Introduction
The days of the week are essential for organizing schedules, planning activities, and communicating daily routines. In Portuguese, each day has a unique name that helps structure time.
Days of the Week
| English | Portuguese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | segunda-feira | [sɨˈɣũdɐ ˈfejɾɐ] |
| Tuesday | terça-feira | [ˈteɾsɐ ˈfejɾɐ] |
| Wednesday | quarta-feira | [ˈkwaɾtɐ ˈfejɾɐ] |
| Thursday | quinta-feira | [ˈkĩtɐ ˈfejɾɐ] |
| Friday | sexta-feira | [ˈsɛʃtɐ ˈfejɾɐ] |
| Saturday | sábado | [ˈsabadu] |
| Sunday | domingo | [duˈmĩɡu] |
Usage Examples
- Segunda-feira: Vou à escola na segunda-feira. (I go to school on Monday.)
- Terça-feira: Temos uma reunião na terça-feira. (We have a meeting on Tuesday.)
- Quarta-feira: Ele joga futebol na quarta-feira. (He plays soccer on Wednesday.)
- Quinta-feira: Vou ao cinema na quinta-feira. (I’m going to the movies on Thursday.)
- Sexta-feira: Sexta-feira é dia de festa. (Friday is party day.)
- Sábado: No sábado, visito meus avós. (On Saturday, I visit my grandparents.)
- Domingo: Domingo é dia de descanso. (Sunday is a day of rest.)
Cultural Note
In Portuguese-speaking countries, the week often begins on Monday rather than Sunday, aligning with the structure used in many parts of Europe. The terms “segunda-feira” through “sexta-feira” literally mean “second day,” “third day,” and so on, reflecting a numeric sequence starting from Monday.
Conclusion
Understanding the days of the week in Portuguese is crucial for scheduling, planning, and everyday communication. Whether making appointments, setting up meetings, or discussing routines, these terms provide a foundational element of time management.