Portuguese Phrase
Em que mês estamos agora?
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to ask for the current month in Portuguese. It literally translates to 'In what month are we now?', using the verb 'estar' to indicate a temporary state or current position in the calendar.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are disoriented regarding the date, filling out forms, or confirming the current month during a conversation. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Emquemêsestamosagora
Em que
This combination means 'In which' and is required because you are located 'within' a month.
Estamos
The first-person plural of 'estar'. Portuguese uses 'being in' a month to describe the current date.
🗨In Conversation
Nossa, perdi a noção do tempo. Em que mês estamos agora?
Wow, I lost track of time. What month is it now?
Já estamos em outubro, o ano está acabando!
We are already in October, the year is ending!
✕Common Mistakes
Qual mês é agora?
While 'Qual' means 'which', Portuguese speakers prefer 'Em que' (In which) when asking about months.
Em que mês somos agora?
Avoid using the verb 'ser' for dates and months; 'estar' is the correct verb for current time placement.
↔Alternatives
Qual é o mês atual?
What is the current month?
Em que mês a gente está?
What month are we in? (Informal)
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the informal 'a gente está' is often used instead of 'estamos'. Additionally, when answering, speakers always include the preposition 'em' (e.g., 'Estamos em maio'), which often contracts with articles like 'no' or 'na' depending on the specific date.