Portuguese Phrase
Você já programou o despertador?
Meaning
A question asking whether the listener has already set the alarm clock. It can be used to confirm that someone will wake up on time or to remind them to do it.
When to use
Use this phrase in the early evening, before going to bed, or when coordinating schedules – for example, before a trip, a work shift, or a morning class.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vocêjáprogramouodespertador?
Você (pronoun)
Second‑person singular pronoun used in most of Brazil; informal but polite.
já (adverb)
Indicates that the action may have already happened; placed before the verb in questions.
programou (pretérito perfeito)
Past‑perfect form of the verb programar; used for a completed action in the past.
o (definite article)
Masculine singular article that must agree with the noun despertador.
despertador (noun)
Means “alarm clock”; a masculine noun that takes the article o.
🗨In Conversation
Você já programou o despertador?
Have you already set the alarm?
Ainda não, mas vou fazer agora.
Not yet, but I’ll do it now.
✕Common Mistakes
Você já programou despertador?
The definite article o is required before despertador.
Você programou o despertador já?
In questions the adverb já normally comes before the verb.
Você já programou o despertador para mim?
Avoid using “programou” with a direct object that is a person; use “ajustou” or “ligou” for people.
↔Alternatives
Você já ajustou o despertador?
Have you already adjusted the alarm clock?
Já programou o alarme?
Did you set the alarm already?
Já colocou o despertador?
Did you put the alarm clock on?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil many people still own a traditional alarm clock, but most set alarms on their smartphones. When speaking with older generations, “despertador” feels more natural, while younger speakers often say “alarme” or simply “coloquei o alarme no celular”. The tone can be friendly or slightly urgent, depending on the context.