Portuguese Phrase
São 7 da noite.
Meaning
The sentence tells the current time: it is seven o’clock in the evening. In Portuguese the verb 'ser' is used to state the hour, and the period of the day is added with 'da noite'.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to give the exact time after sunset, for example when meeting a friend, checking a schedule, or answering a phone call in the evening.
✦Grammar Breakdown
São7danoite
São (verb ser)
Use the verb 'ser' in the third‑person plural (São) for any hour from 2 to 12. For 1 o’clock you would say 'É uma hora...'.
Numeral 7
When telling time, the numeral can be spoken as a digit (7) or written out (sete). Both are correct.
da (de + a)
The preposition 'de' contracts with the feminine singular article 'a' to form 'da', meaning 'of the'.
noite (time of day)
In spoken Portuguese the day is split into manhã (morning), tarde (afternoon) and noite (night). 'da noite' is used for times after about 6 p.m.
🗨In Conversation
Que horas são?
What time is it?
São 7 da noite.
It’s seven o’clock in the evening.
✕Common Mistakes
É 7 da noite.
Use 'São' for any hour other than 1 because the subject is plural (hours).
São às 7 da noite.
The preposition 'às' (a + as) is used with 'hora' (e.g., 'às 7 horas'), not with the bare numeral.
São 7 noite.
The article 'a' is required; it contracts to 'da' before 'noite'.
↔Alternatives
São sete da noite.
It is seven in the evening.
São sete horas da noite.
It is seven o’clock in the evening.
São 7 horas da noite.
It is seven o’clock in the evening.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil most people speak the 12‑hour clock in everyday conversation, adding 'da manhã', 'da tarde' or 'da noite' to avoid ambiguity. Official timetables (buses, flights) often use the 24‑hour format, so you’ll hear both systems depending on the context.