Portuguese Phrase
A que horas terminas?
Meaning
This is a common question used to ask someone when they will complete a specific task, work shift, or activity. The verb 'terminar' is conjugated in the second-person singular (tu), which makes the phrase informal and direct.
When to use
Use this phrase with friends, family, or close colleagues when you want to know their schedule to plan a meeting or social event. It is particularly common in European Portuguese contexts where the 'tu' form is frequently used.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Aquehorasterminas
Preposition 'A'
The 'A' at the beginning functions like 'at' in English, indicating a specific point in time.
Present Tense 'Tu'
The suffix '-as' indicates the second-person singular present tense for -ar verbs, used for informal 'you' in Portugal.
🗨In Conversation
A que horas terminas o trabalho hoje?
At what time do you finish work today?
Termino às seis horas. Queres ir jantar?
I finish at six o'clock. Do you want to go to dinner?
✕Common Mistakes
Que horas terminas?
In Portuguese, you must include the preposition 'A' (at) when asking for a specific time of an event.
A que horas tu termina?
This is a conjugation error; 'tu' requires the ending '-as' for regular -ar verbs like terminar.
↔Alternatives
A que horas você termina?
At what time do you finish? (Brazilian/Formal)
Quando é que acabas?
When do you finish? (Using 'acabar')
Cultural Tip
In Portugal, using the 'tu' form (terminas) signifies a level of familiarity. If you are speaking to a supervisor or someone you don't know well, it is safer to use the formal 'A que horas termina?' or 'A que horas o senhor termina?' to show respect.