Portuguese Phrase
O dono tem um horário certo pra devolver isso.
Meaning
This phrase means that the owner of an item has a designated or agreed-upon time by which something needs to be returned. It implies a fixed schedule or deadline for the return. The 'isso' refers to the object being returned.
When to use
You would use this phrase when you are holding an item that belongs to someone else and they have set a specific time for its return. It's common in situations like borrowing tools, equipment, or even a book, where the owner has communicated a deadline. It can also be used to explain why an item cannot be returned immediately.
✦Grammar Breakdown
O donotemum horário certopradevolverisso
O dono
'O dono' means 'the owner'. 'Dono' is a masculine noun, so it takes the masculine definite article 'o'.
Tem (Ter)
'Tem' is the third-person singular conjugation of the verb 'ter' (to have). It indicates possession or existence.
Um horário certo
'Um horário certo' means 'a specific/certain time'. 'Horário' is a masculine noun for 'schedule' or 'time slot', and 'certo' means 'certain' or 'correct'.
Pra (Para)
'Pra' is a common contraction of 'para' (for/to) in spoken Brazilian Portuguese. It indicates purpose or direction.
Devolver
'Devolver' means 'to return' (an object). It's a regular verb ending in -er.
Isso
'Isso' is a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'this' or 'that' (referring to something abstract or previously mentioned, or an object close to the listener). It functions as the direct object here.
🗨In Conversation
Posso ficar com o livro por mais um dia?
Can I keep the book for one more day?
Não sei, o dono tem um horário certo pra devolver isso.
I don't know, the owner has a specific time to return this.
✕Common Mistakes
O dono está um horário certo pra devolver isso.
Using 'estar' instead of 'ter' (to have). 'Estar' means 'to be' (temporary state), while 'ter' means 'to have'.
O dono tem um horário certo para retornar isso.
While 'retornar' means 'to return', 'devolver' is specifically used for returning an object to its owner. 'Retornar' is more for returning to a place or state.
O dono tem um horário certo para devolver ele.
When referring to an object as a direct object pronoun, use 'o' or 'a' (or 'isso'/'aquilo') instead of 'ele'/'ela'.
↔Alternatives
Ele tem uma hora marcada pra pegar isso de volta.
He has a scheduled time to get this back.
O proprietário definiu um prazo para a devolução.
The owner set a deadline for the return.
Preciso devolver isso até uma certa hora para o dono.
I need to return this to the owner by a certain time.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, especially in Brazil, punctuality can vary. While 'horário certo' implies a fixed time, there might be some flexibility depending on the context and relationship. However, for formal agreements or borrowed items, respecting the agreed-upon time is generally expected. The use of 'pra' (short for 'para') is very common in informal spoken Brazilian Portuguese.