Portuguese Phrase
A banda vai tocar música.
Meaning
The sentence means 'The band is going to play music.' It uses the periphrastic future (ir + infinitive) to talk about an upcoming performance. The phrase is neutral and can refer to any type of band, from a rock group to a marching band.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to announce or ask about a future musical performance, such as a concert, a street festival, or a school event. It works both in casual conversation and in more formal announcements.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Abandavaitocarmúsica.
Definite article (A)
The feminine singular article 'a' agrees with the noun 'banda', which is also feminine singular.
Noun gender (banda)
'Banda' is a feminine noun meaning 'band' (musical group or marching band).
Periphrastic future (vai + infinitive)
The construction 'vai + infinitive' expresses a near future action, similar to 'is going to' in English.
Infinitive verb (tocar)
'Tocar' means 'to play' (an instrument or music). In this context it takes a direct object without an article.
Noun without article (música)
When speaking about music in general, Portuguese often omits the article, so 'tocar música' means 'to play music' (any music).
🗨In Conversation
A banda vai tocar música amanhã à noite?
Is the band going to play music tomorrow night?
Sim, às oito horas no parque central.
Yes, at eight o’clock in the central park.
✕Common Mistakes
A banda é tocar música.
Using the present verb 'é' (is) changes the meaning to a permanent state, not a future action.
A banda vai tocar um música.
The noun 'música' is feminine; the correct indefinite article is 'uma' if you need one.
A banda vai toca música.
The verb must stay in infinitive after 'vai'; 'toca' would be present tense.
↔Alternatives
A banda vai tocar uma canção.
The band will play a song.
A banda tocará música.
The band will play music.
A banda vai apresentar música ao vivo.
The band will present live music.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, live music is a staple of festivals, street parties (blocos) and even family gatherings. 'Tocar música' can refer to any genre—from samba and forró to rock and pop. When you say 'a banda vai tocar música', listeners will usually expect a varied setlist rather than a single specific song, unless you specify the title.