Portuguese Phrase
Cheguei no dia 1º de janeiro.
Meaning
This sentence indicates a completed action in the past using the verb 'chegar' (to arrive). It specifically highlights the first day of the month, which in Portuguese requires an ordinal number rather than a cardinal one.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing travel dates, immigration details, or personal history. It is the standard way to state your arrival on New Year's Day.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Chegueinodia1ºdejaneiro
Cheguei
The 'Pretérito Perfeito' (past tense) form of the verb 'chegar' for the first person singular.
No dia
A contraction of the preposition 'em' and the article 'o', literally meaning 'on the day'.
1º (Primeiro)
Ordinal numbers are mandatory for the first of the month in Portuguese grammar.
🗨In Conversation
Quando você chegou em Lisboa?
When did you arrive in Lisbon?
Cheguei no dia 1º de janeiro.
I arrived on January 1st.
✕Common Mistakes
Cheguei no dia um de janeiro.
In Portuguese, always use the ordinal 'primeiro' (1º) for the first day of the month, never the cardinal 'um'.
Eu cheguei em dia 1 de janeiro.
Use the contraction 'no' (em + o) before 'dia' to specify 'on the day'.
↔Alternatives
Eu cheguei dia primeiro de janeiro.
I arrived January first.
Minha chegada foi no dia 1º de janeiro.
My arrival was on January 1st.
Cultural Tip
While most days in the Portuguese calendar use cardinal numbers (dois, três, etc.), the first day of the month is uniquely referred to as 'primeiro'. Using 'dia um' will mark you as a beginner, as native speakers across the Lusophone world strictly stick to 'primeiro'.