É hora de descansar.

Breakdown of É hora de descansar.

ser
to be
descansar
to rest
a hora
the time
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Questions & Answers about É hora de descansar.

What does É hora de descansar mean in English?
It translates to "It's time to rest." Although the meaning is already known, confirming the literal translation helps reinforce vocabulary and sentence structure.
What role does É play in this sentence?
É is the third person singular form of the verb ser (to be), functioning here as the linking verb in an impersonal construction. It essentially sets up the statement about the appropriate time for an activity.
Why is the preposition de used after hora?
In Portuguese, expressions like "É hora de + infinitive" are standard to indicate that it is time to perform a certain action. The preposition de connects the noun hora (time) with the infinitive verb descansar (to rest).
Why is descansar in its infinitive form rather than conjugated?
After expressions that denote the appropriate timing for an action, such as "hora de," Portuguese grammar requires the use of the infinitive. This construction emphasizes a general suggestion or directive rather than a specific action performed by a subject.
Is this sentence appropriate in both formal and informal contexts?
Yes, É hora de descansar is a common and versatile expression that can be used in both formal and informal settings, making it useful in a wide range of conversational and written contexts.