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Portuguese “Last” and “Next” Time Expressions (Weeks, Months, Years)

LEVEL A2 Beginner TOPIC Other topics adverbials

Most Portuguese learners are well acquainted with hoje, ontem and amanhã, but get stuck when they need to say “last” and “next” with weeks, months, or years.

Let’s learn the most common way to say

  • this week / last week / next week
  • this month / last month / next month
  • this year / last year / next year

in Portuguese.

Weeks

  • esta semana = this week
  • a semana passada = last week
  • a próxima semana = next week

These expressions often come at the start of the sentence to set the time reference, but they can also appear at the end. Most of the time, the position is flexible and the meaning stays the same.

Also, depending on the sentence, you’ll use em contracted with the definite article. For example, a semana passada often appears as na semana passada (em + a = na).

Examples:

  • Estou no Algarve esta semana.
  • I’m in the Algarve this week.
  • A semana passada foi complicada.
  • Last week was complicated.
  • Na próxima semana vou ao dentista.
  • Next week I’m going to the dentist.

Months

The same logic applies to months.

  • este mês = this month
  • o mês passado = last month
  • o próximo mês = next month

Examples:

  • A Rita vai casar-se este mês.
  • Rita is getting married this month.
  • A Rita casou-se no mês passado.
  • Rita got married last month.
  • O próximo mês é um mês especial: a Rita vai-se casar.
  • Next month is a special month: Rita is getting married.

Years

Yet again, the same logic applies to years.

  • este ano = this year
  • o ano passado = last year
  • o próximo ano = next year

Examples:

  • Este ano faço 50 anos.
  • This year I’m turning 50.
  • Fiz 50 anos no ano passado.
  • I turned 50 last year.
  • No próximo ano vou fazer 50 anos.
  • Next year I’ll be turning 50.

Beyond weeks, months and years

You can apply the same pattern to days of the week, holidays, and even events. Here are a few examples:

  • Vamos passar o próximo Natal no Brasil.
  • We’re going to spend next Christmas in Brazil.
  • No Domingo passado fomos até Esposende.
  • Last Sunday we went to Esposende.
  • O próximo jogo é contra o Manchester United.
  • The next match is against Manchester United.

Practice

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