Portuguese Phrase
Que tal às sete?
Meaning
This phrase is a common and friendly way to suggest a specific time for an appointment, meeting, or social gathering. It uses 'Que tal' to propose an idea and 'às sete' to specify the hour, making it a staple in daily planning.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are coordinating plans with friends, family, or colleagues and want to propose a time to meet. It is appropriate for both casual and semi-formal settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Que talàssete
Que tal
An idiomatic expression used to make suggestions or ask for an opinion, similar to 'How about' in English.
Às
A contraction of the preposition 'a' and the feminine plural article 'as', used before hours (which are feminine in Portuguese).
🗨In Conversation
Quer ir jantar hoje?
Do you want to go to dinner today?
Claro! Que tal às sete?
Sure! How about at seven?
✕Common Mistakes
Que tal em sete?
In Portuguese, we use 'às' to indicate specific hours, not 'em'.
Que tal as sete?
The word 'às' requires a grave accent (crase) because it is a contraction of the preposition 'a' and the article 'as'.
↔Alternatives
Pode ser às sete?
Can it be at seven?
Vamos às sete?
Shall we go at seven?
Às sete funciona para você?
Does seven work for you?
Cultural Tip
In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, especially Brazil, social time can be flexible. While 'às sete' is the proposed time, arriving a few minutes late is often socially acceptable in casual contexts, though business meetings demand punctuality.