Portuguese Phrase
Quero usar os dias de férias que ainda tenho.
Meaning
This phrase expresses a desire to utilize remaining vacation time. It's a direct and common way to state your intention to take days off that you are entitled to. The structure is straightforward, combining 'I want to' with the action of 'using' the 'vacation days' that 'I still have'.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase when speaking to your employer, HR department, or even family and friends, to communicate your intention to take your remaining vacation days. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though a slightly more polite alternative might be preferred in very formal settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Querousaros dias de fériasqueaindatenho
Quero (Querer)
'Quero' is the first-person singular conjugation of the verb 'querer' (to want). It's a common way to express desire or intention. When followed by another verb, the second verb is typically in the infinitive form.
Usar (Infinitive)
'Usar' means 'to use'. In Portuguese, when you have a conjugated verb like 'querer' followed by another verb, the second verb remains in its infinitive form (e.g., 'Quero usar', 'Eu preciso ir').
Os dias de férias
This is a common compound noun meaning 'vacation days' or 'holiday days'. 'Dias' means 'days', and 'férias' is a plural noun meaning 'vacation' or 'holidays'. The definite article 'os' (the, plural masculine) agrees with 'dias'.
Que (Relative Pronoun)
'Que' acts as a relative pronoun here, connecting the main clause ('Quero usar os dias de férias') to the subordinate clause ('ainda tenho'). It functions similarly to 'that' or 'which' in English.
Ainda (Adverb)
'Ainda' means 'still' or 'yet'. It indicates that something continues to be true or that there is a remaining quantity of something. It usually precedes the verb it modifies.
Tenho (Ter)
'Tenho' is the first-person singular conjugation of the verb 'ter' (to have). It's used to express possession or existence, similar to 'I have' in English.
🗨In Conversation
Bom dia, chefe. Quero usar os dias de férias que ainda tenho.
Good morning, boss. I want to use the vacation days that I still have.
Claro, podemos ver o calendário e planejar isso.
Of course, we can look at the calendar and plan that.
✕Common Mistakes
Eu quero usar os dias de férias que eu tenho ainda.
The adverb 'ainda' (still) usually comes before the verb it modifies, or directly after it in some cases, but 'ainda tenho' is more natural than 'tenho ainda' in this context.
Quero usar as férias dias que ainda tenho.
The correct expression is 'dias de férias' (vacation days), not 'férias dias'. 'Férias' is a plural noun meaning 'vacation' or 'holidays'.
Quero usar os dias de férias que ainda sou.
To express possession or having something, use the verb 'ter' (to have), not 'ser' (to be). 'Tenho' is the correct conjugation for 'I have'.
↔Alternatives
Gostaria de tirar os dias de folga que me restam.
I would like to take the days off that I have left.
Preciso agendar minhas férias restantes.
I need to schedule my remaining vacation.
Vou aproveitar os dias de férias que me sobram.
I'm going to enjoy the vacation days that I have left.
Cultural Tip
In many Portuguese-speaking countries, especially Brazil and Portugal, vacation (férias) is a significant part of the work culture, often mandated by law for a certain number of days per year. It's common to plan these well in advance. While this phrase is direct, it's generally well-received as it's a standard request. Be prepared to discuss specific dates and how your absence will be covered.