Portuguese Phrase
O que tem pra jantar hoje à noite?
Meaning
This phrase is a very common and informal way to ask about the evening meal plan in Brazilian Portuguese. It uses the verb 'ter' (to have) in an impersonal sense to mean 'there is,' which is a hallmark of colloquial speech.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual settings with family, friends, or roommates. It is the go-to question when you arrive home and want to know what is being prepared for the final meal of the day.
✦Grammar Breakdown
O quetemprajantarhoje à noite
Uso de 'Ter'
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'ter' is used colloquially to mean 'there is' or 'there are', replacing the formal 'há'.
Contração 'Pra'
'Pra' is the informal spoken contraction of 'para'. In writing, you might see 'para', but in speaking, 'pra' is almost universal.
🗨In Conversation
Oi! Cheguei agora. O que tem pra jantar hoje à noite?
Hi! I just got here. What's for dinner tonight?
Fiz uma massa com molho de tomate e manjericão.
I made pasta with tomato sauce and basil.
✕Common Mistakes
O que tem para o jantar hoje à noite?
While technically correct, using 'o' before 'jantar' in this context sounds overly formal and stiff in casual Brazilian conversation.
O que há para jantar hoje?
In Brazil, 'ter' has almost entirely replaced 'haver' in spoken language; using 'há' here sounds like a textbook or very formal European Portuguese.
↔Alternatives
Qual é o cardápio de hoje?
What's the menu for today?
O que vamos comer mais tarde?
What are we going to eat later?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, dinner is traditionally served between 7 PM and 9 PM. While lunch is usually the largest meal of the day, a standard 'jantar' often consists of leftovers from lunch (arroz e feijão) or a lighter snack like a sandwich or soup.