Portuguese Phrase
Para quatro.
Meaning
Literally ‘for four’. The phrase is used to indicate that something is intended for four people, servings, seats, tickets, etc. It is a short, common way to answer questions about quantity in everyday conversation.
When to use
Use this phrase when a server, cashier, or friend asks how many people you are ordering for, reserving, or planning for. It works in restaurants, cafés, transport tickets, event bookings, and any situation where you need to specify a group size of four.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Paraquatro
Para (preposition)
‘Para’ is a preposition meaning ‘for’, ‘to’, or ‘in order to’. It introduces the purpose, destination, or recipient of an action.
Quatro (cardinal number)
‘Quatro’ is the cardinal number four. In Portuguese numbers do not change with gender or number, so it stays the same whether you refer to people, objects, or abstract quantities.
🗨In Conversation
Quantas pessoas vão ao jantar?
How many people are going to dinner?
Para quatro.
For four.
✕Common Mistakes
Por quatro.
‘Por’ means ‘by’ or ‘through’ and does not convey the idea of ‘for’ in this context.
Para quatro pessoa.
‘Quatro’ does not change; you must use the plural ‘pessoas’ if you add the noun.
Para quatro pessoas?
The question mark is unnecessary when you are stating the number; use a period unless you are asking a clarifying question.
↔Alternatives
Para quatro pessoas.
For four people.
Para quatro convidados.
For four guests.
Para quatro, por favor.
For four, please.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil and Portugal it is customary to answer the question ‘Para quantas pessoas?’ (For how many people?) with a concise phrase like ‘Para quatro’. Waiters often repeat the number back to confirm the order. Adding ‘pessoas’ (people) is optional but can sound more polite in formal settings.