How to Say ‘15 minutes earlier / 15 minutes before’ in Portuguese
15 minutos antes
quinze mee-NOO-toosh AHN-tesh
[quinze mee-NOO-toosh AHN-tesh]
💬 Usage Tip: Word order is flexible, but this is the natural one. You can also say “com 15 minutos de antecedência” (more formal).
🇵🇹 In Portugal: Many companies recommend being there 10–15 minutes early; seats may be assigned, but boarding can still take time.
Phrase Breakdown
15
[quinze]
15 (fifteen)
The number fifteen; paired with “minutos” to express how early you should arrive.
Chega 15 minutos antes da partida para não perderes o autocarro.
Arrive 15 minutes before departure so you don’t miss the bus.
minutos
[mee-NOO-toosh]
minutes
Time unit; with numbers it tells how long/early: “15 minutos”.
Falta 15 minutos para o embarque.
There are 15 minutes left until boarding.
antes
[AHN-tesh]
before
Indicates earlier than a time/event; in travel: “X minutos antes (da partida)” = “X minutes before (departure)”.
Chega 15 minutos antes do autocarro sair.
Arrive 15 minutes before the bus leaves.
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