In this guide, we’re diving into the days of the week in Portuguese. Understanding these names isn’t just about learning new words—it’s about connecting with the history and culture of Portuguese-speaking places. The names of the days come from old Roman and Christian traditions, and they were even renamed by Archbishop Martin of Braga. Let’s take a closer look at these names. You’ll see how each day reflects layers of history and cultural meaning. It’s like a window into how language evolves with the people who speak it. Join us as we explore these stories together.
The Basics: Days of the Week in Portuguese
| Day of the Week | Portuguese Name | Latin Origin | Meaning |
| Monday | Segunda-feira | Secunda feria | Second day |
| Tuesday | Terça-feira | Tertia feria | Third day |
| Wednesday | Quarta-feira | Quarta feria | Fourth day |
| Thursday | Quinta-feira | Quinta feria | Fifth day |
| Friday | Sexta-feira | Sexta feria | Sixth day |
| Saturday | Sábado | Sabbatum | Day of rest (Sabbath) |
| Sunday | Domingo | Dies Dominicus | Day of the Lord |
Pronouncing Days in Portuguese
Learning how to say the days of the week in Portuguese is key to clear communication. Getting the pronunciation right will help your conversations flow better and boost your understanding. Let’s break it down:
| Day of the Week | Portuguese Name | Pronunciation |
| Monday | Segunda-feira | seh-GOON-dah FEY-rah |
| Tuesday | Terça-feira | TEHR-sah FEY-rah |
| Wednesday | Quarta-feira | KWAHR-tah FEY-rah |
| Thursday | Quinta-feira | KEEN-tah FEY-rah |
| Friday | Sexta-feira | SEHKS-tah FEY-rah |
| Saturday | Sábado | SAH-bah-doo |
| Sunday | Domingo | doh-MEEN-goo |
Also Read: Unique And Creative Ways To Say “Hello” In Portuguese
Origins of Portuguese Day Names
The names of the days in Portuguese come from old Roman traditions, where days were named after gods and stars. Early Christians, including those who spoke Portuguese, changed these names in the 6th century. They wanted names that were more about church life. Archbishop Martin of Braga played a big role in this shift. He chose to name the weekdays after the events of Holy Week.
| Day of the Week | Portuguese Name | Latin Origin | Origin Explanation |
| Monday | Segunda-feira | Secunda feria | “Secunda feria” means the second day following Sunday. The term “feira” is used to denote a weekday. |
| Tuesday | Terça-feira | Tertia feria | “Tertia feria” means the third day. This naming convention continues the pattern of numbering days after Sunday. |
| Wednesday | Quarta-feira | Quarta feria | “Quarta feria” means the fourth day, aligning with the pattern established for weekdays in ecclesiastical Latin. |
| Thursday | Quinta-feira | Quinta feria | “Quinta feria” means the fifth day, maintaining the numeric sequence of weekdays. |
| Friday | Sexta-feira | Sexta feria | “Sexta feria” means the sixth day, following the same ecclesiastical numbering system. |
| Saturday | Sábado | Sabbatum | “Sabbatum” comes from the Hebrew “shabbat,” signifying a day of rest, which influenced its Latin and subsequent Portuguese form. |
| Sunday | Domingo | Dies Dominicus | “Dies Dominicus” means “day of the Lord” in Latin, reflecting its significance as a holy day in Christianity. |
Conclusion
Learning the days of the week in Portuguese does more than just expand your vocabulary. It also gives you a glimpse into the culture and history of Portuguese-speaking countries. The names of the days reflect Roman and Christian traditions, showing how language can connect us to the past. This guide doesn’t just help you communicate better; it also helps you appreciate the rich cultural heritage that comes with the language. Keep visiting the Translation Blog to master any language.
