Meaning
Before a deadline or at an appropriate moment.
Cultural Background
In Portugal, 'em tempo útil' is often linked to the 'Diário da República', where all laws are published. If a citizen doesn't act 'em tempo útil' after a law is published, they lose their rights. Brazilians often use 'em tempo hábil' as a synonym. It is very common in the 'Direito do Consumidor' (Consumer Law) when discussing returns or complaints. In Angolan administrative language, this phrase is used to maintain a formal link to the legal structures inherited from the colonial period, emphasizing state authority. Common in Mozambican news (like 'Jornal Notícias') to describe government actions or international aid arriving during crises.
Email Closer
End your formal emails with 'Agradeço, desde já, uma resposta em tempo útil' to sound like a native professional.
Not for Speed
Don't use this to describe a fast car or a quick runner. It's about deadlines, not velocity.
Meaning
Before a deadline or at an appropriate moment.
Email Closer
End your formal emails with 'Agradeço, desde já, uma resposta em tempo útil' to sound like a native professional.
Not for Speed
Don't use this to describe a fast car or a quick runner. It's about deadlines, not velocity.
Test Yourself
Preencha o espaço com a expressão correta.
O advogado submeteu o recurso ________ para evitar a anulação do processo.
In a legal context regarding a 'recurso' (appeal), 'em tempo útil' is the most appropriate and professional choice.
Qual destas frases é mais adequada para um e-mail profissional?
Você quer pedir uma resposta rápida a um colega de outro departamento.
This option is formal, polite, and uses the correct professional terminology.
Combine a situação com a frase mais provável.
Situações: 1. Tribunal, 2. Jantar com amigos, 3. E-mail de trabalho.
Tribunal uses formal past tense; Work email uses formal request; Friends use casual 'a tempo'.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesO advogado submeteu o recurso ________ para evitar a anulação do processo.
In a legal context regarding a 'recurso' (appeal), 'em tempo útil' is the most appropriate and professional choice.
Você quer pedir uma resposta rápida a um colega de outro departamento.
This option is formal, polite, and uses the correct professional terminology.
Situações: 1. Tribunal, 2. Jantar com amigos, 3. E-mail de trabalho.
Tribunal uses formal past tense; Work email uses formal request; Friends use casual 'a tempo'.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'em tempo hábil' is slightly more common in Brazilian legal and formal contexts.
Only if you are being ironic or joking about how formal you are being.
The most common opposite is 'fora de prazo' (past the deadline) or 'tarde demais' (too late).
Always 'em tempo útil' for the general expression. 'No tempo útil' is rare and refers to a specific period.
No, 'útil' is a uniform adjective. It stays the same for masculine and feminine.
Much more formal. 'A tempo' is neutral; 'em tempo útil' is professional/legal.
No, that doesn't exist as an idiom. You would say 'fora de tempo'.
In Portugal, it's a dark L (velarized). In Brazil, it often sounds like a 'w' (ú-tiw).
Yes, very frequently when discussing project milestones and deliverables.
Only if it's a formal text to a boss or client.
Related Phrases
A tempo e horas
similarPunctually and correctly.
Atempadamente
synonymIn a timely manner.
Fora de tempo
contrastToo late or at the wrong moment.
Oportunamente
similarAt an opportune moment.
