Portuguese place words for saying where things are

Introduction

Learning how to say where things are in Brazilian Portuguese helps you navigate daily situations, read signs, and give or follow simple directions. This guide explains common place words, short phrases, and practical examples so beginners can start pointing out locations clearly and confidently.

Basic place words (prepositions and simple locatives)

Start with a few high-frequency words that describe basic positions. These are essential for saying where objects, people, or places are located.

em — in, on, at

em cima de — on top of, above

embaixo de — under, underneath

ao lado de — next to, beside

perto de — near, close to

longe de — far from

dentro de — inside

fora de — outside

entre — between

em frente de — in front of

atrás de — behind

How these words work in simple sentences

Brazilian Portuguese uses prepositions like em with articles. For beginners, notice contractions: em + o = no, em + a = na. These are very common.

Examples:

O livro está na mesa.
Translation: The book is on the table.

A chave está no bolso.
Translation: The key is in the pocket.

O gato está em cima da cama.
Translation: The cat is on top of the bed.

Os sapatos estão embaixo da cama.
Translation: The shoes are under the bed.

Common phrases for asking and answering where things are

Practice both questions and short answers used in everyday conversations. These are useful in shops, homes, and public spaces.

Onde está o banheiro? — Where is the bathroom?

O banheiro está no corredor. — The bathroom is in the hallway.

Onde fica a estação? — Where is the station located?

A estação fica perto da praça. — The station is near the square.

Cadê meu celular? — Where is my phone? (informal)

Seu celular está em cima da mesa. — Your phone is on the table.

Useful locative expressions for navigation

These short phrases appear on signs, maps, or are spoken in directions. Memorize a few to get around cities and buildings.

À esquerda — to the left

À direita — to the right

Siga em frente — go straight ahead

Vire à esquerda — turn left

Vire à direita — turn right

Suba as escadas — go up the stairs

Desça as escadas — go down the stairs

Everyday examples you will encounter

Menus, bus signs, and store layouts often use simple place words. Here are realistic beginner-level examples.

Entrada — Entrada fica à direita.
Translation: Entrance — The entrance is to the right.

Saída — Saída à esquerda.
Translation: Exit — Exit to the left.

Estacionamento — Estacionamento em frente ao prédio.
Translation: Parking — Parking in front of the building.

Bilheteria — Bilheteria no térreo.
Translation: Box office — Box office on the ground floor.

Banheiro — Banheiro dentro da loja.
Translation: Bathroom — Bathroom inside the store.

Short dialogues using place words

Examples of simple conversations you might hear or use when learning Brazilian Portuguese at this level.

Pessoa A: Onde está o mercado?

Pessoa B: O mercado fica perto do supermercado. Vire à direita e siga em frente.
Translation: Person A: Where is the market? Person B: The market is near the supermarket. Turn right and go straight.

Pessoa A: Cadê minha mochila?

Pessoa B: A mochila está em cima da cadeira.
Translation: Person A: Where is my backpack? Person B: The backpack is on the chair.

Using demonstratives with place words

Demonstratives help point to objects: este/esta (this), esse/essa (that near you), aquele/aquela (that over there). They often appear with prepositions.

Este livro está no armário. — This book is in the cabinet.

Essa bolsa está ao lado da mesa. — That bag is next to the table (near you).

Aquela casa está longe. — That house over there is far.

Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

Mistake: using em + a/o incorrectly. Learn contractions no and na. If the noun has a definite article, contract: em + o = no, em + a = na.

Wrong: O livro está em a mesa.
Right: O livro está na mesa.

Mistake: confusing em cima de with embaixo de. Remember em cima de = on top of; embaixo de = underneath.

Wrong: O gato está embaixo da mesa (when cat is on top).
Right: O gato está em cima da mesa.

Mistake: using perto e do/da inconsistently. Use perto de + noun or perto do/da with the article contraction.

Wrong: O parque está perto a escola.
Right: O parque está perto da escola.

Practical tips for practicing these words

Label items at home with small notes using Portuguese locative phrases. Example: coloque um adesivo em cima da geladeira com the phrase O controle está em cima da geladeira.

Read simple signs and announcements when you see them: look for Entrada, Saída, Banheiro, Estacionamento, and note the direction words.

Practice short questions and answers with a language partner: Onde está o …? followed by responses using contractions like no and na.

Mini practice set

Translate these short items into Portuguese mentally or aloud, then check the answers below.

1. The keys are on the table.

2. The store is near the station.

3. The cat is under the bed.

4. Where is the bathroom?

Answers:

1. As chaves estão na mesa.

2. A loja fica perto da estação.

3. O gato está embaixo da cama.

4. Onde está o banheiro?

Additional vocabulary for places in a town

These nouns often combine with place words in real conversations and signs.

loja — store

praça — square

rua — street

escola — school

hospital — hospital

farmácia — pharmacy

restaurante — restaurant

ônibus — bus

Short useful phrases for travelers

These are practical for asking directions or reading signage when traveling in Brazil.

Como chego ao aeroporto? — How do I get to the airport?

O ônibus vai para o centro. — The bus goes to the downtown.

Onde fica a farmácia mais próxima? — Where is the nearest pharmacy?

A farmácia fica a duas quadras daqui. — The pharmacy is two blocks from here.

Practice dialogue for a simple service interaction

Short example you might encounter at a hotel or information desk.

Recepcionista: Posso ajudar?

Visitante: Sim. Onde fica o elevador?

Recepcionista: O elevador está no final do corredor, à esquerda.
Translation: Receptionist: Can I help? Visitor: Yes. Where is the elevator? Receptionist: The elevator is at the end of the hallway, to the left.

Conclusion

Mastering basic place words in Brazilian Portuguese lets you describe locations, follow directions, and read signs with confidence. Focus on a handful of prepositions, learn contractions like no and na, and practice short questions and answers. Small daily exercises, labels, and simple dialogues will speed up your progress and make navigation in Portuguese-speaking environments much easier.