How to say “Is this the right building?” in Portuguese

Introduction

Learning how to ask Is this the right building? in Brazilian Portuguese is a useful skill for travelers, students, and professionals. This article explains common phrases, pronunciation tips, polite variations, and short dialogues you can use in real situations. By the end you will feel confident asking about buildings, addresses, and locations with natural Brazilian expressions.

Key phrase and literal meaning

The most direct way to ask Is this the right building? in Brazilian Portuguese is Este é o prédio certo? This phrase is straightforward and widely understood in urban contexts where the word prédio specifically refers to a multi-story residential or commercial building.

Breakdown of the words:

Este means this (masculine, near the speaker).
é is the third-person singular of the verb ser (to be).
o is the masculine definite article the.
prédio means building, usually a multi-floor structure.
certo means right, correct.

Alternative phrases and when to use them

Brazilian Portuguese has several natural alternatives depending on formality, region, and the type of building. Here are common variations and usage notes.

For general buildings and locations

Este é o prédio certo? — Use this for apartment buildings, office towers, and other large structures.

Este can be replaced by Este aqui to emphasize proximity, or by Esse if the speaker is referring to something nearer the listener.

For houses and single-family homes

Esta é a casa certa? — Use when referring to a house. Note the feminine forms: esta and casa are both feminine.

When you want to sound more polite

Com licença, este é o prédio certo? — Add Com licença to politely get someone’s attention before asking.

Other polite options include Desculpe, este é o prédio certo? using Desculpe to apologize for interrupting.

For addresses and directions

É aqui o número 123? — If you know the street number, ask specifically about the number rather than the building. Use aqui (here) to point out the location.

É neste prédio que fica a clínica? — Use this structure when asking if a specific service or business is located in that building. Neste is a contraction of em + este meaning in this.

Pronunciation tips

Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation can be friendly for English speakers once you learn a few rules. Here are tips for the key phrase Este é o prédio certo?

Pronunciation guidance:

Este — stress on the first syllable: EH-steh.
é — pronounced like a short A: eh.
o — pronounced like oo or oh depending on context: oo/
prédio — stress on the first syllable: PREH-dyo. The é is open, like the A in cat, and io produces a /dyo/ sound.
certo — pronounced SEHR-too, with a soft R in many Brazilian accents (like a tapped r or approximant depending on region).

Politeness and register

Selecting the right register helps you sound natural. For formal situations such as meeting a receptionist, use polite markers. For informal situations like asking a passerby, short phrases are fine.

Polite formal phrasing

Com licença, este é o prédio da universidade? — Formal and clear. Use da as contraction of de + a to indicate belonging: the university building.

Desculpe, estou procurando o prédio administrativo. É aqui? — Use when looking for an administrative building; polite and specific.

Informal phrasing for casual conversations

É esse prédio mesmo? — More relaxed. Notice the masculine demonstrative esse, which often refers to something closer to the listener. This is a very natural, conversational way to confirm.

É ali? — Short and casual: Is it over there? Use when pointing and expecting a yes or no answer.

Short dialogues for real-life situations

Below are short dialogues you can use as templates. Each line shows natural phrasing and a contextual note where helpful.

Dialogue 1 — Asking a passerby on the street:
Pessoa A: Com licença, este é o prédio 45?
Pessoa B: Sim, é este mesmo. O número fica na entrada.

Usage note: Use este or esse depending on whether the building is closer to you or the listener. Mesmo adds confirmation: yes, that’s the one.

Dialogue 2 — At a campus or business complex:
Pessoa A: Desculpe, é neste prédio que fica a biblioteca?
Pessoa B: Não, a biblioteca é no prédio ao lado.

Usage note: neste means in this building (near the speaker). ao lado means next door or beside.

Dialogue 3 — Confirming a delivery address:
Entregador: Bom dia, este é o prédio Carlos Silva?
Morador: Sim, é aqui. Pode subir até o quarto 304.

Usage note: For deliveries, confirm the name and number. Aqui is useful to indicate location: here.

Related phrases you should learn

Learning a few related words and phrases will expand your ability to ask about locations and buildings confidently.

Onde fica — Where is. Example: Onde fica o prédio central?
Qual é o endereço? — What is the address.
Você sabe onde é — Do you know where is. Example: Você sabe onde é o bloco B?
Fica perto? — Is it nearby?
É no final da rua? — Is it at the end of the street?

Usage notes and regional variations

Brazil is a large country with regional variations. Here are a few practical points to keep in mind.

Demonstratives: este, este and esse, esse are commonly confused by learners. A basic rule: este refers to something near the speaker; esse refers to something near the listener or previously mentioned. Using either will still be understood, but native speakers may notice the nuance.

Prédio versus edifício: Both words mean building, but prédio is more common in everyday speech. Edifício sounds slightly more formal or technical.

Casas and sobrados: In some regions, houses with more than one floor are called sobrados. If you are asking about a two-story house, locals might respond with that word or ask for clarification.

Common mistakes to avoid

Awareness of frequent learner errors improves clarity and confidence.

1. Wrong gender agreement: If the noun is feminine, use feminine demonstratives and articles. Wrong: *Este é a casa certo? Correct: Esta é a casa certa?

2. Mixing up este/esse/aquele: While not fatal, using the wrong demonstrative can confuse proximity. Practice pointing and saying the phrases aloud to internalize the difference.

3. Omitting polite markers in formal contexts: In places like offices or reception areas, begin with Com licença or Desculpe to avoid sounding abrupt.

Practical tips for learners

Use these practical strategies to make the phrase part of your active vocabulary.

1. Practice with locals: Short interactions in the street or at a cafe using Com licença, este é o prédio… are excellent and low-pressure practice.

2. Listen to native speakers: Watch Brazilian videos or short travel vlogs and note how people ask about buildings and addresses.

3. Shadow the phrases: Repeat the phrase several times aloud, matching rhythm and intonation to native speakers. Brazilian Portuguese often uses a rising intonation for simple yes/no questions.

4. Use gestures: Pointing and eye contact help confirm what you are referring to when you ask Este é o prédio certo?

Examples in different contexts

Below are more example sentences you can memorize and adapt to real situations.

At a hotel:
Com licença, este é o prédio onde ficam os quartos executivos?
Front desk: Sim, o bloco B é onde ficam os executivos.

On public transport:
É este o ponto de descida para o prédio da faculdade?
Conductor: Sim, desça aqui e vire à esquerda.

Near an office complex:
É neste prédio que fica a recepção da empresa X?
Receptionist: Não, a recepção fica no térreo do prédio ao lado.

Short cultural notes

Brazilians are generally friendly and willing to help with directions. Starting with a polite phrase like Com licença or Desculpe opens the interaction smoothly. In many urban areas, it is common to ask several people for directions; locals expect this and usually respond with clear, helpful guidance.

Conclusion

Knowing how to ask Is this the right building? in Brazilian Portuguese opens many practical interactions while traveling or living in Brazil. The most direct phrase is Este é o prédio certo? but many natural variations exist depending on formality, the type of building, and regional usage. With the pronunciation tips, dialogues, and polite markers provided here, you should be ready to ask for and confirm locations confidently in everyday situations.