Portuguese Phrase
Tomo café por volta das oito.
Meaning
This phrase expresses a habitual action occurring at an approximate time in the morning. While 'tomo café' literally means 'I take coffee', in many Portuguese-speaking cultures, it is the standard way to say you are having breakfast or simply drinking your morning brew.
When to use
Use this phrase when describing your daily routine or answering questions about what time you start your day. It is appropriate for both casual conversations with friends and slightly more formal workplace small talk.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tomocafépor volta dasoito
Verb Tomar
The verb 'tomar' is used here in the present tense first-person singular. It is the preferred verb for 'having' a drink or breakfast.
Por volta das
This is a prepositional phrase used to indicate an approximate time. 'Das' is a contraction of 'de' + 'as' (the plural feminine article for hours).
🗨In Conversation
A que horas você costuma acordar?
What time do you usually wake up?
Acordo cedo. Tomo café por volta das oito.
I wake up early. I drink coffee around eight.
✕Common Mistakes
Eu bebo café em volta das oito.
Use 'por volta de' for approximate time; 'em volta' usually refers to physical surroundings.
Tomo café por volta oito.
Always include the article 'das' before the hour when using 'por volta'.
↔Alternatives
Tomo café às oito.
I drink coffee at eight.
Eu tomo café da manhã por volta das oito.
I have breakfast around eight.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, 'café da manhã' (morning coffee) is the word for breakfast. It is very common to use the verb 'tomar' instead of 'beber' for drinks like coffee, tea, or soup, as 'tomar' implies the act of consuming a meal or a snack.