Portuguese place words for saying where something is

Introduction

Knowing how to say where things are is one of the first useful skills in Brazilian Portuguese. This article explains the most common place words and simple phrases you can use to describe location, follow directions, and understand signs and everyday conversation.

Basic place words (prepositions and adverbs)

Start with a small set of high-frequency words that tell position or direction. These are essential for asking where something is and giving short answers.

em — in, on, at

em cima de — on top of, above

embaixo de — under, below

ao lado de — next to, beside

entre — between

perto de — near

longe de — far from

atrás de — behind

na frente de — in front of

perto — nearby

longe — far

How to use em for on/in/at

em is extremely common and can mean in, on, or at depending on context. For places, pair it with the definite article when needed: no, na, no, na are contractions of em + article but for beginners you can just use em plus the place word.

Examples:

O livro está em cima da mesa.
Translation: The book is on the table.

Eu estou em casa.
Translation: I am at home.

Ela está em escola hoje.
Translation: She is at school today.

Common short questions to ask where something is

These short questions are useful when you want someone to point out a place or object.

Onde fica o banheiro?
Translation: Where is the bathroom located?

Onde está o ônibus?
Translation: Where is the bus?

Cadê o cartão?
Translation: Where is the card? (informal spoken Portuguese)

Short answers using place words

Learn simple patterns to respond. The verb ficar is used for locations frequently, and estar describes temporary location or condition.

O banheiro fica ao lado da recepção.
Translation: The bathroom is next to the reception.

Seu ônibus está na frente do prédio.
Translation: Your bus is in front of the building.

O café está embaixo da mesa.
Translation: The coffee is under the table.

Using ao lado de, entre, perto de, longe de

These phrases help when describing relative position between two or more objects or places.

Examples:

A padaria fica ao lado da farmácia.
Translation: The bakery is next to the pharmacy.

O mercado está entre a praça e o banco.
Translation: The market is between the square and the bank.

O posto de gasolina está perto de aqui.
Translation: The gas station is near here.

O aeroporto é longe de do centro.
Translation: The airport is far from downtown.

Prepositions with pronouns and articles

Beginner learners should notice how prepositions combine with articles. For now, focus on practical forms used in speech.

em + o = no
Example: O mapa está no bolso. — The map is in the pocket.

em + a = na
Example: A chave está na bolsa. — The key is in the bag.

de + o = do, de + a = da are common when describing ownership or part of a location: O banheiro do restaurante — The restaurant’s bathroom.

Directional verbs: ficar, estar, ir, vir

These verbs appear a lot in location phrases. Understand their basic uses:

ficar — to be located, often used for places and addresses. Example: Onde fica a estação?
Translation: Where is the station located?

estar — to be (temporary location or condition). Example: O gato está embaixo da cadeira.
Translation: The cat is under the chair.

ir — to go. Example: Eu vou para a escola. — I go to school.

vir — to come. Example: Você pode vir até aqui? — Can you come here?

Practical phrases for travel, shopping, and dining

Here are realistic beginner phrases you will use when asking directions, ordering, or navigating a city.

Como eu chego ao centro?
Translation: How do I get to downtown?

Tem um caixa eletrônico por aqui?
Translation: Is there an ATM around here?

O banheiro fica no segundo andar.
Translation: The bathroom is on the second floor.

Onde é a entrada principal?
Translation: Where is the main entrance?

Signs and short texts you might read

Beginner-friendly signs are short and use standard place words. Recognizing them helps with comprehension when traveling.

Saída — Exit

Entrada — Entrance

Banheiro — Bathroom

Informações — Information

Estacionamento — Parking

These words often sit next to prepositions on signs: Banheiro ao lado / Entrada pela rua lateral.

Simple practice dialogues

Short dialogues help you hear patterns and build confidence. Practice aloud or with a partner.

— Onde fica o mercado?
— O mercado fica na Rua das Flores, ao lado do banco.

— Tem uma farmácia perto?
— Sim, tem uma perto da padaria.

— O celular está na minha bolsa?
— Sim, o celular está na bolsa.

Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

Here are common errors learners make and quick fixes.

Using em without article when article is needed: say no or na when referring to a specific building: em + o = no supermercado, not em supermercado.

Mixing ficar and estar: use ficar for where something is located (address), and estar for temporary position. O hotel fica na avenida. O celular está na mesa.

Overusing perto/ longe without reference: always give reference: perto de quê? — perto do parque, longe da estação.

Tips for quick improvement

Use these small, focused habits to improve faster.

Label objects at home with sticky notes: o livro — em cima da mesa, a caneca — na cozinha.

Listen for place words in audio lessons and repeat short sentences aloud.

When walking in a city, read signs and form simple sentences about location: A loja está ao lado do supermercado.

Mini quiz for self-test

Translate and answer these five short items to check your understanding.

1) Where is the pharmacy? — A farmácia fica ________ da padaria. (between)

2) My keys are in the bag. — As chaves estão ________ da bolsa. (in)

3) The bus is in front of the station. — O ônibus está ________ da estação. (in front)

4) Is there parking nearby? — Tem estacionamento ________? (near here)

5) The restaurant is next to the bank. — O restaurante fica ________ do banco. (next to)

Answers

1) entre

2) em

3) na frente

4) por aqui

5) ao lado

Conclusion

Learning a small set of Brazilian Portuguese place words and a few verbs like ficar and estar gives you immediate communicative power. Practice short questions, read signs, and make simple sentences about locations you encounter. These building blocks will make everyday interactions much easier and help you feel confident in real situations.