Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “yesterday” in Portuguese! Whether you’re looking to learn the formal or informal variations of the word, or you’re interested in different regional variations, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to express “yesterday” in Portuguese, provide helpful tips and examples along the way, and ensure you have a solid understanding of its usage. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Yesterday”
In formal Portuguese, the most common way to say “yesterday” is by using the word “ontem.” Here are a few examples of how to use “ontem” in sentences:
Eu assisti a um filme interessante ontem. (I watched an interesting movie yesterday.)
Ele chegou tarde ao escritório ontem. (He arrived late to the office yesterday.)
Ontem foi o aniversário do meu amigo. (Yesterday was my friend’s birthday.)
Informal Ways to Say “Yesterday”
If you’re in a casual setting or conversing with friends, there are a few variations of “yesterday” you might come across. Here, we’ll explore two informal alternatives to “ontem”:
1. “Ontem à tarde/noite”
In informal conversations, it is common to specify the time of day when referring to “yesterday.” You can use “ontem à tarde” (yesterday afternoon) or “ontem à noite” (yesterday evening). Take a look at these examples:
- Ontem à tarde eu fui ao cinema com minha família. (Yesterday afternoon, I went to the movies with my family.)
- Ela me ligou ontem à noite para contar as novidades. (She called me yesterday evening to share the news.)
2. “Dia anterior”
Another informal way to express “yesterday” in Portuguese is by using “dia anterior.” While less common than “ontem,” it can be used to refer to the previous day in a less specific manner. Here are a couple of examples:
- O dia anterior foi muito agitado. (The previous day was very busy.)
- Eu estava cansado porque trabalhei muito no dia anterior. (I was tired because I worked a lot the day before.)
Regional Variations
Portuguese is spoken in several countries and regions, which means that there might be slight variations in how “yesterday” is expressed. However, the differences are generally minimal. The examples provided earlier are widely understood and used in Portugal, Brazil, and other Portuguese-speaking communities. Therefore, you can confidently use the phrases mentioned regardless of your location.
Conclusion
Now that you have familiarized yourself with the different ways to say “yesterday” in Portuguese, both formally and informally, you are well-equipped to express this concept in a variety of contexts. Remember, “ontem” is the go-to term in formal situations, while “ontem à tarde/noite” or “dia anterior” work well in informal conversations. Feel free to practice using these phrases to enhance your Portuguese skills and communicate effectively with native speakers!
