Meaning
Asks for the opening time of a place or business.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, the 'horário comercial' is typically 08:00 to 18:00. However, shopping malls (shoppings) usually open later, at 10:00, and stay open until 22:00. In Portugal, many smaller shops still observe a lunch break (almoço), closing from 13:00 to 15:00. You might need to ask 'Que horas abre à tarde?' (What time does it open in the afternoon?). In Luanda, opening times can be very early to avoid the midday heat. It's common for markets to be bustling by 07:00.
The 'A' Secret
If you want to sound more polite or 'correct' in a formal email, always use 'A que horas'.
Don't say 'Que hora'
Even though English says 'What hour', Portuguese always uses the plural 'horas'.
Meaning
Asks for the opening time of a place or business.
The 'A' Secret
If you want to sound more polite or 'correct' in a formal email, always use 'A que horas'.
Don't say 'Que hora'
Even though English says 'What hour', Portuguese always uses the plural 'horas'.
Add 'por favor'
Always tack on 'por favor' (please) at the end to make your request sound much friendlier to locals.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct way to ask when the supermarket opens in a casual Brazilian setting.
___ horas abre o supermercado?
'Que horas' is the standard way to ask for a specific time in Portuguese.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'abrir'.
A que horas a farmácia ___?
The subject 'a farmácia' is third-person singular, so we use 'abre'.
Match the question to the most likely place.
Que horas abre a bilheteria?
'Bilheteria' means ticket office, most commonly found at cinemas or theaters.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Com licença, que horas abre o museu? B: ___ às dez horas.
The answer should mirror the verb used in the question.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'Que horas abre?'
Places
- • Banco
- • Loja
- • Museu
- • Shopping
Practice Bank
4 exercises___ horas abre o supermercado?
'Que horas' is the standard way to ask for a specific time in Portuguese.
A que horas a farmácia ___?
The subject 'a farmácia' is third-person singular, so we use 'abre'.
Que horas abre a bilheteria?
'Bilheteria' means ticket office, most commonly found at cinemas or theaters.
A: Com licença, que horas abre o museu? B: ___ às dez horas.
The answer should mirror the verb used in the question.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, you wouldn't ask 'Que horas você abre?'. Instead, ask 'Que horas você acorda?' (What time do you wake up?).
Both are correct. 'A que horas' is more formal and standard in Portugal. 'Que horas' is very common in Brazil.
Answer with 'Abre às...' followed by the time. Example: 'Abre às oito'.
Yes, if you ask about 'as lojas' (the shops), it becomes 'Que horas abrem as lojas?'.
Related Phrases
Que horas fecha?
contrastWhat time does it close?
Está aberto?
similarIs it open?
Qual o horário?
synonymWhat is the schedule?
