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A1 determiner #950 am häufigsten 6 Min. Lesezeit

aquela

At the A1 level, you learn 'aquela' as a basic way to point to things that are far away. You use it to identify objects in your environment that aren't close to you or the person you are talking to. It's essential for basic descriptions like 'aquela casa é azul' (that house is blue). You focus on the simple feminine singular agreement.
At the A2 level, you start using contractions like 'daquela' and 'naquela'. You begin to use 'aquela' not just for physical distance, but for simple time references, such as 'aquela manhã' (that morning). You learn to distinguish clearly between 'esta', 'essa', and 'aquela' in dialogue.
At the B1 level, you use 'aquela' in more complex narratives. You understand the use of 'àquela' (the contraction with the preposition 'a'). You use 'aquela' to refer back to ideas mentioned earlier in a text that are now 'distant' from the current focus of the conversation.
At the B2 level, you use 'aquela' for abstract concepts and emotional distance. You can use it to add emphasis or a nostalgic tone to your speech. You are comfortable with all contractions and can use 'aquela' as a pronoun without a following noun in sophisticated sentence structures.
At the C1 level, you recognize 'aquela' in formal literature and academic writing where it might be used to refer to a specific point in history or a remote theoretical concept. You understand the subtle nuances of using 'aquela' versus 'tal' or other demonstratives to achieve specific stylistic effects.
At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'aquela'. You use it instinctively in idiomatic expressions and complex rhetorical structures. You can manipulate the spatial and temporal distance it implies to create irony, nostalgia, or professional distance in high-level discourse.
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aquela in 30 Sekunden

  • Feminine singular form of 'aquele', meaning 'that' for distant objects.
  • Used for things far from both the speaker and the listener.
  • Can refer to physical distance or remote time in the past.
  • Combines with prepositions to form 'daquela', 'naquela', and 'àquela'.

The word aquela is a demonstrative determiner and pronoun in Portuguese that translates to 'that' or 'that one' in English. However, its usage is much more specific than the English 'that'. In the Portuguese spatial system, there are three degrees of distance, and aquela represents the third degree: something that is distant from both the speaker and the listener. It is the feminine singular form, meaning it must always agree with a feminine noun like casa (house), mulher (woman), or ideia (idea).

Spatial Distance
Used for objects or people physically far from the conversation circle. If you are standing with a friend and point to a mountain in the distance, you use aquela montanha.
Temporal Distance
Used to refer to a remote time in the past. While essa semana refers to the current or recent week, aquela semana refers to a week long ago, often in a storytelling context.

Você está vendo aquela estrela brilhante lá no céu?

Translation: Do you see that bright star over there in the sky?

Native speakers use aquela to create a sense of detachment or to distinguish between multiple items. If there are three chairs, one near me (esta), one near you (essa), and one across the room, the one across the room is aquela cadeira. It is also used metaphorically to refer to something famous or well-known in a 'you know the one' kind of way.

Aquela foi a melhor viagem da minha vida.

Translation: That (remote past) was the best trip of my life.
Emotional Distance
Sometimes used to show emotional distance or lack of familiarity with a subject, pushing the concept away from the immediate psychological space of the speaker.

Using aquela correctly requires attention to two main things: gender agreement and contractions. Since it is a feminine word, it must accompany feminine nouns. If the noun is masculine, you must use aquele. If it is plural, you use aquelas.

Agreement Rule
Aquela + Feminine Singular Noun. Example: aquela menina (that girl), aquela rua (that street).

Eu quero comprar aquela blusa que está na vitrine.

Translation: I want to buy that blouse that is in the shop window.

One of the most important aspects of using aquela is how it merges with prepositions. This is mandatory in Portuguese. You cannot say 'de aquela'; you must say daquela. You cannot say 'em aquela'; you must say naquela. Most importantly, 'a + aquela' becomes àquela (with a grave accent, known as crase).

Common Contractions
De + aquela = daquela (of/from that). Em + aquela = naquela (in/on that). A + aquela = àquela (to that).

Nós moramos naquela cidade por dez anos.

Translation: We lived in that city for ten years.

In a sentence, aquela usually precedes the noun. However, it can also stand alone as a pronoun. For example: 'Qual bolsa você prefere? Aquela.' (Which bag do you prefer? That one.) In this case, it acts as the subject or object of the sentence without repeating the noun.

You will hear aquela in a variety of everyday contexts, ranging from giving directions to reminiscing about the past. It is a staple of descriptive language. In a restaurant, you might hear someone pointing to a dish on another table: 'Eu vou querer aquela comida'.

Tourism and Directions
Tour guides use it constantly to point out landmarks. 'Vejam aquela estátua ao fundo' (Look at that statue in the background).
Storytelling
Grandparents use it to talk about 'the good old days'. 'Naquela época, as coisas eram diferentes' (In those times, things were different).

Você se lembra daquela festa na praia?

Translation: Do you remember that party on the beach?

In Brazilian music, especially Samba and Bossa Nova, aquela is often used to evoke nostalgia. Think of the famous song 'Aquele Abraço', though it uses the masculine form, the feminine aquela appears just as frequently in lyrics describing 'aquela mulher' (that woman) or 'aquela saudade' (that longing).

Siga por aquela avenida até o final.

Translation: Follow that avenue until the end.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is using aquela when they should use essa. In English, 'that' covers both. In Portuguese, if you are talking about something the listener is holding or something close to them, you MUST use essa. Using aquela in that context sounds like the object is miles away.

Gender Mismatch
Using aquela with masculine nouns. Wrong: 'aquela carro'. Right: 'aquele carro'. Always check the gender of the noun.
Missing Contractions
Forgetting to combine prepositions. Saying 'Eu gosto de aquela' instead of 'Eu gosto daquela'.

Errado: Eu vou a aquela loja. Correto: Eu vou àquela loja.

Note the use of the grave accent (crase).

Another mistake is confusing aquela (demonstrative) with aquilo (neutral). Aquela requires a feminine noun or refers to one. Aquilo is used for 'that thing' when the gender is unknown or irrelevant. You cannot say 'aquela é bom' if you mean 'that (thing) is good'; you must say 'aquilo é bom'.

Understanding aquela requires comparing it to the other demonstratives in the Portuguese family. The choice depends entirely on the location of the object relative to the speaker and listener.

Esta vs. Essa vs. Aquela
  • Esta: Close to the speaker (This).
  • Essa: Close to the listener (That).
  • Aquela: Far from both (That over there).

Não pegue esta caneta, pegue aquela que está na mesa lá longe.

Translation: Don't take this pen, take that one that is on the table way over there.

Alternatives to aquela might include using the definite article with an adverb of place for emphasis, such as 'a casa lá longe' (the house way over there). However, aquela is the most grammatically precise way to express this distance.

Aquela vs. Aquilo
Aquela is for specific feminine nouns. Aquilo is for abstract concepts or objects whose name you don't know. 'O que é aquilo?' (What is that thing?).

How Formal Is It?

Formell

"Solicitamos atenção àquela cláusula do contrato."

Neutral

"Você viu aquela menina na escola?"

Informell

"Aquela lá não sabe de nada!"

Child friendly

"Olha aquela borboleta lá no alto!"

Umgangssprache

"Aquela moral que você me deu foi top."

Wusstest du?

The 'aqu-' prefix in Portuguese demonstratives comes from the Latin 'eccum', which was used to add emphasis, literally meaning 'look here' or 'behold'.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ɐ.ˈkɛ.lɐ/
US /a.ˈkɛ.la/
The stress is on the second syllable: a-QUE-la.
Reimt sich auf
tabela janela estrela capela amarela cadela fivela novela
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing 'que' as 'kway' (it should be 'keh').
  • Stress on the first syllable.
  • Making the final 'a' too long like 'ahhh'.
  • Confusing the 'e' sound with 'ey'.
  • Not distinguishing between the 'a' and 'e' clearly.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires remembering gender and contractions like àquela.

Sprechen 2/5

Simple pronunciation but requires spatial awareness.

Hören 2/5

Easily confused with 'essa' if not paying attention to context.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

a esta essa mulher casa

Als Nächstes lernen

aquele aquilo aquelas acolá ali

Fortgeschritten

outrora remoto distante defrontar aludir

Wichtige Grammatik

Gender Agreement

Aquela (fem) vs Aquele (masc)

Contraction with 'de'

De + aquela = daquela

Contraction with 'em'

Em + aquela = naquela

The 'Crase' Rule

A + aquela = àquela

Spatial Deixis

Esta (here), Essa (there), Aquela (over there)

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Aquela casa é muito grande.

That house is very big.

Aquela agrees with the feminine noun 'casa'.

2

Eu gosto daquela flor.

I like that flower.

Contraction: de + aquela = daquela.

3

Aquela é a minha professora.

That is my teacher.

Used here as a demonstrative pronoun.

4

Olhe para aquela montanha!

Look at that mountain!

Imperative verb 'olhe' followed by 'para aquela'.

5

Aquela janela está aberta.

That window is open.

Feminine singular agreement.

6

Quem é aquela mulher?

Who is that woman?

Interrogative sentence.

7

Aquela maçã está madura.

That apple is ripe.

Subject of the sentence.

8

Eu quero aquela boneca.

I want that doll.

Direct object.

1

Nós moramos naquela rua.

We live on that street.

Contraction: em + aquela = naquela.

2

Eu não me lembro daquela música.

I don't remember that song.

Verb 'lembrar-se' requires preposition 'de'.

3

Aquela foi uma ótima ideia.

That was a great idea.

Referring to a past event.

4

Você viu aquela notícia no jornal?

Did you see that news in the newspaper?

Feminine noun 'notícia'.

5

Eu comprei este livro naquela livraria.

I bought this book in that bookstore.

Contrast between 'este' (near) and 'naquela' (far).

6

Aquela menina é muito inteligente.

That girl is very intelligent.

Adjective agreement.

7

O que tem naquela caixa?

What is in that box?

Preposition 'em' + 'aquela'.

8

Eu gosto mais daquela cor.

I like that color more.

Comparative structure.

1

Eu me referia àquela situação de ontem.

I was referring to that situation from yesterday.

Contraction with crase: a + aquela = àquela.

2

Aquela época era muito mais simples.

That era was much simpler.

Temporal distance.

3

Não vá por aquela estrada, é perigoso.

Don't go by that road, it's dangerous.

Preposition 'por' + 'aquela'.

4

Ela sempre fala daquela viagem à Europa.

She always talks about that trip to Europe.

Contraction 'daquela'.

5

Aquela decisão mudou tudo para nós.

That decision changed everything for us.

Abstract noun 'decisão'.

6

Você conhece aquela senhora que mora ali?

Do you know that lady who lives there?

Relative clause 'que mora ali'.

7

Eu nunca esquecerei aquela noite.

I will never forget that night.

Future tense with demonstrative.

8

Aquela pintura é a mais famosa do museu.

That painting is the most famous in the museum.

Superlative 'a mais famosa'.

1

Aquela teoria já foi refutada por muitos.

That theory has already been refuted by many.

Academic context.

2

Dê importância àquela pequena observação.

Give importance to that small observation.

Crase with the verb 'dar'.

3

Aquela atitude foi completamente inesperada.

That attitude was completely unexpected.

Abstract noun 'atitude'.

4

A culpa foi daquela falta de comunicação.

The fault was from that lack of communication.

Complex sentence structure.

5

Aquela era a oportunidade que ele esperava.

That was the opportunity he was waiting for.

Demonstrative as subject.

6

O sucesso depende daquela parceria.

Success depends on that partnership.

Verb 'depender' + 'de'.

7

Aquela sensação de liberdade é única.

That feeling of freedom is unique.

Abstract feeling.

8

Ele se opôs àquela medida drástica.

He opposed that drastic measure.

Verb 'opor-se' + 'a'.

1

Aquela narrativa subverte as expectativas do leitor.

That narrative subverts the reader's expectations.

Literary analysis.

2

Resta saber se aquela hipótese se sustenta.

It remains to be seen if that hypothesis holds up.

Formal inquiry.

3

Aquela conjuntura política era extremamente instável.

That political situation was extremely unstable.

High-level vocabulary.

4

Atente-se àquela nuance na fala do autor.

Pay attention to that nuance in the author's speech.

Imperative 'atente-se' + 'a'.

5

Aquela obra-prima define o movimento barroco.

That masterpiece defines the Baroque movement.

Art history context.

6

A análise recai sobre aquela variável específica.

The analysis falls upon that specific variable.

Scientific/Statistical context.

7

Aquela melancolia que permeia a poesia de Pessoa.

That melancholy that permeates Pessoa's poetry.

Cultural/Literary reference.

8

O autor alude àquela antiga lenda grega.

The author alludes to that ancient Greek legend.

Verb 'aludir' + 'a'.

1

Aquela idiossincrasia é típica da região.

That idiosyncrasy is typical of the region.

Highly specialized vocabulary.

2

Sob aquela ótica, o problema parece insolúvel.

From that perspective, the problem seems insoluble.

Metaphorical use of 'ótica'.

3

Aquela efemeridade da vida é um tema recorrente.

That ephemerality of life is a recurring theme.

Philosophical context.

4

Instaurou-se aquela polêmica desnecessária.

That unnecessary controversy was established.

Passive voice with 'se'.

5

Aquela premissa carece de fundamentação lógica.

That premise lacks logical foundation.

Logic/Philosophy context.

6

Devemos obediência àquela norma fundamental.

We owe obedience to that fundamental norm.

Legal/Ethical context.

7

Aquela retórica inflamada não convenceu o público.

That inflamed rhetoric did not convince the audience.

Political/Rhetorical analysis.

8

A transcendência reside naquela busca incessante.

Transcendence resides in that incessant search.

Abstract spiritual context.

Häufige Kollokationen

aquela época
aquela vez
aquela mulher
aquela coisa
aquela situação
aquela ideia
aquela rua
aquela montanha
aquela música
aquela noite

Häufige Phrasen

naquela época

daquela maneira

àquela hora

aquela dali

por aquela estrada

com aquela pessoa

para aquela finalidade

desde aquela data

em relação àquela

aquela mesma

Wird oft verwechselt mit

aquela vs essa

Essa is for things near the listener; aquela is for things far from both.

aquela vs aquele

Aquele is masculine; aquela is feminine.

aquela vs aquilo

Aquilo is neutral (that thing); aquela requires a feminine noun.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"aquela velha história"

The same old story / a predictable situation.

Lá vem ele com aquela velha história de que está sem dinheiro.

informal

"dar aquela força"

To give a little help / support.

Você pode me dar aquela força com a mudança?

informal (Brazil)

"fazer aquela carinha"

To make 'that face' (usually to get something).

Ela fez aquela carinha e eu tive que aceitar.

informal

"aquela coisa toda"

All that stuff / all that jazz.

Teve festa, música e aquela coisa toda.

informal

"naquela base"

In that ballpark / around that level.

O preço está naquela base que conversamos.

informal

Leicht verwechselbar

aquela vs aquilo

Both mean 'that' in English.

Aquilo is for unknown things or abstract concepts. Aquela is for specific feminine nouns.

O que é aquilo? vs. Aquela mesa é velha.

aquela vs esta

Both are demonstratives.

Esta is 'this' (near me). Aquela is 'that' (far away).

Esta caneta aqui vs. Aquela caneta lá.

aquela vs essa

Both translate to 'that'.

Essa is 'that' (near you). Aquela is 'that' (far from us).

Essa sua blusa vs. Aquela blusa na vitrine.

aquela vs ela

Similar sound.

Ela is 'she/it'. Aquela is 'that one'.

Ela é bonita vs. Aquela é bonita.

aquela vs aquelas

Singular vs Plural.

Aquela is singular. Aquelas is plural.

Aquela casa vs. Aquelas casas.

Satzmuster

A1

Aquela [noun] é [adjective].

Aquela flor é linda.

A2

Eu moro naquela [noun].

Eu moro naquela casa.

B1

Eu me lembro daquela [noun].

Eu me lembro daquela viagem.

B1

Refiro-me àquela [noun].

Refiro-me àquela proposta.

B2

Aquela [noun] que [verb]...

Aquela ideia que tivemos foi boa.

C1

Sob aquela [noun], o [noun]...

Sob aquela perspectiva, o plano falhou.

C2

Aquela [noun] carece de [noun].

Aquela teoria carece de lógica.

C2

Atente-se àquela [noun].

Atente-se àquela circunstância.

Wortfamilie

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely frequent in both spoken and written Portuguese.

Häufige Fehler
  • Eu gosto de aquela casa. → Eu gosto daquela casa.

    You must use the contraction 'daquela'.

  • Aquela carro é novo. → Aquele carro é novo.

    'Carro' is masculine, so you must use 'aquele'.

  • Eu dei o livro a aquela menina. → Eu dei o livro àquela menina.

    The preposition 'a' merges with 'aquela' to form 'àquela'.

  • O que é aquela? → O que é aquilo?

    Use 'aquilo' for 'that thing' when you don't know what it is.

  • Aquela é bom. → Aquilo é bom.

    If the subject is neutral/unknown, use 'aquilo'. 'Aquela' requires a feminine referent.

Tipps

Gender Check

Always check the noun gender. Even if a word ends in 'a', it might be masculine (like 'o dia'). In that case, use 'aquele'.

Open 'E'

The 'e' in 'aquela' is open, like the 'e' in 'get'. Practice saying 'keh-la'.

Pointing

If you can't point to it, you might need 'essa' or 'esta' instead, unless you are talking about the past.

Crase Mastery

If you can replace 'àquela' with 'a esta' and it still makes sense, you probably need the accent.

Contraction Alert

In fast speech, 'naquela' can sound like 'n'quela'. Listen for the 'k' sound.

Synonym Tip

In very informal Brazilian Portuguese, 'aquela' is sometimes replaced by 'aquela lá' for extra clarity.

Nostalgia

Use 'aquela' when you want to sound nostalgic about a past event.

The 'Over There' Rule

If you would say 'that one over there' in English, 'aquela' is your best bet.

No 'de aquela'

Never write 'de aquela'. The contraction 'daquela' is mandatory.

Abstract Use

Use 'aquela' to distance yourself from an idea you don't agree with.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'A-QUE-LA' as 'A Quest Long Away'. The 'A' and 'LA' surround the 'QUE', just like distance surrounds a far object.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine pointing your finger at a distant star. The star is feminine (estrela), so you say 'aquela'.

Word Web

distância feminino remoto lá acolá passado daquela naquela

Herausforderung

Try to find five feminine objects in your room that are far from you and name them using 'aquela'.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Vulgar Latin 'eccu' (behold) combined with 'ille' (that). In Old Portuguese, it evolved from 'aquela' through various phonetic shifts.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Behold that one (feminine).

Romance (Indo-European).

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities; it is a standard grammatical part of speech.

English speakers often struggle because they only have 'that', whereas Portuguese speakers have a mental map of three distinct zones of distance.

The song 'Aquela Mulher' Literary descriptions in Eça de Queirós Classic Brazilian Telenovela titles

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Travel

  • Aquela rua é segura?
  • Como chego àquela praça?
  • Aquela montanha é famosa.
  • Vou naquela direção.

Shopping

  • Quanto custa aquela bolsa?
  • Eu quero aquela dali.
  • Aquela cor é bonita.
  • Não gosto daquela.

History

  • Naquela época...
  • Aquela guerra foi longa.
  • Aquela rainha era amada.
  • Tudo mudou naquela data.

Socializing

  • Quem é aquela pessoa?
  • Lembra daquela festa?
  • Aquela música é ótima.
  • Vamos naquela mesa.

Education

  • Aquela lição foi difícil.
  • Olhe para aquela página.
  • Aquela professora é boa.
  • Estudei naquela escola.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Você se lembra daquela viagem que fizemos juntos?"

"O que você acha daquela nova lei que foi aprovada?"

"Você viu aquela série que todo mundo está comentando?"

"Como era a vida naquela cidade onde você cresceu?"

"Você conhece aquela cafeteria que abriu no centro?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Descreva aquela memória de infância que você nunca esquece.

Escreva sobre aquela pessoa que teve um grande impacto na sua vida.

O que você diria para aquela versão de você mesmo de dez anos atrás?

Descreva aquela paisagem que você achou a mais bonita de todas.

Reflita sobre aquela decisão difícil que você tomou recentemente.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Use 'aquela' when the object is far from both you and the person you are talking to. If the object is near the person you are talking to, use 'essa'.

It is the combination of the preposition 'a' and the demonstrative 'aquela'. It is used with verbs that require 'a', like 'ir' or 'referir-se'.

Yes, it can mean 'that woman' or 'that girl'. For example: 'Quem é aquela?' (Who is that one?).

It is neutral. It is used in both very formal writing and very casual speech.

You use the contraction 'naquela' (em + aquela).

You use the contraction 'daquela' (de + aquela).

Yes, it becomes 'aquelas'.

Yes, to refer to a distant past. 'Naquela época' means 'in those times'.

'Aquela' is feminine singular. 'Aquilo' is neutral and doesn't have a gender or plural form.

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries with the same basic meaning.

Teste dich selbst 30 Fragen

writing

Translate: 'That house over there is blue.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Translate: 'I live in that street.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Say 'That woman' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Listen and write the word: [Audio: naquela]

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 30 correct

Perfect score!

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