Portuguese Phrase
Vou sair hoje à tarde.
Meaning
This phrase uses the present tense of the verb 'ir' (to go) followed by an infinitive to express a certain future plan. It indicates the speaker's intention to leave their current location or go out for social purposes during the afternoon of the current day.
When to use
Use this phrase when informing someone about your plans for the later part of the day. It is appropriate for both casual conversations with friends and professional contexts when mentioning you will be away from your desk.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vousairhojeà tarde
Ir + Infinitive
The verb 'ir' (vou) combined with another verb in the infinitive (sair) is the most common way to express the future in spoken Portuguese.
Crase (à)
The 'à' in 'à tarde' is a contraction of the preposition 'a' and the article 'a', marked by the backtick accent called a crasis.
🗨In Conversation
Você quer ir ao cinema depois do trabalho?
Do you want to go to the movies after work?
Não posso, vou sair hoje à tarde e voltarei tarde.
I can't, I am going out this afternoon and I will return late.
✕Common Mistakes
Vou sair hoje no tarde.
The correct prepositional phrase for 'in the afternoon' is 'à tarde' using the crasis.
Vou sair hoje por tarde.
Avoid using 'por' to indicate a specific time period like the afternoon; 'à' is the standard choice.
↔Alternatives
Sairei hoje à tarde.
I will go out this afternoon (more formal).
Vou dar uma saída hoje à tarde.
I'm going to step out for a bit this afternoon (colloquial).
Cultural Tip
In many Lusophone cultures, 'à tarde' covers the period from after lunch until dusk, usually around 6:00 PM. In Brazil, saying you are 'going out' (sair) often implies a social activity or running errands rather than just leaving a room.