Expressions of Time and Frequency in Portuguese

Understanding how to express time and frequency in Portuguese is essential for effective communication, especially when discussing plans, routines, or activities. This article explores key expressions and phrases that will help you navigate conversations involving schedules, habits, and daily life.

Basic Time Expressions

1. Agora – Now

The word agora means "now" and is used to indicate the present moment. It's crucial for expressing urgency or immediate action.

  • Example: Estou fazendo a tarefa agora. (I am doing the task now.)

2. Hoje – Today

Hoje translates to "today," helping you discuss anything happening in the current day.

  • Example: Hoje nós vamos ao cinema. (Today we are going to the cinema.)

3. Amanhã – Tomorrow

When talking about the next day, use amanhã.

  • Example: Amanhã vai chover. (It will rain tomorrow.)

4. Ontem – Yesterday

Conversely, to reference the previous day, you use ontem.

  • Example: Ontem eu fui ao shopping. (Yesterday I went to the mall.)

5. Esta semana – This week

To refer to the current week, say esta semana.

  • Example: Esta semana estou muito ocupado. (This week I am very busy.)

6. Semana que vem – Next week

When you want to talk about the week following the current one, use semana que vem.

  • Example: Semana que vem teremos uma reunião. (Next week we will have a meeting.)

Frequency Expressions

1. Sempre – Always

Sempre is used to indicate something that happens all the time.

  • Example: Eu sempre tomo café da manhã. (I always have breakfast.)

2. Frequentemente – Frequently

To express that something occurs often but not all the time, the word frequentemente is appropriate.

  • Example: Eu vou ao parque frequentemente. (I go to the park frequently.)

3. Às vezes – Sometimes

Às vezes translates to "sometimes," indicating irregular occurrences.

  • Example: Às vezes eu saio para jantar. (Sometimes I go out for dinner.)

4. Raramente – Rarely

If you want to say something happens very infrequently, use raramente.

  • Example: Eu raramente como doces. (I rarely eat sweets.)

5. Nunca – Never

To express that something does not happen at all, the word nunca is used.

  • Example: Eu nunca assisto televisão. (I never watch television.)

Expressing Specific Times

1. Às – At (for hours)

Use às followed by the hour to indicate a specific time.

  • Example: O encontro é às três horas. (The meeting is at three o'clock.)

2. De manhã – In the morning

This phrase is used for activities that occur in the morning.

  • Example: Eu estudo de manhã. (I study in the morning.)

3. À tarde – In the afternoon

To refer to the afternoon, use à tarde.

  • Example: A aula começa à tarde. (The class starts in the afternoon.)

4. À noite – In the evening/night

This expression pertains to the evening or night.

  • Example: Eu gosto de ler à noite. (I like to read at night.)

5. De vez em quando – Once in a while

To indicate that something happens occasionally, you can use de vez em quando.

  • Example: Eu vou ao parque de vez em quando. (I go to the park once in a while.)

More Advanced Time Expressions

1. Daqui a pouco – In a little while

This phrase indicates a short amount of time until something happens in the future.

  • Example: Daqui a pouco vou sair. (I will leave in a little while.)

2. Em breve – Soon

Use em breve to refer to something that will happen in the near future.

  • Example: O relatório estará pronto em breve. (The report will be ready soon.)

3. Por um tempo – For a while

This expression can indicate that something persists over a period.

  • Example: Eu estarei fora por um tempo. (I will be away for a while.)

4. Enquanto – While

Enquanto means "while," and is used for actions that occur simultaneously.

  • Example: Eu escuto música enquanto estudo. (I listen to music while I study.)

Questions About Time and Frequency

When discussing events, knowing how to ask questions regarding time and frequency is just as important.

1. Que hora é? – What time is it?

This classic question is essential for inquiring about the current time.

  • Example: Que hora é? (What time is it?)

2. Quando? – When?

Use quando to ask about the timing of events.

  • Example: Quando você vai viajar? (When are you going to travel?)

3. Com que frequência...? – How often...?

To inquire about frequency, use this phrase.

  • Example: Com que frequência você pratica esportes? (How often do you play sports?)

4. A que horas...? – At what time...?

To ask for specific times, you can phrase your question this way.

  • Example: A que horas começa o filme? (At what time does the movie start?)

Putting It All Together

By mastering these time and frequency expressions in Portuguese, you will undoubtedly enhance your ability to communicate effectively. Whether planning your day, discussing routine activities, or making future arrangements, these phrases are invaluable tools.

For instance, you can construct sentences like the following:

  • Eu sempre vou ao trabalho de manhã e volto à tarde. (I always go to work in the morning and come back in the afternoon.)

  • Hoje ensino uma nova lição e, amanhã, temos um teste. (Today I teach a new lesson and tomorrow we have a test.)

  • Às vezes, eu janto com amigos, mas raramente vou ao cinema. (Sometimes, I have dinner with friends, but I rarely go to the cinema.)

By incorporating these expressions into your daily conversations, you will become more fluent and feel more confident while speaking Portuguese.

Embrace this knowledge, practice regularly, and you’ll notice your conversations becoming richer and more engaging. The world of Portuguese communication is at your fingertips—let these expressions guide you through your linguistic journey!