Meaning
To visit a place for shopping.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'mercado' often refers to a local grocery store, while 'supermercado' is a larger chain. Many people also visit the 'feira' for fresh produce. In Portugal, 'mercado' often refers to the traditional municipal market buildings where vendors sell fresh fish and produce. Markets are central to daily life and are often vibrant, bustling places with a wide variety of goods. Local markets are essential for daily food shopping and are key social spaces in urban and rural areas.
Use 'ao'
Always remember that 'mercado' is masculine. 'Ao' is the correct preposition.
Don't use 'no'
While Brazilians say 'no mercado', it's better to learn 'ao mercado' for formal writing.
Meaning
To visit a place for shopping.
Use 'ao'
Always remember that 'mercado' is masculine. 'Ao' is the correct preposition.
Don't use 'no'
While Brazilians say 'no mercado', it's better to learn 'ao mercado' for formal writing.
Add context
Add 'fazer compras' to clarify your intent: 'Vou ao mercado fazer compras'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct preposition.
Eu preciso ir ____ mercado.
Because 'mercado' is masculine, 'a' + 'o' becomes 'ao'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
'Ao' is the standard contraction for 'a' + 'o'.
Match the phrase with its English equivalent.
Match: Ir ao mercado
Direct translation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Você vai sair? B: Sim, ____.
Requires the correct preposition and article combination.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu preciso ir ____ mercado.
Because 'mercado' is masculine, 'a' + 'o' becomes 'ao'.
Choose the correct option:
'Ao' is the standard contraction for 'a' + 'o'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct translation.
A: Você vai sair? B: Sim, ____.
Requires the correct preposition and article combination.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is very common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese, but 'ao' is the standard form.
They are often used interchangeably, but 'supermercado' is specifically for large stores.
In Portuguese, 'a' + 'o' must contract to 'ao'.
No, for a pharmacy you would say 'Ir à farmácia'.
It is neutral and suitable for all situations.
The phrase remains the same: 'Vou ao mercado'.
Use the past tense: 'Eu fui ao mercado'.
You would say 'Vou aos mercados', but that is rare.
'Ir' is to go away, 'vir' is to come here.
Yes, it is perfectly natural in texting.
Related Phrases
Fazer compras
similarTo do shopping
Ir à feira
specialized formTo go to the open-air market
Ir ao supermercado
synonymTo go to the supermarket
Dar um pulo no mercado
specialized formTo pop into the market
