When you want to say something is to the left of something else, you use the phrase à esquerda de. Think of it like saying 'to the left of' in English.
For example, if you say 'A casa é à esquerda do carro,' it means 'The house is to the left of the car.' It helps you explain where things are located in Portuguese.
When talking about location in Portuguese, you'll often use 'à esquerda de' to mean 'to the left of'. It's important to remember the 'à' part, which is a contraction of the preposition 'a' (to/at) and the feminine definite article 'a' (the). Even if the object you're referring to is masculine, 'esquerda' (left) is a feminine noun, so it always takes 'à'.
You'll use it in sentences just like you would in English. For example, if you want to say 'The bank is to the left of the post office,' you would say 'O banco é à esquerda dos correios.'
Practice using this phrase in different contexts to help it become more natural. Think about things in your environment and try to describe their location using 'à esquerda de'.
When talking about location in Portuguese, you'll often use prepositions like "à esquerda de" (to the left of) and "à direita de" (to the right of). These are essential for giving directions or describing where things are.
"À esquerda de" literally means "to the left of." The "à" is a contraction of "a" (to) and "a" (the), because "esquerda" (left) is a feminine noun. So you are saying "to the left [side] of."
For example, if you say "A casa é à esquerda da árvore," you are saying "The house is to the left of the tree." Notice that "da" is used because "árvore" (tree) is a feminine noun, so it's a contraction of "de" (of) and "a" (the).
Understanding these contractions and the gender of nouns is key to correctly using these prepositions. Practice using them in different sentences to get comfortable.
à esquerda de 30초 만에
- Indicates left-hand position.
- Always followed by 'de' + noun/pronoun.
- Essential for giving directions.
§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
Let's get straight to it. You want to know how to say 'to the left of' in Portuguese. The phrase you need is à esquerda de. It's a fundamental prepositional phrase, meaning it tells you about the position of something in relation to another thing. Think of it as a fixed unit – you'll almost always see these three words together.
- DEFINITION
- To the left side of something or someone.
You'll use à esquerda de any time you need to specify that one object or person is located on the left side of another. This is super common in everyday conversations, especially when you're giving directions, describing a scene, or explaining where something is located. It’s part of a pair with à direita de (to the right of), which we'll cover separately.
The 'de' part is important. It means 'of' or 'from', so you're literally saying 'to the left of [something]'. The 'à' is a contraction of 'a' (to) and 'a' (the feminine definite article). So, 'à esquerda' literally means 'to the left'. Because 'esquerda' (left) is a feminine noun in Portuguese, we use 'a' for 'the'.
O supermercado está à esquerda do banco. (The supermarket is to the left of the bank.)
In this example, 'do' is a contraction of 'de' + 'o'. Since 'banco' (bank) is masculine, we use 'o' (the masculine definite article), and 'de o' contracts to 'do'. This is a very common grammatical point in Portuguese, so pay attention to how 'de' combines with definite articles. You'll see 'do', 'da', 'dos', and 'das' depending on the gender and number of the noun that follows.
Minha casa fica à esquerda da padaria. (My house is to the left of the bakery.)
Here, 'padaria' (bakery) is feminine, so 'de' + 'a' contracts to 'da'. Simple, right?
You'll also use this phrase when talking about people. For example, if you're describing where someone is sitting or standing in a photograph.
Ele está sentado à esquerda da Maria. (He is sitting to the left of Maria.)
Notice that even with a proper noun like 'Maria', we still use 'da' if it's a feminine name. If it were a masculine name like 'João', it would be 'do João'.
Here's a quick summary of when and how to use it:
- To give directions: "Vire à esquerda da igreja." (Turn to the left of the church.)
- To describe locations of objects: "O livro está à esquerda do computador." (The book is to the left of the computer.)
- To describe positions of people: "Minha irmã está à esquerda do meu pai na foto." (My sister is to the left of my father in the photo.)
The key is to always think about what comes after 'de' and how it combines with the appropriate definite article. Master these contractions, and you'll be using à esquerda de like a native speaker in no time. It's a straightforward phrase but essential for clear communication in Portuguese. No need for complex explanations; just remember the structure and the contractions, and you're good to go.
§ Understanding 'à esquerda de'
When you're learning Portuguese, knowing how to give or understand directions is super practical. 'À esquerda de' is a key phrase for this. It means 'to the left of'. It's pretty straightforward, but let's break it down so you can use it naturally.
- DEFINITION
- To the left side of something or someone.
§ At Work: Navigating the Office
Imagine you're in a Portuguese-speaking office. You might need to ask for directions or give them to a new colleague. This is where 'à esquerda de' comes in handy.
A sala de reuniões fica à esquerda da recepção.
The meeting room is to the left of the reception.
Meu escritório é à esquerda do elevador.
My office is to the left of the elevator.
Notice how 'da' and 'do' are used? 'Da' is a contraction of 'de' + 'a' (feminine 'the'), and 'do' is 'de' + 'o' (masculine 'the'). This changes depending on the gender of the noun you're referring to.
§ At School: Finding Your Way Around Campus
On a school campus, you'll constantly be directing people or asking for directions. 'À esquerda de' is perfect for this.
A biblioteca é à esquerda do ginásio.
The library is to the left of the gymnasium.
O laboratório de ciências fica à esquerda da sala dos professores.
The science lab is to the left of the teachers' lounge.
§ In the News: Describing Locations
Even in news reports, you'll hear 'à esquerda de' when describing the location of events or places. It's a precise way to indicate a position.
O acidente ocorreu à esquerda da rotatória.
The accident occurred to the left of the roundabout.
A manifestação seguiu pela rua principal, com a polícia posicionada à esquerda do prédio do governo.
The demonstration proceeded down the main street, with the police positioned to the left of the government building.
§ Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to get comfortable with 'à esquerda de' is to use it. When you're out and about, try to describe things around you using this phrase. For example:
The coffee shop is to the left of the bookstore. (A cafeteria é à esquerda da livraria.)
My friend is sitting to the left of the window. (Meu amigo está sentado à esquerda da janela.)
Keep practicing, and soon you'll be using 'à esquerda de' like a native speaker!
§ What "à esquerda de" means
- Definition
- To the left side of something or someone.
When you want to say something is located to the left of another object or person in Portuguese, you use the phrase "à esquerda de." It's pretty straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind to use it correctly.
§ Examples of "à esquerda de"
Let's look at some examples to see how it works in context:
A biblioteca está à esquerda do banco.
The library is to the left of the bank.
Ele sentou-se à esquerda da mesa.
He sat to the left of the table.
Vire à esquerda no semáforo.
Turn left at the traffic light. (Here, "no" combines "de" and "o" – this is common with definite articles).
§ Mistakes people make with this word
Here are some common mistakes English speakers make when using "à esquerda de" and how to avoid them:
Forgetting the "à" (crase): This is probably the most common error. The "à" in "à esquerda" is a crase, which is the contraction of the preposition "a" and the feminine definite article "a." It's always present in this phrase when referring to direction or location. You can't just say "esquerda de."
Confusing it with just "esquerda": "Esquerda" on its own means "left" (as a noun or adjective). While related, it's not the same as the prepositional phrase. You wouldn't use "esquerda de" in isolation to mean "to the left of."
Incorrect article after "de": Remember that "de" will contract with the definite article of the noun that follows it. So, you'll see "do" (de + o), "da" (de + a), "dos" (de + os), or "das" (de + as). Don't leave the article out or use the wrong one.
Using it for abstract concepts: "À esquerda de" is generally used for physical location. While you might say "politically to the left of someone" in English, Portuguese would use a different construction for abstract ideas.
Overusing it for simple "left turn": When giving directions for a simple turn, you can often just say "vire à esquerda" (turn left) without needing the "de" part unless you are specifying *what* you are turning left of.
By paying attention to these details, you'll be able to use "à esquerda de" correctly and sound much more natural in Portuguese.
수준별 예문
O café é à esquerda da padaria.
The cafe is to the left of the bakery.
Minha casa é à esquerda da escola.
My house is to the left of the school.
O carro está à esquerda da bicicleta.
The car is to the left of the bicycle.
A mesa está à esquerda da cadeira.
The table is to the left of the chair.
O livro está à esquerda do caderno.
The book is to the left of the notebook.
O telefone está à esquerda do computador.
The phone is to the left of the computer.
O gato está à esquerda do cachorro.
The cat is to the left of the dog.
A criança está à esquerda da mãe.
The child is to the left of the mother.
자주 혼동되는 단어
The direct opposite: 'to the right side of something or someone'.
This means 'next to' or 'beside'. While it indicates proximity, it doesn't specify left or right, just general adjacency.
This means 'in front of'. It specifies a position directly ahead, not to the side.
혼동하기 쉬운
Many English speakers confuse 'esquerda' (left) with 'direita' (right) due to similar-sounding beginnings or simply mixing them up when learning directions.
'Esquerda' specifically means 'left'. Think of it as the opposite of 'direita'.
Vire à esquerda na próxima rua. (Turn left on the next street.)
While 'lado' means 'side', learners sometimes overuse it in contexts where 'esquerda' or 'direita' alone would suffice, or they might be unsure how to combine it with directions.
'Lado' refers to a side in general. When giving directions, it's often used with 'à' and 'de' as in 'ao lado de' (next to) or 'do lado esquerdo' (on the left side).
O carro está do lado esquerdo da rua. (The car is on the left side of the street.)
Learners sometimes confuse 'aqui' (here) with directional terms like 'esquerda' if they're trying to say 'over here, to the left' and get the structure wrong.
'Aqui' denotes proximity to the speaker. It's a general location, not a specific direction.
Coloque a caixa aqui, à esquerda. (Put the box here, to the left.)
Similar to 'aqui', 'lá' (there) can be misused if learners are trying to express a location to the left that is further away.
'Lá' denotes distance from the speaker. It's a general location, not a specific direction.
A padaria fica lá, à esquerda. (The bakery is there, to the left.)
Learners might confuse 'perto de' (near/close to) with directional phrases like 'à esquerda de' if they are trying to express proximity to something on the left.
'Perto de' indicates general proximity. 'À esquerda de' specifies a direction relative to another object.
O banco está perto da minha casa, à esquerda. (The bank is near my house, to the left.)
팁
Basic direction
Remember that 'à esquerda de' means to the left of. It's a fundamental directional phrase.
Use with 'estar'
You'll often use 'à esquerda de' with the verb 'estar' (to be) to indicate location. For example, 'A loja está à esquerda do café' (The shop is to the left of the cafe).
Contrast with 'à direita de'
Learn 'à esquerda de' alongside 'à direita de' (to the right of). This helps reinforce both concepts simultaneously.
Practice with objects
Point to objects around you and say where they are relative to others. 'O livro está à esquerda do copo' (The book is to the left of the glass).
Preposition 'de'
The 'de' in 'à esquerda de' means 'of' or 'from'. It connects the location to the object it's next to. Don't forget it!
Street directions
This phrase is crucial for giving and understanding street directions. 'Vire à esquerda na próxima rua' (Turn left on the next street).
Pronunciation practice
Practice pronouncing 'à esquerda de' clearly. Pay attention to the 'squ' sound and the open 'e' in 'esquerda'.
Common usage
This is a very common phrase. You'll hear it frequently in everyday conversation, so commit it to memory for practical use.
Don't confuse with 'esquerda' alone
While 'esquerda' means 'left', 'à esquerda de' specifically means 'to the left of'. The 'à...de' structure is important for location.
Visual association
When you see something on your left, mentally (or even physically) say 'à esquerda de...' to create a strong visual and verbal link.
암기하기
기억법
Think of 'esquerda' sounding a bit like 'eskew' (as in 'skewed' or 'off to one side'). When something is 'eskew', it's often not straight, perhaps leaning to the left.
시각적 연상
Imagine a giant arrow pointing sharply to the left, with the word 'esquerda' written clearly on it. Every time you think of 'esquerda', visualize that arrow pointing left.
Word Web
챌린지
Describe the location of 3 objects in your room using 'à esquerda de'. For example: 'A lâmpada está à esquerda da minha cama.' (The lamp is to the left of my bed.)
셀프 테스트 60 질문
The car is to the left of the house.
The bakery is to the left of the bank.
Please turn left on the next street.
Read this aloud:
A igreja é à esquerda da praça.
Focus: à esquerda
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Meu amigo senta à esquerda de mim.
Focus: à esquerda de mim
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
O banheiro é à esquerda.
Focus: à esquerda
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'The house is to the left of the tree.'
This sentence means 'The book is to the left of the pen.'
This sentence means 'I am to the left of my friend.'
A padaria fica ___ da farmácia. (The bakery is to the left of the pharmacy.)
You use 'à esquerda' to say 'to the left'.
Meu carro está estacionado ___ da sua bicicleta. (My car is parked to the left of your bicycle.)
'À esquerda' means 'to the left side of'.
O homem com a camisa azul está ___ da mulher. (The man with the blue shirt is to the left of the woman.)
To indicate position 'to the left of', use 'à esquerda'.
Por favor, vire ___ no próximo cruzamento. (Please turn to the left at the next intersection.)
When giving directions to turn 'to the left', use 'para a esquerda'.
A caneta está ___ do caderno. (The pen is to the left of the notebook.)
'À esquerda' specifies the location as 'to the left of'.
Você vai encontrar a biblioteca ___ da igreja. (You will find the library to the left of the church.)
Use 'à esquerda' to describe a location as 'to the left of'.
Imagine you are giving directions to a tourist who is looking for a famous landmark in Lisbon. Use 'à esquerda de' to describe how to get there from a known starting point.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Claro! Do seu hotel, caminhe até a praça principal. A estátua é grande e você não pode perder. O restaurante que você procura fica à esquerda da estátua. Depois de comer, a loja de souvenirs fica à esquerda do restaurante.
Describe the layout of your living room to a friend, mentioning at least two objects and using 'à esquerda de' to indicate the position of one object relative to another.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Minha sala de estar é bastante aconchegante. Há um sofá grande em frente à televisão. A estante de livros fica à esquerda do sofá. É onde guardo todos os meus romances favoritos. Há também uma pequena mesa de café no centro da sala.
You are describing a painting to someone. Use 'à esquerda de' to explain the placement of a specific element within the artwork.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Nesta pintura, você pode ver uma bela paisagem rural. Há uma pequena casa vermelha no centro. Um grande carvalho fica à esquerda da casa, e um rio sinuoso corre em primeiro plano. É uma cena muito pacífica.
Onde está a biblioteca em relação ao parque?
Read this passage:
João estava procurando a biblioteca. Ele perguntou a uma senhora: 'Com licença, onde fica a biblioteca?' A senhora respondeu: 'Continue reto nesta rua até o semáforo. Depois do semáforo, vire à direita e você verá um parque. A biblioteca fica à esquerda do parque, ao lado da padaria.'
Onde está a biblioteca em relação ao parque?
A passagem afirma claramente que 'A biblioteca fica à esquerda do parque'.
A passagem afirma claramente que 'A biblioteca fica à esquerda do parque'.
Onde Maria colocou a máquina de café?
Read this passage:
Maria estava arrumando sua cozinha. Ela colocou o micro-ondas na bancada. Em seguida, ela decidiu que a máquina de café ficaria à esquerda do micro-ondas. O escorredor de pratos foi colocado à direita da pia, que estava em frente à janela. Tudo estava muito organizado.
Onde Maria colocou a máquina de café?
A frase 'a máquina de café ficaria à esquerda do micro-ondas' indica a posição correta.
A frase 'a máquina de café ficaria à esquerda do micro-ondas' indica a posição correta.
O que estava à esquerda da porta principal na sala do trono?
Read this passage:
Durante uma visita guiada ao castelo, o guia explicou a história de cada sala. 'Esta é a sala do trono', disse ele. 'A armadura do rei está à direita da porta principal. E à esquerda da porta, você pode ver um grande tapete que data do século XV.'
O que estava à esquerda da porta principal na sala do trono?
O guia mencionou que 'à esquerda da porta, você pode ver um grande tapete'.
O guia mencionou que 'à esquerda da porta, você pode ver um grande tapete'.
The correct order places 'o restaurante' as the subject, followed by the verb 'está', and then the location 'à esquerda do cinema'.
The sentence begins with the subject 'o livro', followed by the verb 'está', and then the prepositional phrase 'à esquerda da mesa' indicating its position.
The sentence structure 'A farmácia é à esquerda da rua' clearly states that the pharmacy is located to the left side of the street.
Onde devo virar para chegar ao café?
A frase 'à esquerda do prédio alto' indica a direção correta para o café.
A biblioteca fica _____ da universidade, não é?
'À esquerda' é a preposição correta para indicar a localização da biblioteca em relação à universidade.
Qual destas frases usa 'à esquerda de' corretamente?
'À esquerda de' é usado para indicar a posição de algo em relação a outro objeto ou local.
Se o supermercado está 'à esquerda da farmácia', significa que a farmácia está à direita do supermercado.
Se A está à esquerda de B, então B está à direita de A. A afirmação é verdadeira.
A expressão 'à esquerda de' pode ser usada para descrever a localização de um evento no tempo.
'À esquerda de' é uma preposição espacial, usada para descrever localização física, não temporal.
Para indicar que alguém está do lado esquerdo de outra pessoa, usamos 'à esquerda de'.
Sim, 'à esquerda de' é a forma correta de indicar a posição relativa de uma pessoa em relação a outra.
The bank is to the left of the bookstore.
To get to the museum, turn left at the next intersection.
My car is parked to the left of your motorcycle.
Read this aloud:
A padaria fica à esquerda do supermercado.
Focus: à esquerda
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Por favor, coloque a cadeira à esquerda da mesa.
Focus: à esquerda da
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
O ponto de ônibus está à esquerda do farol.
Focus: à esquerda do
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'The store is to the left of the bank'.
This sentence means 'Turn to the left of the main street'.
This sentence means 'His car is to his left'.
O carro parou _______ da estátua, bloqueando a visão da praça.
The sentence indicates the car blocked the view, implying it stopped beside the statue. 'À esquerda' (to the left) fits this context.
A decisão de construir a nova ala foi deixada inteiramente _______ do conselho de administração.
In this idiomatic usage, 'à esquerda de' can mean 'left to' or 'dependent on' someone's discretion. The other options are not idiomatic in this context.
Ele sentiu um leve tremor _______ do seu olho esquerdo, um sinal de cansaço.
The phrase 'à esquerda do seu olho esquerdo' would literally mean 'to the left of his left eye' which is redundant. However, 'à esquerda' is used here to indicate the general area of the left eye, meaning 'in the vicinity of' or 'around' the left eye.
A tradição exige que o convidado de honra se sente _______ do anfitrião à mesa principal.
It's a common seating arrangement where the guest of honor sits to the left of the host. 'À esquerda' (to the left) is the correct spatial indicator.
Quando a política se moveu _______ do centro, o partido começou a perder apoio.
This refers to political alignment. 'Para a esquerda' (to the left) correctly indicates a shift towards a more liberal or socialist stance.
Aquele antigo castelo, _______ da rodovia, ainda guarda muitos segredos do passado.
'À esquerda da rodovia' indicates the location of the castle relative to the road. The other options don't fit as precisely in describing a specific side.
Onde devo virar para a biblioteca? Ah, sim, é ___.
The speaker is asking for directions to the library and confirms by saying 'Ah, sim, é à esquerda de', meaning 'Ah, yes, it's to the left of'.
Para encontrar o banheiro, vire ___ da recepção.
To find the bathroom, you would turn 'to the left of the reception'.
A padaria fica ___ da farmácia, então não há como errar.
The bakery is located 'to the left of the pharmacy', making it easy to find.
Você verá o ponto de ônibus logo ___ do semáforo.
The bus stop will be visible 'to the left of the traffic light'.
Para acessar a sala de reuniões, a porta está ___ do elevador.
The door to access the meeting room is 'to the left of the elevator'.
O estacionamento subterrâneo fica ___ da entrada principal do edifício.
The underground parking is located 'to the left of the main entrance of the building'.
/ 60 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'à esquerda de' to clearly state that something is positioned to the left of another item or person.
- Indicates left-hand position.
- Always followed by 'de' + noun/pronoun.
- Essential for giving directions.
Basic direction
Remember that 'à esquerda de' means to the left of. It's a fundamental directional phrase.
Use with 'estar'
You'll often use 'à esquerda de' with the verb 'estar' (to be) to indicate location. For example, 'A loja está à esquerda do café' (The shop is to the left of the cafe).
Contrast with 'à direita de'
Learn 'à esquerda de' alongside 'à direita de' (to the right of). This helps reinforce both concepts simultaneously.
Practice with objects
Point to objects around you and say where they are relative to others. 'O livro está à esquerda do copo' (The book is to the left of the glass).
관련 콘텐츠
home 관련 단어
à direita de
A2To the right side of something or someone.
a gás
B1Operating on or powered by gas.
a minha
B1My (feminine singular possessive determiner).
a nossa
B1Our (feminine singular possessive determiner).
a tua
B1Your (informal, feminine singular possessive determiner).
abafado
A2Lacking fresh air; stuffy.
abaixo de
A2Below, under, lower than.
abajur
A2A decorative cover for a light bulb, or a small lamp.
abrir à chave
A2To unlock something with a key.
acendedor
A2Lighter, igniter; a device used to start a fire.
