Portuguese Phrase
Vou dormir por volta das 22h30.
Meaning
This phrase combines the auxiliary verb 'ir' with 'dormir' to express a future intention or a habitual action. The expression 'por volta das' is used to indicate an approximate time rather than an exact moment. It is a very natural way to describe one's nightly routine in Portuguese.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing your sleep schedule or evening plans with friends, family, or colleagues. It is suitable for any situation where you want to provide a general idea of when you go to bed.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Voudormirpor volta das22h30
Ir + Infinitive
The verb 'ir' (to go) combined with an infinitive is the most common way to express the near future in spoken Portuguese.
Por volta das
This is a fixed prepositional phrase used for approximate times. The 'das' is the contraction of 'de' and the feminine plural article 'as'.
🗨In Conversation
Você vai sair com a gente hoje à noite?
Are you going out with us tonight?
Acho que não, estou cansado. Vou dormir por volta das 22h30.
I don't think so, I'm tired. I'm going to sleep around 10:30 PM.
✕Common Mistakes
Vou dormir por volta de 22h30.
In Portuguese, hours are feminine and plural, so 'por volta' must be followed by 'das' (de + as).
Eu vou dormindo por volta das 22h30.
To express a future plan or intention, use the infinitive 'dormir' instead of the gerund 'dormindo'.
↔Alternatives
Vou dormir lá pelas 22h30.
I'll go to sleep around 10:30 PM (more colloquial).
Deito-me por volta das 22h30.
I lie down around 10:30 PM (more formal/European Portuguese).
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking countries, the 24-hour clock is standard for writing and digital displays. However, in spoken conversation, people often say 'dez e meia da noite' instead of 'vinte e duas e trinta'. Using the 24-hour format in speech is perfectly understood but can sound slightly more precise or formal.