Portuguese · Time, Numbers & Colors
"Last week" in Portuguese: a semana passada
a semana passada
Last week in Portuguese is a semana passada. Drop it into stories about travel, work, or anything that already happened.
Work update
A semana passada eu fechei dois projetos grandes.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce a semana passada
Say it
ah seh-MAH-nah pah-SAH-dah
/ˈa se.ˈma.na pas.ˈsa.da/
ah seh-MAH-nah pah-SAH-dah
"Last week" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| a semana passada | last week Default time phrase. | Default time phrase. |
| semana passada | last week Article often dropped in speech. | Article often dropped in speech. |
| na semana passada | in/during last week With na for in that period. | With na for in that period. |
| fins da semana passada | toward the end of last week More specific timing. | More specific timing. |
How to use a semana passada in real life
- 1Work update
A semana passada eu fechei dois projetos grandes.
Last week I closed two big projects.
Past narrative.
- 2Travel chat
Na semana passada a gente foi a Salvador.
Last week we went to Salvador.
Na + semana passada.
- 3Missed call excuse
Desculpa—a semana passada foi uma loucura no escritório.
Sorry—last week was chaos at the office.
Explains delay.
Mistakes English speakers make with a semana passada
Incorrect: O week passado.
Correct: A semana passada.
Semana is feminine; use the full phrase.
Incorrect: A semana último.
Correct: A semana passada.
Passada (not último) is the set phrase.
Good to know
Brazilians often anchor gossip and plans with a semana passada versus essa semana. For next week say a semana que vem—passada always looks backward.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Catching up after vacation
ChatPal
Você sumiu. Onde esteve?
You disappeared. Where were you?
You
A semana passada eu viajei pra praia.
Last week I traveled to the beach.
ChatPal
Que inveja. Voltou quando?
I'm jealous. When did you get back?
You
Domingo. A semana passada voou.
Sunday. Last week flew by.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Last week" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Last week" in Portuguese
Article needed?
A semana passada is safest; speech often drops a.
Last weekend?
No fim de semana passado.
This week?
Esta semana / essa semana.
Next week?
A semana que vem.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
