Meaning
In, at, or to that place or position.
Cultural Background
Brazilians often use 'lá' to refer to the United States or Europe as a way of acknowledging the vast geographical distance. In Portugal, 'lá' is often used in the expression 'Lá vai um' when something is being sent or thrown. In Angolan Portuguese, 'lá' can be used to emphasize a long duration of time in the past.
The Pointing Rule
If you have to fully extend your arm to point at it, it's probably 'lá'.
Don't forget the accent!
Without the accent, you are saying 'the', which will confuse people.
Meaning
In, at, or to that place or position.
The Pointing Rule
If you have to fully extend your arm to point at it, it's probably 'lá'.
Don't forget the accent!
Without the accent, you are saying 'the', which will confuse people.
Sei lá is your friend
If you don't understand a question, 'Sei lá' is a very natural (though informal) way to shrug it off.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
Eu não moro aqui, eu moro ____.
The speaker is contrasting 'here' (aqui) with a distant place.
Fill in the blank with 'lá' or 'aqui'.
O Brasil é longe. Eu quero ir para ____.
Since Brazil is far (longe), 'lá' is the correct choice.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Someone asks you a question you don't know the answer to.
'Sei lá' is the idiomatic way to say 'I don't know'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Onde estão as chaves? B: Estão ____ na mesa da cozinha (pointing to the other room).
Since the keys are in another room, they are 'lá'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Portuguese Spatial Adverbs
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu não moro aqui, eu moro ____.
The speaker is contrasting 'here' (aqui) with a distant place.
O Brasil é longe. Eu quero ir para ____.
Since Brazil is far (longe), 'lá' is the correct choice.
Someone asks you a question you don't know the answer to.
'Sei lá' is the idiomatic way to say 'I don't know'.
A: Onde estão as chaves? B: Estão ____ na mesa da cozinha (pointing to the other room).
Since the keys are in another room, they are 'lá'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
7 questionsAli is for things that are visible and relatively close. Lá is for things that are far away or not visible.
Yes, in expressions like 'Lá pelas três horas' (Around three o'clock).
It is neutral and used in all levels of formality.
To distinguish it from the feminine article 'la' and to indicate the open vowel sound.
No, it is an adverb and never changes form.
You can say 'lá' or 'ali', depending on the distance.
It literally means 'out there', but it's the standard way to say 'abroad'.
Related Phrases
Ali
similarThere (visible)
Acolá
specialized formOver there (far)
Para lá
builds onTo there / Beyond
Sei lá
idiomI don't know
