Portuguese Phrase
Hoje é dia 21 de abril.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to state the current date in Portuguese. It uses the verb 'ser' (to be) in the third-person singular to connect the time reference 'Hoje' with the specific calendar day.
When to use
Use this phrase whenever you need to identify or confirm the current date. It is appropriate for both casual conversations and formal settings, such as opening a meeting or writing a letter.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Hojeédia21deabril
Verb Ser (é)
The verb 'é' is used for dates because they are considered objective facts or identities of the day.
Cardinal Numbers
Unlike English, which uses '21st', Portuguese uses the cardinal number '21' (vinte e um) for the date.
🗨In Conversation
Que dia é hoje?
What day is today?
Hoje é dia 21 de abril.
Today is April 21st.
✕Common Mistakes
Hoje é 21 em abril.
In Portuguese, the preposition 'de' is always used to link the day to the month, never 'em'.
Hoje é o vigésimo primeiro de abril.
Portuguese uses cardinal numbers for dates; ordinal numbers are only used for the first day of the month (o primeiro).
↔Alternatives
É 21 de abril.
It is April 21st.
Hoje estamos a 21 de abril.
Today we are at April 21st (more common in European Portuguese).
Cultural Tip
April 21st is a major national holiday in Brazil called Tiradentes Day. It honors Joaquim José da Silva Xavier, a martyr who led an early movement for Brazilian independence from Portugal.