Learn Portugese: Days of the Week

Mastering the days of the week and common time expressions is a fundamental step for any Portuguese learner. This vocabulary allows you to schedule appointments, discuss your daily routine, and navigate social plans with ease. Whether you are planning a trip or conducting business, knowing the difference between a dia útil ([dji-a u-tchil]) or business day and a feriado ([fe-ri-a-du]) or holiday is essential for effective communication.

Portuguese follows a unique pattern compared to other Romance languages. While languages like Spanish or French name weekdays after planets, Portuguese uses a numerical system. Monday is segunda-feira ([se-gũ-da fey-ra]), which literally translates to "second fair" or "second market day." This continues through sexta-feira ([ses-ta fey-ra]) for Friday. Sunday, or domingo ([do-mĩ-gu]), is traditionally viewed as the first day of the week, which is why Monday starts with the number two. It is also helpful to note the similarity between amanhã ([a-mã-nyã]), meaning tomorrow, and manhã ([ma-nyã]), meaning morning.

Beyond the specific days, this lesson covers important relative time markers. You will learn how to refer to the day before yesterday using anteontem ([ãn-tchi-on-tẽ]) and how to distinguish between the previous week, semana passada ([se-mã-na pa-sa-da]), and the next week, próxima semana ([prɔ-si-ma se-mã-na]). Understanding these terms, along with general concepts like mês ([mês]) for month and ano ([ã-nu]) for year, provides the framework necessary to discuss your life in the past, present, and future.