Portuguese Phrase
Sim, tenho planos no domingo.
Meaning
This phrase is a standard way to inform someone that your schedule is already occupied on Sunday. It uses the verb 'ter' (to have) to indicate the existence of prior commitments or arrangements.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to decline an invitation or confirm that you are busy. It is appropriate for both casual conversations with friends and more formal social contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Simtenhoplanosnodomingo
Tenho (Ter)
The first-person singular present tense of 'ter'. It is used here to denote having a scheduled activity.
No (Em + O)
A contraction of the preposition 'em' (on/in) and the masculine article 'o' (the), used before masculine nouns like 'domingo'.
🗨In Conversation
Você quer ir ao cinema no domingo?
Do you want to go to the cinema on Sunday?
Sim, tenho planos no domingo.
Yes, I have plans on Sunday.
✕Common Mistakes
Sim, tenho planos em domingo.
In Portuguese, days of the week require the contraction of the preposition 'em' and the article 'o', resulting in 'no'.
Sim, sou planos no domingo.
Avoid using 'ser' (to be) to describe having plans; always use 'ter' (to have) for possessions or scheduled events.
↔Alternatives
Já tenho compromisso no domingo.
I already have an engagement on Sunday.
Estou ocupado no domingo.
I am busy on Sunday.
Cultural Tip
In many Lusophone cultures, Sunday is traditionally a day for family gatherings or rest. Stating you have plans is a socially acceptable way to decline an invite, and often people will assume those plans involve family or long-standing traditions.