Portuguese Phrase
Termino às seis.
Meaning
This phrase indicates the specific time at which the speaker completes a task, most commonly referring to the end of a workday or a study session. It uses the first-person singular form of the verb 'terminar' in the present tense to describe a routine or a scheduled event.
When to use
Use this phrase when answering questions about your schedule or informing someone when you will be free after work or school. It is appropriate for both professional settings and casual conversations with friends.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Terminoàsseis
Terminar
The verb 'terminar' is conjugated in the first-person singular present tense ('eu termino'), indicating a regular or scheduled action.
Crasis (às)
The accent on 'às' indicates a contraction between the preposition 'a' (at) and the feminine plural article 'as' (the), which is required before specific hours.
🗨In Conversation
A que horas você sai do trabalho hoje?
What time do you leave work today?
Termino às seis.
I finish at six.
✕Common Mistakes
Eu termino em seis.
In Portuguese, the preposition 'às' is used for clock times, whereas 'em' is used for months or years.
Termino a seis.
You must use the contracted form 'às' (a + as) because hours are feminine and plural in Portuguese.
↔Alternatives
Acabo às seis.
I finish at six.
Saio às seis.
I leave at six.
Cultural Tip
While the 24-hour clock is frequently used for official schedules and transportation in Lusophone countries, people almost exclusively use the 12-hour format in spoken conversation. If there is ambiguity, you might add 'da tarde' (in the afternoon) or 'da noite' (at night).