Chega por hoje
That's enough for today; I'm calling it a day.
Literally: Arrives for today
In 15 Seconds
- Used to signal you are finished with work or a task.
- Equivalent to the English expression 'let's call it a day.'
- Works in both professional and casual social settings.
Meaning
This is the perfect way to say 'that's enough for today' or 'I'm calling it a day.' You use it when you've finished a task or simply can't handle any more work or stress.
Key Examples
3 of 6Closing your laptop at the office
Bom pessoal, chega por hoje. Até amanhã!
Well guys, that's enough for today. See you tomorrow!
After a grueling workout at the gym
Estou exausto, chega por hoje.
I'm exhausted, that's it for today.
Ending a long study session with a friend
Não consigo mais ler nada. Chega por hoje?
I can't read anything else. Enough for today?
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'Chega por hoje' is often the precursor to 'Happy Hour'. It's a social signal that work talk should end and personal life should begin. In Portugal, the phrase can be used with a sense of 'desabafo' (venting) after a long day of traditional labor or office work. In Luanda, you might hear 'Já deu' more frequently in informal markets to signal that trading is over for the day. Modern startups in São Paulo use 'Chega por hoje' to encourage employees to avoid burnout, often posted in Slack channels.
Use with a Sigh
To sound like a native, exhale slightly while saying 'Chega por hoje' to emphasize your relief.
Don't conjugate!
Remember, saying 'Eu chego por hoje' sounds like you are physically arriving at a place called 'Today'.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to signal you are finished with work or a task.
- Equivalent to the English expression 'let's call it a day.'
- Works in both professional and casual social settings.
What It Means
Chega por hoje is your ultimate 'exit' phrase. It literally means 'enough for today.' It signals that a limit has been reached. You aren't just saying you're done. You're saying you've done enough. It carries a sense of relief or finality.
How To Use It
Use it as a standalone sentence. You can also add it to the end of a thought. It works perfectly when closing a laptop. It's great when leaving the gym. You don't need complex grammar here. Just drop it and walk away. It’s the verbal equivalent of a mic drop.
When To Use It
Use it at the office around 5 PM. Use it after a long study session. It's perfect when a conversation gets too heavy. Use it when you're tired of chores. If you're at a bar, it means 'no more drinks.' It’s a very versatile boundary-setter.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it in a high-stakes job interview. It might sound like you lack stamina. Avoid it during a romantic first date. It could sound like you're bored. Don't say it to a police officer. It might come off as rude or dismissive.
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese people value hard work. However, they also value 'descompressão' (decompressing). This phrase reflects the cultural balance of life. It’s a healthy way to acknowledge your limits. It’s often said with a long exhale. It marks the transition from 'work mode' to 'life mode.'
Common Variations
If you're really exhausted, try Já deu por hoje. For a more emphatic version, use Por hoje chega!. If you're just done with a person, say Chega!. To be more polite, add Acho que chega por hoje. These variations help you control the intensity.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral-informal. In a professional setting, it's best used among peers. If speaking to a high-level executive, 'Por hoje é só' is a slightly more polished alternative.
Use with a Sigh
To sound like a native, exhale slightly while saying 'Chega por hoje' to emphasize your relief.
Don't conjugate!
Remember, saying 'Eu chego por hoje' sounds like you are physically arriving at a place called 'Today'.
The 'Já' boost
Add 'Já' at the beginning ('Já chega por hoje') to sound more decisive and natural in Brazilian Portuguese.
Examples
6Bom pessoal, chega por hoje. Até amanhã!
Well guys, that's enough for today. See you tomorrow!
A standard way to tell colleagues you are leaving.
Estou exausto, chega por hoje.
I'm exhausted, that's it for today.
Expressing physical fatigue and stopping the activity.
Não consigo mais ler nada. Chega por hoje?
I can't read anything else. Enough for today?
Used as a question to suggest stopping a shared task.
Vocês trabalharam muito. Chega por hoje, podem ir.
You worked hard. That's enough for today, you can go.
A kind way for a superior to end the workday.
Ai, chega por hoje de reclamação, né?
Ugh, enough complaining for today, right?
A slightly humorous but firm way to change the subject.
Acabei o relatório. Chega por hoje! Indo pra casa.
Finished the report. Enough for today! Heading home.
Commonly used in texts to signal the end of the workday.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the expression.
Trabalhei muito no escritório. ________ por hoje!
The expression is impersonal and always uses the 3rd person singular 'chega'.
Which situation is most appropriate for 'Chega por hoje'?
Select the best context:
'Chega por hoje' is used to signal the end of a task or effort.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: 'Ainda temos que limpar a cozinha.' B: 'Não aguento mais. ________.'
'Chega por hoje' is the correct idiomatic form to express exhaustion and the end of work.
Match the phrase variation to its register.
1. Por hoje é só. 2. Já deu pra mim. 3. Chega por hoje.
'Por hoje é só' is used in media, 'Já deu' is slang, and 'Chega por hoje' is neutral/informal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Chega por hoje'
Work
- • End of shift
- • Finished report
- • Long meeting
Personal
- • Gym session
- • Studying
- • Cleaning
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTrabalhei muito no escritório. ________ por hoje!
The expression is impersonal and always uses the 3rd person singular 'chega'.
Select the best context:
'Chega por hoje' is used to signal the end of a task or effort.
A: 'Ainda temos que limpar a cozinha.' B: 'Não aguento mais. ________.'
'Chega por hoje' is the correct idiomatic form to express exhaustion and the end of work.
1. Por hoje é só. 2. Já deu pra mim. 3. Chega por hoje.
'Por hoje é só' is used in media, 'Já deu' is slang, and 'Chega por hoje' is neutral/informal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, if you have a friendly or neutral relationship. If the environment is very formal, use 'Vou encerrar meu expediente'.
Not usually. It's a standard way to end the day. However, your tone of voice can make it sound frustrated if you're not careful.
'Basta' is more aggressive and often used to stop bad behavior. 'Chega' is more common for finishing tasks.
No, that doesn't make sense. You would say 'Isso é suficiente para amanhã' (That's enough for tomorrow).
Yes, it is widely understood and used in Portugal, though 'Basta por hoje' is also common there.
Related Phrases
Chega de
builds onEnough of [something]
Basta
synonymEnough / Stop
Por hoje é só
similarThat's all for today
Já deu
informalI'm done / It's over
