Meaning
Referring to the day before the current one.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'no dia anterior' is often used in casual storytelling to build anticipation for a weekend event. In Portugal, the phrase is frequently used in formal or news contexts to report on events. In professional settings across all Portuguese-speaking regions, this phrase is standard for project management. Students use this phrase to describe their study habits before exams.
Watch the Crase
Always remember that 'anterior' takes the preposition 'a'. If the next word is feminine, it becomes 'à'.
Narrative Anchor
Use this phrase to anchor your stories in time. It makes your Portuguese sound much more natural and mature.
Meaning
Referring to the day before the current one.
Watch the Crase
Always remember that 'anterior' takes the preposition 'a'. If the next word is feminine, it becomes 'à'.
Narrative Anchor
Use this phrase to anchor your stories in time. It makes your Portuguese sound much more natural and mature.
Véspera vs. Anterior
Use 'véspera' for holidays or special events, and 'anterior' for general events or professional contexts.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Eu comprei o ingresso ______ ao show.
The sentence requires a reference point (the show), so 'no dia anterior' is correct.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence is correct?
The phrase needs the preposition 'a' to connect to the event.
Match the event to the day before.
Match the event to its 'day before' description.
Each event requires the preposition 'a' and the correct article.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Quando você terminou o projeto? B: ______.
This is the most logical answer for a project deadline.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu comprei o ingresso ______ ao show.
The sentence requires a reference point (the show), so 'no dia anterior' is correct.
Which sentence is correct?
The phrase needs the preposition 'a' to connect to the event.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Each event requires the preposition 'a' and the correct article.
A: Quando você terminou o projeto? B: ______.
This is the most logical answer for a project deadline.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is strictly for past events. For the future, use 'no dia anterior a [evento futuro]' only if you are narrating from a future perspective.
It is neutral. It works in both a casual chat and a formal report.
Because 'anterior' is an adjective that requires a complement to specify *what* it is before.
No, that is not a standard expression in Portuguese.
The usage is the same, but the pronunciation of 'dia' will differ (dʒia in Brazil vs dia in Portugal).
You can say 'no dia anterior' if the context is already clear to the listener.
Yes, e.g., 'No dia anterior ao dia 10'.
It depends on the context. 'Véspera' is more evocative; 'anterior' is more precise.
Yes, it is excellent for professional emails.
Yes, 'no' (em + o) is required.
Related Phrases
Na véspera
synonymOn the eve/day before
Um dia antes
similarOne day before
Anteontem
contrastThe day before yesterday
No dia seguinte
contrastThe next day
