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Portuguese Phrase

Tenho uma hora pra almoçar.

/ˈtẽ.ɲu ˈu.ma ˈo.ɾa pɾa awˈlo.sɐɾ/
Meaning"I have an hour to have lunch."
💡

Meaning

Literally, “I have one hour for lunch.” The speaker is stating that they have a one‑hour window available to eat their midday meal. It can also imply that the speaker needs to finish lunch within that time.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you are talking about your schedule – at work, school, or any situation where you have a set lunch break and want to let someone know how much time you have.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Tenhoumahorapraalmoçar

1

Tenho (ter)

First‑person singular present of the verb *ter* (to have). It indicates possession or availability.

2

uma (indefinite article)

Feminine singular indefinite article used before a noun that starts with a vowel sound.

3

hora (noun)

A feminine noun meaning ‘hour’; the time unit that follows the article *uma*.

4

pra (para)

Colloquial contraction of *para* used before infinitives; common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.

5

almoçar (infinitive)

Infinitive verb meaning ‘to have lunch’. It follows the preposition *para/pra* to express purpose.

🗨In Conversation

A

Quanto tempo você tem para almoçar?

How much time do you have for lunch?

Tenho uma hora pra almoçar.

I have an hour to have lunch.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Tem uma hora pra almoçar.

    Use *tenho* (first‑person) not *tem* (third‑person) because you are talking about yourself.

  • Tenho uma hora de almoçar.

    The preposition *de* does not convey purpose; you need *para/pra* before an infinitive.

  • Tenho uma hora para almoçar.

    While *para* is correct, using the colloquial *pra* is more natural in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.

↔Alternatives

  • Tenho uma hora para almoçar.

    I have an hour to have lunch.

  • Tenho tempo suficiente para almoçar.

    I have enough time to have lunch.

  • Só tenho uma hora para almoçar.

    I only have an hour to have lunch.

pt

Cultural Tip

In Brazil, lunch (almoço) is usually the main meal of the day and many companies give a one‑hour break around 12 – 14 h. Saying *pra* instead of *para* is informal and typical in everyday conversation, but you’ll hear the full *para* in more formal contexts such as business emails or news reports.