Portuguese Phrase
Procura a data da compra.
Meaning
The sentence is a direct, informal command meaning ‘Find the purchase date.’ It is typically used when someone needs to locate the date on a receipt, invoice, or in a digital record.
When to use
Use this phrase in business or personal finance contexts – for example, when checking a receipt, reviewing an online order, or helping a colleague locate transaction details. It is informal; switch to ‘Procure’ for a more formal tone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Procuraadatadacompra.
Imperative (2nd person singular)
‘Procura’ is the informal imperative form of the verb ‘procurar’, used when speaking to someone you address as ‘tu’.
Definite article ‘a’
The article ‘a’ agrees with the feminine noun ‘data’ and introduces the object of the request.
Contraction ‘da’
‘da’ = ‘de’ + ‘a’, meaning ‘of the’; it links the noun ‘data’ with the noun ‘compra’.
Gender agreement
Both ‘data’ and ‘compra’ are feminine nouns, so the article and preposition must be in the feminine form.
🗨In Conversation
Preciso do relatório, mas não lembro quando comprei o item.
I need the report, but I don’t remember when I bought the item.
Procura a data da compra no recibo.
Look for the purchase date on the receipt.
✕Common Mistakes
Procura data da compra.
The definite article ‘a’ before ‘data’ is required for correct grammar.
Procura a data do compra.
‘do’ is the masculine contraction; ‘compra’ is feminine, so use ‘da’.
Procure a data da compra.
‘Procure’ is the formal imperative; it’s correct but changes the register. Use only if you need a formal tone.
↔Alternatives
Verifica a data da compra.
Check the purchase date.
Encontra a data da compra.
Locate the purchase date.
Cheque a data da compra.
Check the purchase date.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese, the informal imperative ‘procura’ is used with friends, family, or colleagues you know well. In a professional email or when speaking to a client, use the formal imperative ‘procure’. Also, ‘data da compra’ is the standard phrase on receipts and invoices across Brazil and Portugal, so learners will encounter it frequently in commercial settings.