Portuguese Phrase
Tenho um compromisso às 15h.
Meaning
This phrase is used to state that you have a prior engagement, appointment, or obligation at a specific time. In Portuguese, 'compromisso' is a broad term covering everything from business meetings to social dates. It emphasizes that your schedule is occupied at that moment.
When to use
Use this phrase when declining an invitation or explaining why you are unavailable at a certain time. It is appropriate for both professional and casual contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tenhoumcompromissoàs15h
Tenho (Ter)
The first-person singular present tense of 'ter' (to have), used to express possession or obligations.
Às
A contraction of the preposition 'a' and the feminine plural article 'as', used before feminine nouns like 'horas' (hours).
🗨In Conversation
Você pode falar às 15h?
Can you talk at 3 PM?
Infelizmente não, tenho um compromisso às 15h.
Unfortunately no, I have a commitment at 3 PM.
✕Common Mistakes
Tenho um compromisso em 15h.
In Portuguese, we use 'às' (a + as) to indicate specific times, not 'em'.
Eu tenho um encontro às 15h.
While 'encontro' means meeting, 'compromisso' is more standard for a general commitment or appointment.
↔Alternatives
Estou ocupado às 15h.
I am busy at 3 PM.
Tenho uma reunião às 15h.
I have a meeting at 3 PM.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking countries, the 24-hour clock is standard for written schedules (15h). Using 'compromisso' is a polite way to decline an invitation without needing to specify exactly what you are doing.