Question 1

Why is there an os in todos os dias? Doesn't that literally mean "all the days"?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it translates exactly to "all the days". In Portuguese, you cannot just say "every day" like in English. Instead, you build the phrase using todos (all) + os (the) + dias (days). Remembering to include the "the" is a common trap for beginners!

Question 2

Wait, dia ends in an 'a'. Why does it use the masculine words todos and os instead of todas as?

Accepted Answer

Dia is a major exception to the rules in Portuguese! Even though it ends in 'a', which usually signals a feminine word, dia is actually a masculine noun. That is why it must be paired with the masculine plural words todos and os.

Question 3

If I wanted to get this sentence as an answer, how would I ask "When do you work?"

Accepted Answer

You would use the question word Quando (when). You could ask Quando trabalhas? (if speaking to a friend) or Quando trabalha? (if you are being formal). If you wanted to know the exact schedule instead of just the days, you would use the other phrase from this lesson: A que horas trabalhas? (At what time do you work?).

Question 4

Can I just say Trabalho todos os dias and leave out the Eu?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! The verb trabalho ends in -o, which already makes it clear that "I" am the person working. Native Portuguese speakers usually drop pronouns like Eu unless they want to add special emphasis to the fact that they are doing the action.

Eu trabalho todos os dias.

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