Portuguese Phrase
O outono começa em setembro.
Meaning
This phrase is a factual statement about the transition of seasons. It highlights the use of the definite article 'O' before seasons and the preposition 'em' before months in Portuguese.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing the calendar, weather changes, or academic schedules. It is appropriate for both formal and informal conversations about the time of year.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ooutonocomeçaemsetembro
Definite Articles
Unlike English, Portuguese requires 'O' (the) before the names of seasons in most contexts.
Verb Conjugation
'Começa' is the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'começar' (to start/begin).
Prepositions with Months
The preposition 'em' is used before months to indicate 'in', and it does not contract with an article here.
🗨In Conversation
Você sabe quando as folhas começam a cair?
Do you know when the leaves start to fall?
Sim, o outono começa em setembro.
Yes, autumn begins in September.
✕Common Mistakes
Outono começa em setembro.
In Portuguese, seasons of the year almost always require a definite article like 'O' or 'A'.
O outono começa no setembro.
Use the simple preposition 'em' for months unless the month is modified by an adjective.
↔Alternatives
A estação do outono inicia em setembro.
The autumn season starts in September.
Setembro é quando o outono começa.
September is when autumn begins.
Cultural Tip
While this phrase is true for the Northern Hemisphere, remember that in most of Brazil and other Southern Hemisphere countries, autumn actually begins in March. Brazilians living abroad often use this phrase to adjust to local calendars.