Meaning
States the day of the week for yesterday.
Cultural Background
Brazilians almost never say the full 'segunda-feira' in casual conversation. They will just say 'Ontem foi segunda'. In Portugal, the pronunciation of 'ontem' has a very distinct nasal 'm' at the end, whereas in some Brazilian dialects, it can sound closer to 'onte'. In African Lusophone countries, 'Ontem foi' is used similarly to Portugal, often with a very clear and formal articulation of the verb 'foi'. The reason we say 'Segunda' (Second) instead of 'Monday' is due to Saint Martin of Braga's influence in the 6th century.
Drop the 'feira'
In Brazil, just say 'Ontem foi segunda' to sound more like a local.
Don't use 'é'
Even if it's a fact, 'Ontem' is past. Always use 'foi'.
Meaning
States the day of the week for yesterday.
Drop the 'feira'
In Brazil, just say 'Ontem foi segunda' to sound more like a local.
Don't use 'é'
Even if it's a fact, 'Ontem' is past. Always use 'foi'.
Anteontem is your friend
Learn 'Anteontem' early to avoid saying 'the day before yesterday' in a clunky way.
The 'foi' merger
Remember that 'foi' also means 'he/she went'. Context is key!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'ser' in the past.
Ontem _______ segunda-feira.
We use 'foi' because yesterday is a completed period in the past.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct way to say 'Yesterday was fun'.
'Ontem' is singular and neutral, so we use 'foi' and the masculine singular 'divertido'.
Match the Portuguese phrase to its English translation.
Match the following:
These are common complements for the phrase 'Ontem foi'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Que dia foi ontem? B: ___________ domingo.
The question asks 'What day was yesterday?', so the answer must start with 'Yesterday was'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOntem _______ segunda-feira.
We use 'foi' because yesterday is a completed period in the past.
Choose the correct way to say 'Yesterday was fun'.
'Ontem' is singular and neutral, so we use 'foi' and the masculine singular 'divertido'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common complements for the phrase 'Ontem foi'.
A: Que dia foi ontem? B: ___________ domingo.
The question asks 'What day was yesterday?', so the answer must start with 'Yesterday was'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, but it changes the meaning to 'It used to be' or is used for background in a story. For the date, use 'foi'.
It means 'second fair/market day'. Portuguese uses numbers for days because of religious history.
It's an adverb, but when used as a noun, it's masculine (O ontem).
It's more natural to say 'Ontem fez sol' using the verb 'fazer'.
'Ontem' is the whole day; 'ontem à noite' is specifically last night.
In Portuguese, days of the week are usually not capitalized (segunda-feira).
It's neutral. It works in any situation.
Ontem foi a minha primeira vez.
No, you would say 'Ontem ele foi...' meaning 'Yesterday he went...'.
It means 'the day before yesterday'.
Yes, it is the standard word in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
That is a very informal/regional variation of 'anteontem'. Stick to 'anteontem' as a learner.
Related Phrases
Anteontem
similarThe day before yesterday
Hoje é
contrastToday is
Amanhã será
contrastTomorrow will be
Naquela época
specialized formIn those times
Ontem à noite
specialized formLast night
