If you’ve ever said:
Vou a o supermercado ❌
…you’re very close.
This is the next step after learning “a” in Portuguese, and it’s actually very simple.
The Core Idea
You already know:
👉 A = where you are going
But when the word has an article:
- a + o = ao
- a + a = à
Watch the Video How to Use AO and À
Simple Examples from the video
- Vou a Tavira (no article)
- Vou ao supermercado (with article)
- O Miguel vai a Faro (no article)
- Ele vai à universidade (with article)
Common Mistakes
A very common mistake is not using the contraction:
- ❌ Vou a o supermercado
- ❌ Vou a a universidade
👉 These must be combined:
- ✅ Vou ao supermercado
- ✅ Vou à universidade
Another mistake is mixing em and a:
- ❌ Vou no supermercado
- ❌ Vou na universidade
👉 Remember:
- ✅ Vou ao supermercado
- ✅ Vou à universidade
👉 A = movement (going)
👉 EM = location (being)
Think About It
👉 Onde vais hoje?
Write:
- 1 sentence with a
- 1 sentence with ao ou à
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!
- Already a member?
- Tavira Student?
Not a member yet? (Find out more)
👉 PDF file (one-time purchase through Patreon)
👉 Interactive Exercises (Monthly Bacalhau com Natas membership on Patreon)
Até já! 🇵🇹