Portuguese Phrase
Sim. Que horas?
Meaning
A short exchange that first confirms something (“yes”) and then asks for the current time. The question is informal; a more formal version would be “Que horas são?”.
When to use
Use this phrase after you have agreed to something and you need to know the exact time—e.g., confirming a meeting and then asking when it starts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SimQuehoras?
Sim
An adverb meaning “yes”. It can stand alone as a full affirmative answer.
Que horas?
A set interrogative phrase meaning “What time is it?”. The verb “ser” is omitted in everyday speech.
Plural “horas”
Hours are always expressed in the plural form in Portuguese, even when referring to a single hour (e.g., “duas horas”).
🗨In Conversation
Sim. Que horas?
Yes. What time is it?
São três horas.
It’s three o’clock.
✕Common Mistakes
Sim. Que hora?
‘Hora’ is singular; Portuguese always uses the plural ‘horas’ when asking the time.
Sim. Que horas é?
The verb ‘ser’ must agree with the plural subject; use ‘são’ instead of ‘é’.
Sim, que horas?
A comma is acceptable, but the period after ‘Sim’ signals a pause that matches the spoken rhythm; using a comma can make the phrase sound rushed.
↔Alternatives
Sim. Que horas são?
Yes. What time is it?
Claro. Que horas?
Sure. What time?
Com certeza. Que horas são?
Certainly. What time is it?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the shortened “Que horas?” is the most common way to ask the time in casual conversation. In Portugal, speakers tend to use the full “Que horas são?” especially in more formal settings. Remember that tone and body language convey politeness—raising your eyebrows slightly signals a genuine request for the time.