Log inSign up

Tarde é longa.

Tarde é longa.
Afternoon is long.
FromLesson 15inHardcore Portuguese (Portugal)

Breakdown of Tarde é longa.

ser
to be
longo
long
a tarde
the afternoon

Questions & Answers about Tarde é longa.

Why is there no definite article before tarde in the sentence "Tarde é longa."?
In Portuguese, articles can sometimes be omitted in general or poetic statements. While you might also see A tarde é longa in other contexts, dropping the article here adds a sense of universality and emphasizes the inherent quality of the afternoon rather than referring to one specific instance.
How do I know that the adjective longa is correctly used with tarde?
Portuguese adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. Since tarde is a feminine singular noun, the adjective takes the feminine form longa rather than the masculine longo. This agreement is a key aspect of Portuguese grammar.
What does tarde mean in this context? Does it strictly translate to "afternoon"?
Yes, tarde typically means "afternoon." In this sentence, it refers to the period of the day following the morning. While context may occasionally expand its meaning, here it is best understood as "afternoon is long."
Is it acceptable to omit the article in such sentences, or would using A tarde é longa be more correct?
Both forms are acceptable, but they can convey slightly different nuances. Using the article (A tarde é longa) makes the statement a bit more specific, while omitting it emphasizes a more universal, almost philosophical observation about the nature of the afternoon. The choice depends on the speaker’s stylistic intent.
Could the sentence "Tarde é longa." have any cultural or idiomatic significance beyond the literal translation?
Absolutely. In Portuguese, saying "Tarde é longa." can evoke the feeling that the afternoon drags on—perhaps during a waiting period or when time seems to slow down. Similar to the English phrase "The afternoon drags on," it can be used to express a subjective experience of time rather than a mere factual description.
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Portuguese grammar?”
Portuguese grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.

Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor

Start learning Portuguese

Master Portuguese — from Tarde é longa to fluency

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods.

  • ✓ Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
  • ✓ Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
  • ✓ Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
  • ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions
Start learning Portuguese freeBrowse the full course