Portuguese Phrase
Tenho planos pra hoje.
Meaning
This phrase is a common way to state that your schedule is already full for the current day. It is often used as a polite way to decline a social invitation or explain why you cannot take on more tasks.
When to use
Use this when a friend or colleague asks if you are free or invites you to an event. It works in both casual and professional contexts to signal unavailability.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tenhoplanosprahoje
Ter (Tenho)
The verb 'ter' is used here in the first-person singular present tense to indicate possession of a schedule or intent.
Pra
This is a contraction of 'para' (for/to). While 'para' is used in writing, 'pra' is the standard in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.
🗨In Conversation
Você quer ir ao cinema à noite?
Do you want to go to the cinema tonight?
Infelizmente, tenho planos pra hoje.
Unfortunately, I have plans for today.
✕Common Mistakes
Tenho planos por hoje.
In Portuguese, use 'para' (or 'pra') to indicate the destination of time or purpose, not 'por'.
Eu sou planos pra hoje.
Use the verb 'ter' (to have) to express possession of plans, not 'ser' (to be).
↔Alternatives
Já tenho compromisso.
I already have an engagement.
Estou ocupado hoje.
I am busy today.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, 'pra' is the ubiquitous spoken contraction of 'para'. Using the full word 'para' in casual speech can sound overly formal or stiff. Adding 'Infelizmente' (Unfortunately) at the start is a common way to soften the rejection of an invitation.