Portuguese Phrase
Meu alarme toca bem alto.
Meaning
This phrase describes the high volume of an alarm clock. It uses the verb 'tocar' to express the action of ringing or playing a sound, and 'bem alto' to emphasize that it is very loud.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing your morning routine or explaining how you wake up. It is commonly used in casual conversations about sleep habits.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Meualarmetocabemalto
Possessive Pronouns
'Meu' is the masculine singular possessive pronoun, agreeing with the noun 'alarme'.
The Verb Tocar
In Portuguese, 'tocar' is used for alarms, phones, and musical instruments.
Adverbial Intensity
'Bem' is frequently used as an intensifier meaning 'very' or 'quite' in colloquial speech.
🗨In Conversation
Como você consegue acordar tão cedo?
How do you manage to wake up so early?
Meu alarme toca bem alto.
My alarm rings very loud.
✕Common Mistakes
Meu alarme som bem alto.
Use the verb 'toca' (rings) to describe the action instead of the noun 'som' (sound).
Meu alarme toca bom alto.
Use 'bem' as an adverb to intensify 'alto'; 'bom' is an adjective meaning good.
↔Alternatives
O meu despertador faz muito barulho.
My alarm clock makes a lot of noise.
Meu alarme é muito barulhento.
My alarm is very noisy.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, 'despertador' specifically refers to an alarm clock, while 'alarme' can be used for clocks, cars, or house security. Using 'bem' before an adjective is a very common way to say 'very' in informal Brazilian Portuguese.