Portuguese Phrase
Máximas por volta de dez graus.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener that the expected maximum temperature will be roughly ten degrees. It is a concise way to give a weather forecast or comment on the day's climate.
When to use
Use this phrase when talking about the weather, especially in a forecast, a casual conversation about the day's temperature, or when comparing today's heat to previous days.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Máximasporvoltadedezgraus
Máximas
Plural form of 'máxima', a feminine noun meaning the highest temperature expected.
por volta de
A fixed prepositional phrase meaning 'around' or 'about' when estimating a quantity.
dez graus
Cardinal number 'dez' (10) followed by the noun 'graus' (degrees). In Brazil temperatures are expressed in Celsius without adding 'Celsius' explicitly.
🗨In Conversation
Máximas por volta de dez graus hoje.
Maximums around ten degrees today.
Então é melhor levar um casaco leve.
Then it's best to bring a light jacket.
✕Common Mistakes
Máximas por volta a 10 graus.
The correct preposition after 'por volta' is 'de', not 'a'.
Máximas por volta de 10 graus.
In Portuguese write the number out as a word (dez) when the phrase is fully written.
↔Alternatives
Temperaturas máximas próximas de dez graus.
Maximum temperatures close to ten degrees.
Máximas cerca de dez graus.
Maximums about ten degrees.
Máximas em torno de dez graus.
Maximums in the vicinity of ten degrees.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil and Portugal temperatures are always given in Celsius, and the word 'graus' alone is enough – you don't say 'graus Celsius'. When the temperature is low, Brazilians often add 'frio' (cold) after the number, e.g., 'dez graus, que frio!'. Also, the phrase is informal; in a formal weather report you might hear 'as temperaturas máximas serão de aproximadamente dez graus'.