Portuguese Phrase
Acabei de jantar.
Meaning
This phrase uses the verb 'acabar' followed by the preposition 'de' and an infinitive verb to indicate that an action was completed moments ago. It is the Portuguese equivalent of the English 'just' + past participle construction.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone offers you food or asks if you have eaten recently. It is common in casual social settings to explain why you are full or not hungry.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Acabeidejantar
Acabar (Preterite)
The first-person singular past tense of 'acabar' is used to show the action is finished.
The 'De' Rule
The preposition 'de' is mandatory in this construction to link the auxiliary verb to the main action.
Infinitive
The verb 'jantar' stays in the infinitive form because it follows a preposition.
🗨In Conversation
Você quer comer um pedaço de bolo?
Do you want a piece of cake?
Não, obrigado. Acabei de jantar.
No, thanks. I just had dinner.
✕Common Mistakes
Eu só jantei.
Avoid using 'só' to mean 'recently'. In Portuguese, 'só' means 'only' or 'just' in terms of quantity, not time.
Acabei jantar.
Don't forget the preposition 'de' between the conjugated verb 'acabar' and the infinitive.
↔Alternatives
Jantei agora mesmo.
I ate dinner just now.
Terminei de jantar.
I finished having dinner.
Cultural Tip
In many Portuguese-speaking countries, dinner is a social time that can occur quite late, sometimes between 8 PM and 10 PM. If you tell a host 'Acabei de jantar,' they might still offer you a 'cafezinho' (small coffee) as a polite gesture of hospitality.