Learning prepositions is a crucial part of mastering any language, and Portuguese is no exception. Among the various types of prepositions, prepositions of time play a significant role in everyday conversation, helping you to specify when something happens. In this article, we’ll explore the most commonly used prepositions of time in Portuguese, their meanings, and how to use them correctly.
Introduction to Prepositions of Time in Portuguese
Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. In Portuguese, prepositions of time help us indicate specific moments or periods. Knowing how to use these prepositions correctly will make your sentences clearer and more precise. Here are the main prepositions of time you’ll encounter in Portuguese:
1. Em (In, On, At)
The preposition “em” is incredibly versatile in Portuguese, often translating to “in,” “on,” or “at” in English. Its usage depends on the context:
Days and Dates
– Example: “em segunda-feira” (on Monday), “em 5 de março” (on March 5th).
– Usage: Em + day of the week or date.
Months and Years
– Example: “em janeiro” (in January), “em 2022” (in 2022).
– Usage: Em + month or year.
Times of Day
– Example: “em uma hora” (in an hour), “em dois minutos” (in two minutes).
– Usage: Em + specific time period.
Seasons
– Example: “em primavera” (in spring), “em verão” (in summer).
– Usage: Em + season.
2. A (At)
The preposition “a” is used to indicate specific times and sometimes periods:
Specific Times
– Example: “às 3 horas” (at 3 o’clock), “à meia-noite” (at midnight).
– Usage: A + specific time.
Festivals and Special Days
– Example: “à Páscoa” (at Easter), “ao Natal” (at Christmas).
– Usage: A + special day or event.
Frequency
– Example: “a cada dia” (every day), “a cada semana” (every week).
– Usage: A + frequency.
3. Desde (Since)
“Desde” indicates the starting point of an action or event that continues into the present.
Starting Point of an Action
– Example: “desde segunda-feira” (since Monday), “desde 1990” (since 1990).
– Usage: Desde + specific time or date.
4. Até (Until)
“Até” is used to indicate the endpoint of an action or period.
End Point of an Action
– Example: “até amanhã” (until tomorrow), “até as 5 horas” (until 5 o’clock).
– Usage: Até + specific time or date.
5. Durante (During)
“Durante” specifies the duration of an action or event.
Duration
– Example: “durante a semana” (during the week), “durante o verão” (during the summer).
– Usage: Durante + period.
6. Entre (Between)
“Entre” indicates a period between two points in time.
Between Two Points
– Example: “entre as 2 e as 3 horas” (between 2 and 3 o’clock), “entre segunda e sexta-feira” (between Monday and Friday).
– Usage: Entre + starting time and ending time.
7. Por (For)
“Por” is used to indicate the duration of an action, often translating to “for” in English.
Duration
– Example: “por uma hora” (for an hour), “por três dias” (for three days).
– Usage: Por + duration.
8. Antes de (Before)
“Antes de” is used to indicate an action or event that occurs before another.
Before a Specific Time
– Example: “antes do jantar” (before dinner), “antes das 6 horas” (before 6 o’clock).
– Usage: Antes de + specific time or event.
9. Depois de (After)
“Depois de” indicates an action or event that occurs after another.
After a Specific Time
– Example: “depois do almoço” (after lunch), “depois das 8 horas” (after 8 o’clock).
– Usage: Depois de + specific time or event.
10. Ao (Upon, When)
“Ao” is a contraction of “a” and “o” (to the) and is used to indicate a specific point in time when an action occurs.
When an Action Occurs
– Example: “ao chegar” (upon arriving), “ao acordar” (upon waking up).
– Usage: Ao + infinitive verb.
Common Pitfalls and Tips
Mastering prepositions of time in Portuguese can be tricky, but here are some tips to help you avoid common pitfalls:
1. Context is Key
Understanding the context in which a preposition is used is crucial. For example, “em” can mean “in,” “on,” or “at,” depending on the context. Always consider the surrounding words to determine the correct meaning.
2. Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to get comfortable with prepositions of time is through practice. Try to use these prepositions in sentences and pay attention to how native speakers use them.
3. Be Aware of Contractions
Portuguese often uses contractions, especially with prepositions. For example, “a” + “a” becomes “à,” and “de” + “o” becomes “do.” These contractions can change the meaning of a sentence, so it’s essential to recognize and understand them.
4. Look for Patterns
Often, prepositions of time follow specific patterns. For example, “em” is typically used with months and years, while “a” is used with specific times. Recognizing these patterns can help you use prepositions more accurately.
5. Use Resources
There are many resources available to help you learn Portuguese prepositions of time, including textbooks, online courses, and language exchange programs. Make use of these resources to enhance your learning.
Exercises to Practice Prepositions of Time
To solidify your understanding of prepositions of time in Portuguese, try these exercises:
1. Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences with the correct preposition of time (em, a, desde, até, durante, entre, por, antes de, depois de, ao).
1. Eu nasci _____ 1995.
2. Vamos viajar _____ o verão.
3. Ele estuda _____ manhã e trabalha _____ tarde.
4. O filme começa _____ 7 horas.
5. Ela trabalha _____ segunda _____ sexta-feira.
6. Estarei ocupado _____ uma hora.
7. Eles moram aqui _____ 2010.
8. Você pode me chamar _____ meia-noite.
9. Vamos sair _____ o jantar.
10. _____ terminar a reunião, vamos almoçar.
2. Translation Practice
Translate the following sentences from English to Portuguese, focusing on the correct use of prepositions of time.
1. I will arrive at 5 o’clock.
2. She has been working since Monday.
3. We will stay here until Friday.
4. He will finish the project in two weeks.
5. They are going to travel during the summer.
3. Sentence Creation
Create your own sentences using each of the prepositions of time discussed in this article. Try to use a variety of contexts to practice their different meanings.
Conclusion
Prepositions of time in Portuguese are essential for clear and precise communication. By understanding and practicing their usage, you’ll be able to convey when events happen with accuracy. Remember to consider context, practice regularly, and use available resources to enhance your learning. With time and effort, you’ll master prepositions of time and take another significant step toward fluency in Portuguese. Happy learning!
