Portuguese Phrase
Sem problemas. Que horas?
Meaning
Literally, “No problems. What time?” The first sentence is a friendly way to say “No worries” or “It’s fine”. The second is the everyday, informal way to ask for the current time.
When to use
Use this pair when you want to reassure someone that something is fine and then quickly shift to asking the time – for example, after a brief exchange about a schedule or a minor inconvenience.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Semproblemas.Quehoras?
Sem
Preposition meaning “without”. It is used before nouns to indicate the absence of something.
Problemas
Plural noun meaning “problems”. In this expression the plural is idiomatic, even if there is only one issue.
Que
Interrogative pronoun “what”. When combined with a plural noun of time, it forms a set phrase for asking the clock.
Horas
Plural of “hora” (hour). In Brazilian Portuguese the question “Que horas?” is the most common, informal way to ask “What time is it?”
🗨In Conversation
Desculpa o atraso.
Sorry for being late.
Sem problemas. Que horas?
No problem. What time is it?
✕Common Mistakes
Que hora?
The singular form is not used to ask the time; Portuguese always uses the plural "horas".
Sem problema.
While understandable, the idiomatic expression is "Sem problemas" (plural).
Que horas é?
The verb "ser" is not used for asking the time; you need the verb "ser" with "que horas são?" or simply the set phrase "Que horas?".
↔Alternatives
Não tem problema. Que horas são?
No problem. What time is it?
Tudo bem. Que horas são agora?
All good. What time is it now?
Tranquilo. Que horas?
All right. What time?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, "Que horas?" is the go‑to informal question for the time, while the more formal "Que horas são?" is used in business or with strangers. "Sem problemas" is a very common, relaxed way to say "no worries" – you’ll hear it in cafés, offices, and on the street.