Portuguese Phrase
São quatro e meia.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to express that it is half past four. In Portuguese, the plural verb 'são' is used for all hours except one o'clock, midday, and midnight. The word 'meia' is short for 'meia hora' (half hour) and must agree with the feminine gender of 'hora'.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone asks for the time or when you are stating the time for an appointment. It is appropriate for both casual conversations and formal situations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sãoquatroemeia
São
The plural form of the verb 'ser' used for all hours except one.
Meia
A feminine adjective meaning 'half', used specifically to denote the 30-minute mark in time-telling.
🗨In Conversation
Com licença, você tem horas?
Excuse me, do you have the time?
São quatro e meia.
It's four thirty.
✕Common Mistakes
É quatro e meia.
Always use the plural 'são' for any hour from 2 to 12.
São quatro e meio.
Use the feminine 'meia' because it refers to 'meia hora' (half hour).
↔Alternatives
São quatro e trinta.
It is four thirty.
São dezesseis e trinta.
It is sixteen thirty (4:30 PM).
Cultural Tip
While Portuguese speakers often use the 24-hour clock for official schedules like flights or movie times, they prefer the 12-hour clock in daily speech. To clarify the time of day, you can add 'da tarde' (in the afternoon) or 'da madrugada' (in the early morning).