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Portuguese Phrase

Hoje à noite não dá pra mim.

/oˈʒe a ˈnoj.tʃi nɐ̃w̃ da pɾa mĩ/
Meaning"Tonight it doesn't work for me."
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Meaning

This phrase is an informal and very common way to politely decline an invitation or state that something is not possible for you, specifically for 'tonight.' It implies that you are busy, unavailable, or simply don't feel like doing something without needing to give a detailed explanation. It's a natural and idiomatic expression in Brazilian Portuguese.

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When to use

Use this phrase when someone invites you to do something tonight, and you need to decline. It's suitable for informal settings with friends, family, or close acquaintances. It can also be used when someone suggests an activity for tonight, and you want to say you're unavailable.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Hojeà noitenão dápra mim

1

Hoje

'Hoje' means 'today.' It's a common adverb of time used at the beginning of sentences or phrases.

2

à noite

'À noite' means 'tonight' or 'in the evening.' The 'à' is a crase, a contraction of the preposition 'a' and the feminine definite article 'a', used before feminine nouns indicating time.

3

não dá

This is an idiomatic expression. While 'dar' literally means 'to give,' in this context, 'não dá' means 'it's not possible' or 'it doesn't work/suit.' It's a very common way to express unavailability.

4

pra mim

'Pra mim' is a colloquial contraction of 'para mim,' meaning 'for me.' 'Pra' is extremely common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese and is used interchangeably with 'para' in informal settings.

🗨In Conversation

A

Vamos sair para jantar hoje à noite?

Shall we go out for dinner tonight?

Ah, hoje à noite não dá pra mim. Tenho um compromisso.

Ah, tonight it doesn't work for me. I have an engagement.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Hoje à noite não é possível para mim.

    While grammatically correct, this is too formal and less natural. 'Não dá pra mim' is the idiomatic and preferred choice in informal contexts.

  • Hoje à noite não me dá.

    This is a literal and incorrect translation of 'it doesn't give me.' The verb 'dar' is used idiomatically here, not literally.

↔Alternatives

  • Não posso hoje à noite.

    I can't tonight.

  • Estou ocupado(a) hoje à noite.

    I'm busy tonight.

  • Não vai dar hoje à noite.

    It won't work tonight.

  • Fica pra próxima.

    Let's do it next time.

pt

Cultural Tip

In Brazil, direct refusals can sometimes be softened. 'Não dá pra mim' is a polite and indirect way to decline without giving a specific reason, which is often appreciated. It's less direct than 'Eu não quero' (I don't want to) and implies external circumstances rather than a lack of desire. It's generally understood as a gentle 'no' and is very common in everyday conversation.