Portuguese Phrase
Trabalhei ontem.
Meaning
This phrase uses the first-person singular of the verb 'trabalhar' in the pretérito perfeito tense. It describes a completed action that occurred specifically on the previous day. In Portuguese, the subject 'Eu' (I) is often omitted because the verb ending '-ei' clearly identifies who performed the action.
When to use
Use this phrase when answering questions about your previous day's activities or explaining why you might be tired. It is appropriate for both professional and casual conversations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Trabalheiontem
Pretérito Perfeito
The ending '-ei' is the standard first-person singular conjugation for -AR verbs in the simple past tense.
Adverbs of Time
'Ontem' is an adverb that indicates the action is finished, requiring the use of the perfective aspect.
🗨In Conversation
O que você fez ontem à noite?
What did you do last night?
Trabalhei ontem.
I worked yesterday.
✕Common Mistakes
Eu trabalho ontem.
Avoid using the present tense 'trabalho' with the past-time marker 'ontem'.
Trabalhei amanhã.
Do not confuse 'ontem' (yesterday) with 'amanhã' (tomorrow) when using past tense verbs.
↔Alternatives
Eu estive trabalhando ontem.
I was working yesterday.
Tive muito trabalho ontem.
I had a lot of work yesterday.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, especially in Brazil, mentioning work is a common social icebreaker. Dropping the pronoun 'Eu' makes you sound more like a native speaker, as Portuguese is a pro-drop language where verb endings provide the necessary context.