How to Say “Where” in Portuguese

Which one should you use?

While onde is the standard form, use aonde instead when the verb implies movement toward a destination (for example, the verb ir, to go). This distinguishes between a static location and movement toward a place (to where).

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

To make a question more formal or to add emphasis, you can use the phrase Em que lugar (in which place). In casual conversation, you can add é que after onde (forming onde é que) to create a more colloquial and conversational tone.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Brazil, the expression aonde is often used instead of onde and carries the same meaning.

Related words

While on the contrary, although, whereas (conj): enquanto.

The place in which something happens (noun): onde.

How does it change in a sentence?

To ask where someone or something is from, you must use the preposition de before onde, forming de onde.

How do you pronounce it?

The word has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈõ.dʒi/.

What mistakes should you avoid?

English speakers often use onde for both static and moving locations, but in Portuguese, you should use aonde with verbs of motion to indicate direction.