Portuguese Phrase
Eu termino tarde no trabalho.
Meaning
This phrase is used to communicate that your workday ends at a late hour. It combines the verb 'terminar' (to finish) with the adverb 'tarde' (late) to describe a professional schedule. It is a straightforward way to explain a delay or a routine.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing your daily routine or explaining to friends why you cannot meet early in the evening. It is suitable for both formal and informal settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Euterminotardenotrabalho
Termino
This is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb 'terminar' (to finish).
No
A contraction of the preposition 'em' (in/at) and the definite article 'o' (the), used here to specify 'at the work'.
🗨In Conversation
Você quer ir ao cinema às dezoito horas?
Do you want to go to the cinema at 6 PM?
Infelizmente não posso, eu termino tarde no trabalho.
Unfortunately I can't, I finish work late.
✕Common Mistakes
Eu termino tarde de trabalho.
Use the contraction 'no' (em + o) to indicate the location or context of 'at work' rather than 'de'.
Eu fecho tarde no trabalho.
While 'fechar' means to close, 'terminar' or 'sair' are the standard verbs for finishing a shift.
↔Alternatives
Eu saio tarde do trabalho.
I leave work late.
Meu expediente acaba tarde.
My shift ends late.
Cultural Tip
In many Lusophone cultures, especially in larger Brazilian cities, work hours can often extend past 6 or 7 PM. Mentioning you finish late is a very common and socially accepted reason for declining social invitations on weekdays.