Portuguese Phrase
Cheguei à meia-noite.
Meaning
This phrase indicates that the speaker reached their destination exactly at the start of the new day. It utilizes the first-person singular past tense of the verb 'chegar' (to arrive) combined with a specific time marker. The use of 'à' is a contraction essential for indicating precise hours in Portuguese.
When to use
Use this phrase when reporting your arrival time for travel, events, or returning home. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts when discussing past events.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Chegueiàmeia-noite
Chegar (Cheguei)
This is the first-person singular of 'chegar' in the Pretérito Perfeito, used for completed past actions.
Crase (à)
The 'à' represents the fusion of the preposition 'a' (to/at) and the article 'a' (the), mandatory before feminine time expressions.
🗨In Conversation
A que horas você chegou em casa ontem?
What time did you get home yesterday?
Cheguei à meia-noite.
I arrived at midnight.
✕Common Mistakes
Cheguei na meia-noite.
In Portuguese, we use 'à' for specific times, not 'na' which implies 'inside of'.
Cheguei a meia-noite.
The accent (crase) is required here because it is a contraction of the preposition 'a' and the feminine article 'a'.
↔Alternatives
Cheguei às doze badaladas.
I arrived at the twelve chimes.
Cheguei exatamente às 00:00.
I arrived exactly at 00:00.
Cultural Tip
In many Portuguese-speaking countries, 'meia-noite' is the standard way to refer to 12 AM. While social events in Brazil often start late, stating a precise arrival time is common for official records or when explaining a delay to family.