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A2 noun #1,200 most common 13 min read

ano que vem

Top 1,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ano que vem in 30 Seconds

Explanation ano que vem in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'ano que vem' is introduced as a simple, fixed phrase to talk about the future. Students learn it alongside 'hoje' (today), 'amanhã' (tomorrow), and 'ano passado' (last year). At this stage, the focus is on basic communication: 'Eu vou viajar ano que vem' (I am going to travel next year). The grammar is kept simple, usually paired with the verb 'ir' + infinitive. The goal is for the student to recognize the phrase in a calendar context and use it to express basic intentions. They don't need to understand the 'que vem' relative clause structure yet; they just need to treat it as a single unit of meaning that translates to 'next year'. Exercises at this level involve matching the phrase to dates or using it in simple 'I want' sentences.

At the A2 level, students begin to use 'ano que vem' more naturally in a wider variety of sentences. They learn that they don't always need the preposition 'no' and can start or end sentences with the phrase. They also start to pair it with the present indicative to express certain future events, like 'Minha irmã se casa ano que vem' (My sister is getting married next year). This level introduces the contrast between 'ano que vem' and 'próximo ano', noting that 'ano que vem' is the preferred choice for conversation. Students are expected to handle basic planning dialogues, such as discussing holiday plans or school schedules, using this phrase consistently and correctly.

By B1, the learner should be comfortable using 'ano que vem' in more complex sentence structures, including those with subordinate clauses. They understand the difference between 'ano que vem' (the next calendar year) and 'daqui a um ano' (365 days from now). B1 students use the phrase in more professional contexts, like 'O projeto será concluído ano que vem' (The project will be concluded next year). They also begin to recognize the pattern 'semana que vem' and 'mês que vem', applying the 'que vem' logic to other time units. Their pronunciation should be improving, specifically the nasal 'm' at the end of 'vem'. They can also use the phrase in the conditional or subjunctive if the context requires it, though the indicative remains most common.

At the B2 level, students use 'ano que vem' with full idiomatic fluency. They can navigate the subtle shift in register between 'ano que vem' and 'no próximo ano' depending on whether they are writing an email to a friend or a formal report. They are aware of regional variations, such as the use of 'pro ano' in Portugal. B2 learners can use the phrase in complex narratives, correctly switching to 'no ano seguinte' when the narrative anchor moves to the past. They also understand the cultural nuances, such as the 'year starting after Carnival' in Brazil, and can discuss these concepts using the phrase. Their use of the phrase is no longer a conscious translation from English but a natural part of their Portuguese temporal framework.

C1 learners use 'ano que vem' as a stylistic choice. They might use it to create a more personal or direct tone in a speech or article. They are fully aware of its etymology and the 'coming' metaphor of time. At this level, the student can analyze the phrase's role in discourse—how it functions to set a scene or transition between topics. They can use it in highly sophisticated grammatical structures, such as 'Caso as condições se mantenham, ano que vem teremos um cenário favorável'. They also recognize it in literature and can interpret the nuance when an author chooses 'ano que vem' over 'ano vindouro'. Their mastery is such that they can use the phrase to joke, use irony, or engage in deep cultural discussions about the future.

At the C2 level, the speaker has a native-like grasp of 'ano que vem'. They use it with perfect timing and intonation. They can discuss the linguistic evolution of the phrase and compare it with similar structures in other Romance languages. For a C2 speaker, the phrase is just one tool in a vast arsenal of temporal expressions. They can use it to navigate any social or professional situation with ease, from a casual chat on the street to a high-level diplomatic meeting. They understand the most obscure regionalisms and can even play with the phrase in creative writing or poetry. The phrase is completely integrated into their cognitive processing of time in the Portuguese language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ano que vem in 30 Seconds

The standard, everyday Portuguese phrase for 'next year'.
Literal meaning is 'the year that comes', emphasizing the approach of the future.
Used without prepositions like 'no' in most casual conversations.
Essential for planning, resolutions, and discussing future events at an A2 level.

The Portuguese phrase ano que vem is the quintessential way to express the concept of 'next year' in everyday conversation. While a literal translation would be 'the year that comes,' it functions as a fixed temporal adverbial phrase. In the linguistic landscape of Lusophone cultures, particularly in Brazil and Portugal, this expression is far more common in spoken language than its more formal counterpart, 'o próximo ano'. It carries a sense of anticipation and movement, as if the future is actively approaching the speaker. When you use ano que vem, you are not just marking a point on a calendar; you are often initiating a discussion about plans, hopes, or inevitable changes. It is a foundational building block for any student of Portuguese, appearing early in the CEFR A2 level because it allows learners to shift their narrative focus from the present to the immediate future without necessarily requiring complex future tense conjugations, as the present indicative is often used in conjunction with it.

Temporal Reference: Refers specifically to the calendar year immediately following the current one. If today is in 2023, 'ano que vem' is 2024.
Register: Primarily informal to neutral. It is the standard choice for friends, family, and casual workplace discussions.

One of the most interesting aspects of ano que vem is its grammatical flexibility. Unlike English, where 'next year' usually stands alone or follows 'in', Portuguese speakers frequently omit the preposition 'no' (in the). While 'no ano que vem' is grammatically correct and used, simply saying 'ano que vem' at the start or end of a sentence is the most natural-sounding approach for a native speaker. This phrase is used across all domains of life: from a student talking about their graduation to a business professional discussing budget projections. It is ubiquitous in New Year's resolutions, travel planning, and academic cycles. Understanding this phrase also opens the door to understanding how Portuguese handles time through the verb 'vir' (to come), which is the root of 'vem'. This 'coming' metaphor for the future is a deep-seated conceptual metaphor in the language.

Eu quero viajar para a Europa ano que vem.

Furthermore, the phrase is culturally significant during the 'Réveillon' (New Year's Eve) celebrations. Brazilians, for instance, are known for their vibrant celebrations where 'ano que vem' becomes a mantra for renewal and prosperity. It is often paired with verbs of desire like 'querer' (to want) or 'pretender' (to intend). For an English speaker, the main hurdle is not the meaning, but the habit of not translating 'next' as 'próximo' every single time. While 'próximo ano' is correct, it can sound slightly 'stiff' or 'translated' in a casual conversation. By adopting ano que vem, you immediately sound more like a local. It reflects a dynamic view of time where the future is an entity that arrives, rather than just a slot on a timeline.

In more formal writing, such as a legal contract or a formal academic paper, you might see 'no ano subsequente' or 'no ano vindouro', but even in high-level journalism, ano que vem maintains a strong presence due to its clarity and rhythm. It is a phrase that bridges the gap between the simplicity of basic communication and the nuance of natural fluency. As you progress in your Portuguese journey, you will notice that 'que vem' can be applied to other time units as well, such as 'semana que vem' (next week) or 'mês que vem' (next month), making this a high-utility pattern for your vocabulary bank.

Using ano que vem correctly involves understanding its placement and the verb tenses that typically accompany it. Because it is a temporal marker, it usually sits at the very beginning or the very end of a sentence. Placing it at the beginning emphasizes the timeframe, while placing it at the end makes it a supplementary detail. For example, 'Ano que vem, eu mudo de casa' (Next year, I'm moving) vs. 'Eu mudo de casa ano que vem' (I'm moving next year). Both are perfectly natural, but the first one sets the stage for a list of future plans.

With Present Indicative: Commonly used to express a certain future. 'Eu me formo ano que vem' (I graduate next year).
With Future Composto: Using 'ir' + infinitive. 'Nós vamos casar ano que vem' (We are going to get married next year).

One grammatical nuance to master is the lack of the definite article. In English, we say 'next year', not 'the next year' (unless referring to a specific sequence in the past). Similarly, in Portuguese, we say ano que vem, not 'o ano que vem' when it acts as an adverb. However, if you are using it as the subject of a sentence, you might include the article: 'O ano que vem será cheio de desafios' (Next year will be full of challenges). This distinction is subtle but important for achieving a native-like flow. English speakers often struggle with the 'que vem' part, wanting to use 'próximo', but remember that 'que vem' is the idiomatic standard.

Ano que vem, as eleições serão em outubro.

Another key usage is in the negative. When you want to say something won't happen next year, the structure remains simple: 'Não teremos férias ano que vem' (We won't have a vacation next year). You can also use it in questions to inquire about future intentions: 'Você vai voltar para o Brasil ano que vem?' (Are you going back to Brazil next year?). The phrase is incredibly stable; it doesn't change for gender or number because 'ano' is masculine and the phrase is singular by definition. This stability makes it an easy win for learners who are often bogged down by agreement rules.

When comparing ano que vem to 'no ano que vem', the latter is slightly more formal or emphatic. You might hear a news anchor say 'No ano que vem, o PIB deve crescer...', whereas a friend would say 'Ano que vem eu compro um carro'. In writing, especially in emails, both are acceptable, but the shorter version is more modern and direct. It's also worth noting that this phrase is used to distinguish the 'upcoming' year from 'this year' (este ano) and 'last year' (ano passado). Mastering these three temporal pillars—ano passado, este ano, ano que vem—is essential for basic storytelling and planning in Portuguese.

If you step into a café in Lisbon or a 'boteco' in Rio de Janeiro, ano que vem is a phrase you will hear constantly. It is the heartbeat of social planning. In December, it becomes the most used phrase in the country as people discuss their 'projetos' (projects) and 'metas' (goals). You will hear it in the context of gym memberships, diet plans, and career shifts. 'Ano que vem eu começo a dieta' (Next year I start the diet) is a classic phrase heard across Brazil every December. It’s also a staple in the educational sector. Parents and students use it to discuss school transfers, university entrance exams (the 'vestibular'), and graduation ceremonies.

In the Workplace: Used during budget meetings, performance reviews, and project timelines. 'Precisamos bater a meta ano que vem'.
In Media: Journalists use it to refer to upcoming elections, sporting events like the World Cup, or economic forecasts.

In pop culture, specifically in 'Samba' and 'Sertanejo' music, the phrase often appears in lyrics about hope or moving on from a heartbreak. A singer might promise to be over an ex 'ano que vem'. It carries a poetic weight of 'the future that is coming to save me'. On television, especially in 'telenovelas', characters use it to plot their next moves or to promise a return to their hometown. It’s a word of transition. You’ll also hear it in sports commentary, especially when a team is having a bad season; the fans will inevitably say, 'Ano que vem a gente ganha' (Next year we'll win), embodying the eternal optimism of the sports fan.

O contrato termina ano que vem, então temos tempo.

Social media is another place where ano que vem thrives. Influencers post about their 'travel bucket lists' for 'ano que vem', and memes often use the phrase to joke about procrastinating tasks. For example, a meme might show someone relaxing with the caption: 'Tudo que eu não fiz este ano, eu faço ano que vem' (Everything I didn't do this year, I'll do next year). This reflects a cultural tendency toward 'amanhã' (tomorrow) and a relaxed attitude toward time in some Lusophone contexts. However, don't let the casual usage fool you; in a professional setting, it is a precise term used for fiscal and operational planning.

Finally, in the tourism industry, you will see it on posters and websites. 'Visite-nos ano que vem!' (Visit us next year!). It is a call to action. Whether it's a grandmother promising to visit her grandchildren or a government announcing a new infrastructure project, ano que vem is the bridge between the current reality and the future possibility. It is one of those phrases that, once you learn it, you start hearing it everywhere, like a frequency you've just tuned into. It is essential for understanding the rhythm of life in Portuguese-speaking countries.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when trying to say 'next year' is a literal translation: 'próximo ano'. While 'o próximo ano' is technically correct, using it without the article or in a casual conversation can sound awkward and overly formal. The most common mistake is forgetting the 'que' in ano que vem. Saying 'ano vem' is incorrect and will confuse listeners. The 'que' is essential as it connects the noun 'ano' to the verb 'vem' (comes), creating the relative clause that functions as an adjective.

Mistake: "No próximo ano" vs "Ano que vem": Learners often use 'no próximo ano' in casual speech, which sounds like a textbook translation rather than natural speech.
Mistake: Preposition Overuse: Adding 'em' or 'no' when it's not needed. While 'no ano que vem' is okay, 'em ano que vem' is a common error.

Another pitfall is confusing ano que vem with 'daqui a um ano'. 'Ano que vem' refers to the next calendar year (e.g., any time in 2024 if we are in 2023). 'Daqui a um ano' means exactly 365 days from today. If it's December 2023, 'ano que vem' is just a month away, but 'daqui a um ano' is December 2024. This distinction is crucial for scheduling. Learners also sometimes try to pluralize the phrase to 'anos que vêm' to mean 'the coming years'. While grammatically possible, the idiomatic way to say 'the coming years' is 'nos próximos anos' or 'nos anos vindouros'.

Errado: Eu vou viajar próximo ano.
Correto: Eu vou viajar ano que vem.

Pronunciation can also be a stumbling block. The 'm' at the end of 'vem' is not a hard 'm' like in 'mom'; it is a nasalization of the preceding vowel. English speakers often pronounce it too clearly, which can make the phrase sound disjointed. The 'que' should also be short and unstressed, almost blending into 'vem'. It should sound like /ɐ̃nu ki vɐ̃j/. If you over-enunciate each word, you lose the idiomatic flow that makes the phrase sound natural.

Finally, avoid using 'ano que vem' when you are telling a story about the past. If you are in the past and want to say 'the following year', you must use 'no ano seguinte'. For example: 'Em 2010 eu morei em Paris, e no ano seguinte (not ano que vem) eu voltei para o Brasil'. 'Ano que vem' is strictly relative to the *present* moment. This is a common logic error for intermediate students who get comfortable with the phrase and start applying it to all 'next years' regardless of the narrative timeline.

While ano que vem is the most common choice, Portuguese offers several alternatives depending on the level of formality and the specific context. The most direct synonym is 'o próximo ano'. This is perfectly correct and widely used in more formal writing, news reporting, and literature. It feels more 'static' than 'ano que vem'. While 'ano que vem' suggests the year is coming to you, 'o próximo ano' simply identifies the next slot in a sequence. You will see 'o próximo ano' in headlines like 'O próximo ano será decisivo para a economia'.

Ano Vindouro: Highly formal and literary. You might find this in classic literature or very formal speeches. It sounds archaic in daily life.
Ano Seguinte: Used when referring to a year following a specific point in the past. 'Ele casou em 1990 e teve um filho no ano seguinte'.

Another alternative is 'daqui a um ano', which, as mentioned before, means 'one year from now'. This is more precise. If you want to talk about the future in a more general sense, you might use 'futuramente' (in the future) or 'nos anos que virão' (in the years to come). For students, 'o próximo ano letivo' (the next school year) is a specific variation used in academic contexts. In business, you might hear 'o próximo exercício' or 'o próximo ano fiscal' to refer to the next financial year.

Desejamos a todos um próspero ano novo (often used interchangeably with 'ano que vem' in holiday greetings).

There are also regional variations. In some parts of the Lusophone world, you might hear 'o ano que entra' (the year that enters), which is very similar in spirit to 'ano que vem'. In very informal Brazilian slang, people might just say 'ano que entra' or even 'pro ano' (common in Portugal). 'Pro ano' is a contraction of 'para o ano' and is the standard way many Portuguese people say 'next year' in casual conversation. If you are in Lisbon, 'pro ano' will be your go-to phrase, whereas in São Paulo, 'ano que vem' reigns supreme.

When choosing between these, consider your audience. Use ano que vem for 90% of your interactions. Use 'o próximo ano' for written reports or when you want to sound more professional. Use 'ano seguinte' for historical narratives. By understanding these nuances, you don't just learn a word; you learn the social architecture of the Portuguese language. This allows you to tailor your speech to the environment, a key skill for moving from intermediate to advanced proficiency.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"O relatório será apresentado no próximo ano."

Neutral

"Eu vou viajar ano que vem."

Informal

"Ano que vem eu começo a academia, juro!"

Child friendly

"Ano que vem você vai ser maior!"

Slang

"Ano que vem é outro esquema."

Fun Fact

The use of the verb 'vir' (to come) to describe the future is a common feature in Romance languages, but Portuguese uses this specific construction 'que vem' more frequently in speech than Spanish or French.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈɐ̃.nu ki vɐ̃j/

US /ˈɑ.noʊ ki vɛm/

The primary stress is on the first syllable of 'ano' (A-no) and the syllable 'vem'.

Rhymes With

tem bem além contém detém mantém provém quem

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'm' in 'vem' like an English 'm' (closing the lips).
Pronouncing 'que' as 'kway' instead of 'ki'.
Making the 'o' in 'ano' too long like 'oh'. It should be a short, slightly closed sound.
Forgetting the nasalization on 'ano' and 'vem'.
Stressing the 'que' instead of 'ano' or 'vem'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Writing 2/5

Need to remember the 'que' and correct spelling of 'vem'.

Speaking 2/5

Nasal pronunciation of 'vem' takes practice.

Listening 2/5

Can sound like one word in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ano que vem amanhã hoje

Learn Next

semana que vem mês que vem ano passado daqui a pouco

Advanced

ano vindouro ano subsequente no decorrer do ano

Grammar to Know

Future with Present Indicative

Ano que vem eu *mudo* (instead of mudarei).

Relative Clauses with 'Que'

O ano *que* vem (The year *that* comes).

Nasal Vowels

The 'm' in 'vem' nasalizes the 'e'.

Preposition Omission

Saying 'Ano que vem' instead of 'No ano que vem'.

Temporal Adverbs Placement

Placing 'ano que vem' at the start or end of the sentence.

Examples by Level

Eu vou para o Brasil ano que vem.

I am going to Brazil next year.

Uses 'ir + infinitive' for future.

Ano que vem eu estudo português.

Next year I study Portuguese.

Present tense used for future intention.

Você viaja ano que vem?

Do you travel next year?

Simple question structure.

Ano que vem é 2025.

Next year is 2025.

Simple identification.

Eu quero um carro ano que vem.

I want a car next year.

Verb 'querer' + noun.

Minha irmã vem aqui ano que vem.

My sister is coming here next year.

Verb 'vir' in the present.

Ano que vem, nós vamos à praia.

Next year, we are going to the beach.

Use of 'nós' + future.

Não tenho dinheiro ano que vem.

I don't have money next year.

Negative sentence.

Ano que vem, pretendo mudar de emprego.

Next year, I intend to change jobs.

Verb 'pretender' (to intend).

Eles vão se casar no ano que vem.

They are going to get married next year.

Use of 'no' (optional preposition).

O curso termina ano que vem.

The course ends next year.

Present tense for scheduled events.

Ano que vem, as crianças começam a escola.

Next year, the children start school.

Plural subject.

Vamos comprar uma casa ano que vem?

Are we going to buy a house next year?

Interrogative future.

Ano que vem, eu faço trinta anos.

Next year, I turn thirty.

Idiomatic 'fazer anos' for age.

Eles não viajam ano que vem por causa do trabalho.

They aren't traveling next year because of work.

Reasoning with 'por causa de'.

Ano que vem, quero aprender a cozinhar.

Next year, I want to learn how to cook.

Infinitive after 'querer'.

Espero que tudo melhore ano que vem.

I hope everything improves next year.

Subjunctive 'melhore' after 'espero que'.

Ano que vem, o governo deve anunciar novas medidas.

Next year, the government should announce new measures.

Modal verb 'deve'.

Se eu ganhar na loteria, viajo o mundo ano que vem.

If I win the lottery, I'll travel the world next year.

Conditional 'se' clause.

Ano que vem, completaremos dez anos de casados.

Next year, we will complete ten years of marriage.

Future indicative 'completaremos'.

A empresa planeja expandir para a Europa ano que vem.

The company plans to expand to Europe next year.

Infinitive 'expandir'.

Ano que vem, as taxas de juros podem cair.

Next year, interest rates might fall.

Modal verb 'podem'.

Acho que ano que vem será mais tranquilo.

I think next year will be calmer.

Future of 'ser'.

Ano que vem, vou focar mais na minha saúde.

Next year, I'm going to focus more on my health.

Future composed with 'focar'.

Tudo indica que a economia vai se recuperar ano que vem.

Everything indicates that the economy will recover next year.

Reflexive future.

Ano que vem, pretendo ter concluído minha tese.

Next year, I intend to have finished my thesis.

Future perfect intention.

O contrato será renovado automaticamente ano que vem.

The contract will be automatically renewed next year.

Passive voice.

Ano que vem, enfrentaremos novos desafios no mercado.

Next year, we will face new challenges in the market.

Formal future indicative.

Duvido que eles consigam terminar a obra ano que vem.

I doubt they can finish the construction next year.

Subjunctive after 'duvido que'.

Ano que vem, a conferência será realizada em Portugal.

Next year, the conference will be held in Portugal.

Passive future.

Espera-se que a inflação diminua ano que vem.

It is expected that inflation will decrease next year.

Impersonal 'se' structure.

Ano que vem, celebraremos o centenário da nossa cidade.

Next year, we will celebrate the centenary of our city.

High-level vocabulary.

Ano que vem, as mudanças climáticas serão o foco central.

Next year, climate change will be the central focus.

Future tense with complex subject.

Projeta-se que a safra seja recorde ano que vem.

It is projected that the harvest will be a record next year.

Passive projection + subjunctive.

Ano que vem, a política externa sofrerá uma guinada.

Next year, foreign policy will undergo a sharp turn.

Metaphorical language 'guinada'.

É imperativo que as metas sejam batidas ano que vem.

It is imperative that the goals be met next year.

Imperative structure with subjunctive.

Ano que vem, o cenário geopolítico estará ainda mais tenso.

Next year, the geopolitical scenario will be even more tense.

Future of 'estar' + adverbial intensity.

Não obstante as crises, ano que vem promete ser melhor.

Notwithstanding the crises, next year promises to be better.

Concessive conjunction 'não obstante'.

Ano que vem, a inteligência artificial atingirá um novo patamar.

Next year, artificial intelligence will reach a new level.

Future of 'atingir'.

Espera-se uma retração no consumo para o ano que vem.

A retraction in consumption is expected for next year.

Noun phrase 'retração no consumo'.

Ano que vem, as repercussões desta decisão serão sentidas.

Next year, the repercussions of this decision will be felt.

Passive future with abstract noun.

A conjuntura econômica para o ano que vem é incerta.

The economic conjuncture for next year is uncertain.

Advanced vocabulary 'conjuntura'.

Ano que vem, a empresa consolidará sua hegemonia no setor.

Next year, the company will consolidate its hegemony in the sector.

Future of 'consolidar'.

Pressupõe-se que a reforma tributária ocorra ano que vem.

It is presupposed that the tax reform will occur next year.

Advanced passive 'pressupõe-se'.

Ano que vem, o debate sobre a ética na tecnologia se intensificará.

Next year, the debate on ethics in technology will intensify.

Reflexive future 'se intensificará'.

A prospectiva para o ano que vem aponta para uma transição energética.

The outlook for next year points toward an energy transition.

Noun 'prospectiva'.

Ano que vem, a obra literária cairá em domínio público.

Next year, the literary work will enter the public domain.

Legal/literary context.

A despeito das previsões, ano que vem será um ano de superação.

Despite the predictions, next year will be a year of overcoming.

Concessive 'a despeito de'.

Common Collocations

viagem para o ano que vem

metas para o ano que vem

eleições ano que vem

formatura ano que vem

casamento ano que vem

crise ano que vem

férias ano que vem

mudança ano que vem

lançamento ano que vem

copa ano que vem

Common Phrases

Se Deus quiser, ano que vem...

— A common way to express hope for the future. 'God willing, next year...'

Se Deus quiser, ano que vem eu compro minha casa.

Deixa para o ano que vem.

— Used when procrastinating or deciding to wait. 'Leave it for next year.'

Não vou começar a dieta agora, deixa para o ano que vem.

Ano que vem a gente vê.

— A non-committal way to postpone a decision. 'We'll see next year.'

Podemos viajar? Ano que vem a gente vê.

Promessa para o ano que vem.

— Refers to New Year's resolutions. 'A promise for next year.'

Minha promessa para o ano que vem é ler mais.

Até o ano que vem!

— A farewell used at the end of the year. 'See you next year!'

Tchau, pessoal! Até o ano que vem!

Ano que vem promete.

— Used when someone expects the next year to be very exciting or busy. 'Next year looks promising.'

Com tantos projetos, ano que vem promete.

Só ano que vem agora.

— Used to say something won't happen until the next year. 'Only next year now.'

O médico não tem vaga, só ano que vem agora.

Tudo novo ano que vem.

— Expresses a desire for a fresh start. 'Everything new next year.'

Vou mudar de cidade, tudo novo ano que vem.

Ano que vem é logo ali.

— Used to say that next year is approaching fast. 'Next year is just around the corner.'

O tempo voa, ano que vem é logo ali.

O que você vai fazer ano que vem?

— A standard question about future plans. 'What are you going to do next year?'

O que você vai fazer ano que vem? Vai continuar estudando?

Often Confused With

ano que vem vs ano passado

Means 'last year'. Don't confuse 'past' with 'coming'.

ano que vem vs daqui a um ano

Means 'one year from now' (exactly 365 days), whereas 'ano que vem' is the next calendar year.

ano que vem vs ano seguinte

Used for 'the following year' in a past narrative, not for the future relative to now.

Idioms & Expressions

"Empurrar com a barriga até o ano que vem"

— To procrastinate or handle a problem poorly until the next year.

Ele está empurrando esse projeto com a barriga até o ano que vem.

Informal

"Ano que vem eu te pago"

— A humorous (or serious) way to delay a debt.

Esqueci a carteira, ano que vem eu te pago!

Slang/Joking

"Fazer planos para o ano que vem"

— To dream or plan extensively for the future.

Ela vive fazendo planos para o ano que vem.

Neutral

"Ano que vem a gente conversa"

— A way to end a difficult discussion for now.

Estou cansado, ano que vem a gente conversa sobre isso.

Informal

"Esperar o ano que vem"

— To wait for a fresh start.

Não vou agir agora, vou esperar o ano que vem.

Neutral

"Ano que vem é outro papo"

— Next year will be a completely different situation.

Este ano foi difícil, mas ano que vem é outro papo.

Informal

"Ano que vem eu mudo"

— A classic resolution phrase, often said but not done.

Todo dezembro ele diz: ano que vem eu mudo.

Informal

"Guardar para o ano que vem"

— To save something (money, energy, ideas) for the future.

Vou guardar essas ideias para o ano que vem.

Neutral

"Ano que vem tem mais"

— Used after an event to say it will happen again. 'There's more next year.'

O festival acabou, mas ano que vem tem mais!

Neutral

"Ano que vem é a nossa vez"

— Expressing that next year will be the time for success.

Perdemos o jogo, mas ano que vem é a nossa vez.

Informal

Easily Confused

ano que vem vs próximo ano

Literal translation of 'next year'.

'Ano que vem' is more common in speech; 'próximo ano' is more formal.

Formal: O próximo ano será difícil. Informal: Ano que vem vai ser difícil.

ano que vem vs ano novo

Both refer to the future year.

'Ano novo' specifically refers to the holiday or the very beginning of the year.

Feliz Ano Novo! vs. Vou viajar ano que vem.

ano que vem vs semana que vem

Same structure.

Refers to 'next week' instead of 'next year'.

Te vejo semana que vem.

ano que vem vs mês que vem

Same structure.

Refers to 'next month'.

O boleto vence mês que vem.

ano que vem vs daqui a pouco

Temporal future marker.

Means 'in a little while', much sooner than a year.

Eu volto daqui a pouco.

Sentence Patterns

Eu vou [verb] ano que vem.

Eu vou viajar ano que vem.

Ano que vem, eu [verb in present].

Ano que vem, eu compro um carro.

Espero que [subjunctive] ano que vem.

Espero que chova mais ano que vem.

O [noun] será [participle] ano que vem.

O prédio será inaugurado ano que vem.

Projeta-se que [subjunctive] ano que vem.

Projeta-se que a economia cresça ano que vem.

A despeito de [noun], ano que vem [future].

A despeito da crise, ano que vem prosperaremos.

Você vai [verb] ano que vem?

Você vai casar ano que vem?

Ano que vem, pretendo [infinitive].

Ano que vem, pretendo estudar mais.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

Eu vou viajar próximo ano. → Eu vou viajar ano que vem.
Without the article 'o', 'próximo ano' sounds incomplete and non-native.
No ano vem eu estudo. → Ano que vem eu estudo.
Missing the 'que' makes the phrase grammatically incorrect.
Em ano que vem... → Ano que vem...
The preposition 'em' is not used with this phrase. Use 'no' or nothing at all.
Ano que vêm (with accent). → Ano que vem.
The accent is for plural subjects. 'Ano' is singular.
Using 'ano que vem' for a past story. → Use 'ano seguinte'.
'Ano que vem' is only for the future relative to the present moment.

Tips

Sound like a native

Use 'ano que vem' instead of 'próximo ano' in 99% of your conversations. It's the most natural choice.

Drop the preposition

You don't need 'no' (in the). Just say 'Ano que vem eu vou'.

Nasalize it

The 'm' in 'vem' is nasal. Practice by saying 'eng' as in 'sing' but with an 'e' sound.

Learn the pattern

Once you know 'ano que vem', you also know 'semana que vem' and 'mês que vem'.

The Carnival Rule

In Brazil, remember that 'ano que vem' often practically starts after Carnival in February/March.

Formal writing

In a business report, use 'no próximo ano' for a more professional feel.

Relative time

Always remember 'ano que vem' is relative to *now*. If you are telling a story about 1995, use 'ano seguinte'.

Portugal variation

If you are in Portugal, 'pro ano' is your best friend for casual talk.

Don't say 'ano vem'

Always include the 'que'. It's a fixed part of the phrase.

The Coming Year

Think of the year 'coming' toward you. 'Vem' = comes.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the year 'coming' (vem) toward you like a train. It's the 'ano' (year) 'que' (that) 'vem' (comes).

Visual Association

Imagine a calendar page flying toward you with 'NEXT YEAR' written in big letters.

Word Web

Futuro Janeiro Calendário Planos Metas Próximo Tempo Vem

Challenge

Try to list three things you want to do 'ano que vem' using the phrase at the start of each sentence.

Word Origin

From Latin 'annus' (year) + 'quod' (that) + 'venit' (comes).

Original meaning: The year that is coming.

Romance (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral temporal phrase.

English speakers say 'next year'. The Portuguese 'ano que vem' is more literal ('year that comes') but functions identically.

Many Samba songs use 'ano que vem' to talk about future joy. Commonly used in Brazilian TV news 'Jornal Nacional' for annual forecasts. A staple in New Year's Eve speeches by politicians.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Travel Planning

Vou viajar ano que vem.
Passagens para o ano que vem.
Onde vamos ano que vem?
Ano que vem eu vou.

New Year Resolutions

Minha meta para o ano que vem.
Ano que vem eu emagreço.
Promessa de ano que vem.
Tudo novo ano que vem.

Work/Business

Metas batidas ano que vem.
Orçamento para o ano que vem.
Novo projeto ano que vem.
Reunião ano que vem.

Education

Me formo ano que vem.
Novo curso ano que vem.
Escola nova ano que vem.
Estudar fora ano que vem.

Social Events

Casamento ano que vem.
Festa ano que vem.
Nos vemos ano que vem.
Até ano que vem!

Conversation Starters

"O que você pretende fazer de diferente ano que vem?"

"Você tem alguma viagem planejada para o ano que vem?"

"Você acha que o Brasil vai melhorar ano que vem?"

"Qual é o seu maior objetivo para o ano que vem?"

"Onde você vai passar o Réveillon para celebrar o ano que vem?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre três coisas que você quer conquistar ano que vem.

Como você imagina sua vida ano que vem nesta mesma data?

Quais hábitos você quer deixar este ano e quais quer começar ano que vem?

Descreva um lugar que você sonha visitar ano que vem.

Reflita sobre como o ano que vem pode ser diferente deste ano.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it is optional. In casual conversation, most people just say 'ano que vem'. In formal writing, 'no ano que vem' is more common.

'Ano que vem' is the idiomatic, spoken standard. 'Próximo ano' is slightly more formal and common in written Portuguese.

No. For the year following a past event, use 'no ano seguinte'.

Yes, but 'pro ano' (para o ano) is also very common in casual European Portuguese.

It has a nasal sound. Do not close your lips fully at the end; let the sound go through your nose.

It's grammatically possible but rare. Better to say 'nos próximos anos'.

No, it refers to any time within the next calendar year.

It functions as an adverbial phrase of time, but 'ano' is a noun.

'Vem' is singular (the year comes). 'Vêm' is plural (they come). Since 'ano' is singular, use 'vem'.

Always 'ano que vem' in this fixed phrase. 'Venha' is the subjunctive and is not used here.