Portuguese Phrase
O check-out é ao meio-dia.
Meaning
This phrase is commonly used in hotels, guesthouses, or other accommodations to inform guests about the designated time for departure. It specifies that the latest time to leave the room and return the keys is 12:00 PM.
When to use
You'll hear this phrase most often when checking into a hotel or receiving information about your stay. It's crucial for planning your departure and avoiding extra charges for late check-out. It can also be used when discussing travel plans with friends.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ocheck-outéaomeio-dia
O (Definite Article)
'O' is the masculine singular definite article, equivalent to 'the' in English. 'Check-out' is treated as a masculine noun in Portuguese, hence 'O check-out'.
check-out (Loanword)
This is a direct loanword from English, widely understood and used in Portuguese, especially in the context of hotels and travel. It maintains its English spelling.
é (Verb 'Ser')
'É' is the third-person singular form of the verb 'ser' (to be). It's used for permanent characteristics, definitions, and fixed times or events, unlike 'estar' which is for temporary states or locations.
ao (Prepositional Contraction)
'Ao' is a contraction of the preposition 'a' (to/at) and the masculine definite article 'o' (the). It's used here to indicate 'at' a specific time, particularly with masculine time expressions like 'meio-dia'.
meio-dia (Noon)
'Meio-dia' literally means 'half-day' and refers to 12:00 PM (noon). It is a masculine compound noun. For midnight, you would say 'meia-noite'.
🗨In Conversation
Qual é o horário do check-out?
What is the check-out time?
O check-out é ao meio-dia.
Check-out is at noon.
✕Common Mistakes
O check-out está ao meio-dia.
Use 'ser' (é) for fixed times, permanent characteristics, or events. 'Estar' is for temporary states or locations.
O check-out é em meio-dia.
For 'at noon', the correct prepositional contraction is 'ao' (a + o) with 'meio-dia'.
A check-out é ao meio-dia.
'Check-out' is treated as a masculine noun in Portuguese, so it takes the masculine definite article 'O'.
↔Alternatives
A saída é ao meio-dia.
The departure is at noon.
O horário de saída é meio-dia.
The departure time is noon.
Por favor, faça o check-out até o meio-dia.
Please check out by noon.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil and Portugal, 'meio-dia' (noon) is a very common check-out time for hotels. While some places might offer flexibility, it's generally expected that you adhere to this time. If you need a later check-out, it's polite and often necessary to ask in advance, as it might incur an additional fee or depend on room availability.