Portuguese Phrase
Tomara que a luz não acabe.
Meaning
A hopeful wish that the electricity stays on, usually said when a power outage is feared. It conveys a personal desire rather than a factual statement.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re in a situation where a blackout could be problematic – a meeting, a party, a night of study, or while watching a movie. It’s informal and works in everyday conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tomaraquealuznãoacabe
Tomara que
Colloquial expression meaning “I hope that”. It always introduces a clause that requires the subjunctive mood.
Subjunctive (acabe)
After ‘tomar que’, the verb must be in the present subjunctive; ‘acabar’ → ‘acabe’.
Negation (não)
‘Não’ precedes the verb to negate the action in the subjunctive clause.
Definite article (a)
‘A’ before ‘luz’ specifies the particular electricity supply being discussed.
🗨In Conversation
Tomara que a luz não acabe durante a reunião.
I hope the lights don’t go out during the meeting.
É, seria um desastre se apagasse agora.
Yeah, it would be a disaster if it went out now.
✕Common Mistakes
Tomara que a luz não acaba.
After ‘tomara que’, the verb must be in the subjunctive, not the indicative.
Tomar que a luz não acabe.
The correct expression is ‘tomara que’, not ‘tomar que’.
Tomara que a luz não acaba.
Negation still requires the subjunctive form ‘acabe’.
↔Alternatives
Espero que a luz não se apague.
I hope the light doesn’t go out.
Desejo que a energia continue ligada.
I wish the power stays on.
Quero que a luz continue acesa.
I want the light to stay on.
Cultural Tip
Power outages (apagões) are common in many parts of Brazil, especially during summer storms or in regions with less stable infrastructure. Saying “Tomara que a luz não acabe” is a typical, informal way to express anxiety about a possible blackout, often heard in homes, offices, and even on social media during heatwaves.