Portuguese Phrase
Que tal na quarta?
Meaning
This phrase is a common, casual way to propose a day for a meeting or activity. 'Que tal' is an idiomatic expression meaning 'How about' or 'What about', while 'na quarta' is the shortened form of 'na quarta-feira'.
When to use
Use this phrase when making plans with friends or colleagues in an informal setting. It is ideal for suggesting an alternative time after a previous suggestion was declined.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Que talnaquarta
Que tal
An idiomatic phrase used to make suggestions or ask for an opinion on an idea.
na
A contraction of the preposition 'em' (in/on) and the feminine article 'a' (the).
quarta
Short for 'quarta-feira'. Portuguese uses ordinal numbers for weekdays, with Monday being 'segunda' (second).
🗨In Conversation
Não posso nos encontrar na terça-feira.
I can't meet you on Tuesday.
Que tal na quarta?
How about on Wednesday?
✕Common Mistakes
Que tal em quarta?
Days of the week in Portuguese require a definite article, so 'em' must contract with 'a' to become 'na'.
Como tal na quarta?
While 'como' means 'how', it is not used in this specific idiomatic suggestion; 'Que tal' is the correct fixed phrase.
↔Alternatives
Pode ser na quarta?
Can it be on Wednesday?
E na quarta-feira?
And on Wednesday?
O que você acha de quarta?
What do you think about Wednesday?
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking countries, the suffix '-feira' is usually dropped in casual conversation for all days from Monday to Friday. Wednesday (quarta-feira) is often seen as a good mid-week day for social gatherings or 'happy hours'.