use the word “quando” to ask “when.” This applies to both formal and informal situations, much like the standard Portuguese discussed above. However, it is worth noting that Brazilian Portuguese has its unique accent and pronunciation:
2. Portugal: Quando é que?
In Portugal, it’s common to use the expression “quando é que” for informal conversations. This is similar to the informal expression discussed earlier, adding the word “é” for emphasis. In more formal situations, the standard Portuguese phrases mentioned earlier, like “quando,” are used.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “when” in Portuguese. By learning these essential expressions, you’ll be well-equipped to have meaningful conversations about time and schedules in both formal and informal settings. Remember to adapt your language depending on the situation and take note of any regional variations you encounter during your Portuguese language journey. Continue practicing and immersing yourself in the language, and soon enough, speaking Portuguese will become natural and effortless!
