EM vs A – Basic Movement European Porutguese Lessons for Absolute beginners

EM vs A – Basic Movement & Location (Free A0)

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Have you ever said something like:

  • Estou a casa ❌
  • Vou em Lisboa ❌

…and felt unsure if it was correct? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Beginners often get em and a mixed up, but the solution is simpler than you might think.

The Core Idea

  • em = where you are
  • a = where you’re going

That’s your anchor. Start here. Think of em as the location pin and a as an arrow (direction or destination).

“em” can mean “in”, “at”, or “on”
The image illustrates the Portuguese preposition "a" (meaning "to") with a lilac arrow icon, ideal for language learning resources.
“a” often means “to” (short, neutral movement)

Watch the Video em vs a – Basic Movement

Quick Examples from the Video

  • Eu: Estou em casa
  • Eu: Vou a Tavira
  • João: “Olá Miguel, onde vais?”
  • Miguel: Vou a Faro

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Estou a casa
  • ❌ Vou em Lisboa
  • ✅ Estou em casa
  • ✅ Vou a Lisboa

Try it yourself

  • Onde estás?
  • Onde vais?

Write one sentence for each.

Want to take your learning even further? 📚 Get access to the exclusive PDF with written exercises, vocabulary lists, and extra practice by purchasing it on Patreon. Or, join the Bacalhau com Natas tier to unlock interactive materials and boost your learning!

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👉 PDF file (one-time purchase through Patreon)

👉 Interactive Exercises (Monthly Bacalhau com Natas membership on Patreon)

Até já! 🇵🇹

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