Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “there” in Portuguese! Whether you’re an avid traveler, a language enthusiast, or simply interested in exploring the richness of the Portuguese language, we’ll cover all the essential phrases, tips, and examples to help you master the usage of “there” in both formal and informal contexts. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Ways to Say “There” in Portuguese
When it comes to formal situations, such as business meetings, official events, or addressing strangers with respect, Portuguese provides several ways to express the concept of “there.” Here are some commonly used phrases:
1. Lá
The most straightforward translation of “there” in formal Portuguese is “lá.” It’s a versatile term that can indicate both location and direction. Let’s consider a few examples:
- Vá até lá: Go there.
- Ela mora lá: She lives there.
- Ele deve estar lá: He should be there.
2. Naquele lugar
In more formal contexts, you can also use the phrase “naquele lugar” (in that place) to express the idea of “there.” This construction is particularly useful when you want to convey a sense of specific location. Here are a few examples:
- O evento ocorrerá naquele lugar: The event will take place there.
- O restaurante fica naquele lugar: The restaurant is located there.
- Não queremos estar naquele lugar: We don’t want to be there.
Informal Ways to Say “There” in Portuguese
When you’re among friends, family, or speaking in a more relaxed environment, you can opt for informal expressions. Here are some popular choices:
1. Ali
The informal equivalent of “there” in Portuguese is “ali.” It’s a versatile term that can be used to indicate proximity or general location. Let’s explore a few examples:
- Vou encontrá-lo ali: I will meet him there.
- Deixe isso ali: Leave that there.
- Ele está ali todo o tempo: He is there all the time.
2. Naquela
An alternative informal way to express “there” is by using the word “naquela,” which is the colloquial form of “naquele lugar” (in that place). This more laid-back phrase is commonly used in everyday conversations. Take a look at these examples:
- Onde estávamos? Naquela praia: Where were we? There, at the beach.
- Deixe as coisas naquela mesa: Leave the things on that table.
- Não quero ir naquela cidade: I don’t want to go there (to that city).
Tips and Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above work well in most Portuguese-speaking regions, it’s important to note a few variations that might arise depending on the country or locality:
1. Regional Variations
In Portugal, the word “ali” is commonly used across all contexts, both formal and informal. However, in some regions of Brazil, you may hear the word “lá” more frequently, even in informal conversations. It’s always helpful to adapt your vocabulary slightly based on your surroundings.
2. Adding Emphasis
If you want to add emphasis to the word “there” in Portuguese, you can use the term “ali mesmo” in an informal setting or “exatamente lá” in a more formal context. These expressions highlight the location and leave no room for doubt. Here are a couple of examples:
Estou dizendo, ali mesmo! (I’m telling you, right there!)
Ele me pediu para esperar exatamente lá (He asked me to wait right there).
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully explored the different ways to say “there” in Portuguese. Remember to adapt your choice of words based on the formality of the situation and the regional dialect you encounter. Whether you opt for “lá” or “ali,” “naquele lugar” or “naquela,” you’ll be able to confidently express “there” in any Portuguese-speaking environment. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be seamlessly integrating these phrases into your conversations. Enjoy your linguistic journey!
