Portuguese Phrase
O que tem pra almoçar hoje?
Meaning
Literally “What is there for lunch today?” It’s the go‑to question when you want to know what’s being served for the midday meal, whether at home, at work, or in a restaurant.
When to use
Use this informal phrase in casual settings – with family, friends, coworkers, or when you’re at a cafeteria. It’s perfect for a quick, friendly inquiry about the day’s menu.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Oquetempraalmoçarhoje?
O que
Interrogative pronoun meaning “what”. It introduces a question about something unknown.
tem
Third‑person singular present of the verb *ter* (to have). Here it works like English “is there / there is”.
pra
Colloquial contraction of *para* (for, to). Common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese; in formal writing use *para*.
almoçar
Infinitive verb meaning “to have lunch”. Used after *para* to indicate purpose.
hoje
Adverb of time meaning “today”. Usually placed at the end of the sentence.
🗨In Conversation
O que tem pra almoçar hoje?
What’s for lunch today?
Hoje tem arroz, feijão, bife acebolado e salada.
Today we have rice, beans, sautéed steak with onions, and salad.
✕Common Mistakes
O que há pra almoçar hoje?
Learners often replace *tem* with *há* (there is) which changes the nuance; *há* is used for existence, not for “what’s being served”.
O que tem para almoçar hoje?
In casual speech *para* sounds stiff; native speakers prefer the contraction *pra*.
O que tem pra o almoço hoje?
Using the infinitive *almoçar* after *para* is correct; saying *para almoçar* is fine, but dropping the infinitive (*para o almoço*) changes the meaning to “for the lunch (time)”.
↔Alternatives
O que vai ter para o almoço hoje?
What will there be for lunch today?
Qual é o almoço de hoje?
What is today’s lunch?
O que tem no cardápio hoje?
What’s on the menu today?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil lunch (o almoço) is the main meal of the day, usually eaten between 12 pm and 2 pm. Many workplaces serve a “prato feito” (set plate) with rice, beans, a protein and a salad. Using *pra* signals a relaxed, spoken register; in a formal email you’d replace it with *para*.