Portuguese · Time, Numbers & Colors
"Now" in Portuguese: agora
agora
Now in Portuguese is agora. Use it for the present moment: Eu preciso ir agora. For right away, Brazilians also say já, which can feel snappier than agora.
Leaving
Preciso sair agora ou perco o ônibus.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce agora
Say it
ah-GOH-rah
/a.ˈɡo.ɾa/
ah-GOH-rah. Stress goh.
"Now" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| agora | now Default present-moment adverb. | Default present-moment adverb. |
| agora mesmo | right now / just now Stronger immediacy or very recent past. | Stronger immediacy or very recent past. |
| já | already / right away Quick action: Vou já! | Quick action: Vou já! |
| a partir de agora | from now on New starting point. | New starting point. |
| até agora | until now / so far Progress up to this moment. | Progress up to this moment. |
How to use agora in real life
- 1Leaving
Preciso sair agora ou perco o ônibus.
I need to leave now or I'll miss the bus.
Agora marks urgency.
- 2Status update
Agora estou no escritório, depois te ligo.
I'm at the office now; I'll call you later.
Agora sets current location/state.
- 3Recent past
Ela chegou agora mesmo.
She just arrived right now.
Agora mesmo can mean just this moment.
Mistakes English speakers make with agora
Incorrect: Eu now estou pronto.
Correct: Agora eu estou pronto.
Use agora, not English now.
Incorrect: Agora eu fui ontem.
Correct: Eu fui ontem. / Agora eu vou.
Do not mix agora with a finished yesterday action.
Good to know
Já and agora overlap. Vou já! can mean I'm coming right away. Agora mesmo may mean this instant or just a second ago, so listen to context.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Rushing to meet before a store closes
ChatPal
A loja fecha em dez minutos. Você vem agora?
The store closes in ten minutes. Are you coming now?
You
Venho agora. Já estou no elevador.
I'm coming now. I'm already in the elevator.
ChatPal
Ótimo. Eu te espero na porta agora mesmo.
Great. I'll wait for you at the door right now.
You
Perfeito. Não me liga agora; estou quase lá.
Perfect. Don't call me now; I'm almost there.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Now" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Now" in Portuguese
What is the difference between agora and já?
Agora is now. Já can mean already or right away, and often feels quicker in commands.
What does agora mesmo mean?
Right now, or just now, depending on context.
How do I say from now on?
A partir de agora.
Can agora start a sentence?
Yes: Agora eu entendi.
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
