Meaning
To attend a place of education.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'ir à escola' often involves wearing a 'uniforme escolar', which is mandatory in most institutions to ensure safety and equality. In Portugal, the phrase 'ir às aulas' is frequently used by university students instead of 'ir à escola', which is reserved for primary and secondary education. In Angola, 'ir à escola' can be a challenge in rural areas, and the phrase often carries a strong connotation of hope and social advancement. Education is highly valued, and 'ir à escola' is often celebrated with community support, especially in smaller islands.
The Crase Rule
If you can change 'escola' to a masculine word like 'colégio' and the phrase becomes 'ao colégio', then you must use 'à' with the feminine word.
Avoid 'Ir na'
While you will hear Brazilians say 'Vou na escola', avoid this in writing as it is considered non-standard.
Meaning
To attend a place of education.
The Crase Rule
If you can change 'escola' to a masculine word like 'colégio' and the phrase becomes 'ao colégio', then you must use 'à' with the feminine word.
Avoid 'Ir na'
While you will hear Brazilians say 'Vou na escola', avoid this in writing as it is considered non-standard.
Context Matters
Use 'Ir às aulas' if you want to sound more like a native European Portuguese speaker.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form (a, à, or ao).
Eu vou ___ escola todos os dias.
We use 'à' because 'escola' is feminine and the verb 'ir' requires the preposition 'a'.
Which sentence is more common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese?
How would a Brazilian person usually say 'I'm going to school'?
While 'à escola' is grammatically correct, 'para a escola' is the most common spoken form in Brazil.
Complete the dialogue.
Mãe: 'Filho, você já está pronto?' Filho: 'Sim, mãe. Já estou indo ___.'
The context of leaving the house requires the destination 'à escola'.
Match the sentence to the context.
Sentence: 'Ele parou de ir à escola.'
'Parar de ir à escola' means to cease the habit of attending.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
À vs Para a
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu vou ___ escola todos os dias.
We use 'à' because 'escola' is feminine and the verb 'ir' requires the preposition 'a'.
How would a Brazilian person usually say 'I'm going to school'?
While 'à escola' is grammatically correct, 'para a escola' is the most common spoken form in Brazil.
Mãe: 'Filho, você já está pronto?' Filho: 'Sim, mãe. Já estou indo ___.'
The context of leaving the house requires the destination 'à escola'.
Sentence: 'Ele parou de ir à escola.'
'Parar de ir à escola' means to cease the habit of attending.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsMostly yes, but 'à' is more formal and 'para a' is more common in Brazil, often implying a longer stay.
It's called a 'crase'. It shows that two 'a's (preposition + article) have merged into one.
No, you always need the preposition and the article (à).
Yes, if they are students. If they are just visiting, they might say 'Vou ao prédio da escola'.
Eu vou à escola de ônibus.
PT-PT uses 'Ir à escola' or 'Ir às aulas'. PT-BR uses 'Ir à escola' (formal) or 'Ir para a escola' (informal).
Yes, 'escola' is always a feminine noun in Portuguese.
It's better to use 'faculdade' or 'universidade' for higher education.
Not exactly. 'Ir à escola' is the act of attending, while 'estudar' is the act of studying.
Eu não quero ir à escola.
Related Phrases
Faltar à escola
contrastTo skip or miss school.
Ir para a faculdade
specialized formTo go to college/university.
Estar na escola
similarTo be at school.
Escola da vida
figurativeThe school of life.
