Perto de.
Near to.
Literally: Near of
Use `perto de` to simply say something is close by, like pointing on a map.
In 15 Seconds
- Indicates proximity to a place or object.
- Used in casual and formal settings.
- Remember to contract 'de' with articles (do, da).
- The opposite of 'far from' (`longe de`).
Meaning
This is your go-to phrase when you want to say something is close by. It's like drawing a little circle around an object or place on a mental map. Think of it as saying 'hey, that's not far away!' It carries a simple, practical vibe, perfect for everyday directions or locating things without much fuss.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about meeting up
Estou `perto do` café, já chego!
I'm near the cafe, I'll be there soon!
Describing your home location
Minha casa fica `perto da` praia, dá pra ir andando.
My house is near the beach, you can walk there.
Asking for directions
O museu é `perto daqui`?
Is the museum near here?
Cultural Background
The phrase `perto de` likely emerged organically from the need to describe spatial relationships in everyday life. As communities grew and settlements became more complex, precise location-based language became crucial for navigation and trade. Its existence highlights a fundamental human requirement for clear, concise communication regarding proximity, making it a foundational element in Portuguese vocabulary for practical interaction.
Master the Contractions!
The real magic happens when you contract `de` with the article: `de + o = do`, `de + a = da`, `de + os = dos`, `de + as = das`. Nail these, and you'll sound like a local!
It's All About Location, Location, Location!
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, especially Brazil, people often use `pertinho de` (a diminutive) to sound more affectionate or casual when talking about places close by, like 'my cute little place near the beach.'
In 15 Seconds
- Indicates proximity to a place or object.
- Used in casual and formal settings.
- Remember to contract 'de' with articles (do, da).
- The opposite of 'far from' (`longe de`).
What It Means
Perto de basically means 'near to' or 'close to.' It's a super common way to tell someone where something is, relative to another thing. It’s not just about physical distance; it can sometimes hint at a similarity or a closeness in time, though that's less common for beginners. It’s the bread and butter of giving directions!
How To Use It
You use perto de to connect two things: the thing you're talking about, and the reference point. For example, 'The bank is near the supermarket.' In Portuguese, that's O banco fica perto do supermercado. You’ll often see it paired with verbs like ficar (to be located) or estar (to be). It’s as simple as pointing and saying, 'It’s over there, near that!' Just remember to adjust the article after de if needed. For instance, de + o = do and de + a = da.
Formality & Register
This phrase is wonderfully versatile. You can use perto de in almost any situation, from texting your bestie to asking for directions from a local elder. It's pretty neutral. You won't sound overly formal or ridiculously casual. It's the linguistic equivalent of comfortable jeans – always appropriate. Imagine telling your friend about a new cafe or explaining to a tourist where the train station is. It fits both scenarios like a glove.
Real-Life Examples
- "Onde fica a farmácia?" "Fica
perto doparque." (Where is the pharmacy? It's near the park.) - "Meu apartamento é
perto dapraia." (My apartment is near the beach.) - "Você mora
perto demim?" (Do you live near me?) - "A loja está
perto daestação de metrô." (The store is near the subway station.) - "O evento será
perto docentro da cidade." (The event will be near the city center.)
When To Use It
Use perto de whenever you need to indicate that something is not far away. Think about giving directions: 'Turn left perto do posto de gasolina.' Or describing locations: 'My house is perto da school.' It's also great for general proximity: 'I live perto do work.' If you’re trying to find a meeting spot, you might ask, 'Are you perto de the cafe?' It’s your go-to for all things close.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid perto de if you mean 'very close' or 'right next to.' For that, you might use ao lado de (next to) or bem perto de (very close). Also, don't use it for abstract closeness, like emotional closeness, unless you're being very metaphorical and the context is clear. Stick to physical or temporal proximity. It's not the phrase for saying 'you're close to my heart,' unless you want a confused look!
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes forget to contract de with the following article. So, instead of perto do (near the masculine noun) or perta da (near the feminine noun), they might say perto de o or perto de a. This sounds unnatural. Another common slip is using perto without de when it's followed by a noun. Remember, perto alone usually means 'nearby' as an adverb, not 'near *to* something.'
- ✗ "Onde fica a loja?
Perto omercado." → ✓ "Onde fica a loja?Perto domercado." - ✗ "Eu moro
pertoa praia." → ✓ "Eu moroperto dapraia."
Common Variations
While perto de is standard, you might hear slight regional preferences. In Portugal, you might hear próximo de used more often in formal contexts, but perto de is universally understood. In Brazil, pertinho de is a common diminutive, meaning 'very close' or 'right nearby,' often used affectionately or casually. Think of it as adding a little wink to the phrase. It’s like saying 'super close!'
Real Conversations
- Friend 1: "E aí, onde você está? Estou perto do cinema." (Hey, where are you? I'm near the cinema.)
- Friend 2: "Beleza! Eu também. Vamos nos encontrar lá dentro?" (Cool! Me too. Shall we meet inside?)
- Tourist: "Com licença, onde fica o museu?" (Excuse me, where is the museum?)
- Local: "Ah, o museu fica ali na esquina, perto da praça principal." (Ah, the museum is just around the corner, near the main square.)
Quick FAQ
- Is
perto deformal or informal? It's pretty neutral! - Can I use it for time? Sometimes, but be careful.
- What's the opposite?
Longe de(far from). - Does the gender matter? Yes,
de + o = do,de + a = da.
Usage Notes
The phrase `perto de` is highly adaptable, fitting seamlessly into casual chats and professional settings alike. Remember that the preposition `de` must contract with the following article (`do`, `da`, `dos`, `das`), which is a key marker of fluency. Avoid using it for abstract closeness unless the context makes the metaphor extremely clear.
Master the Contractions!
The real magic happens when you contract `de` with the article: `de + o = do`, `de + a = da`, `de + os = dos`, `de + as = das`. Nail these, and you'll sound like a local!
It's All About Location, Location, Location!
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, especially Brazil, people often use `pertinho de` (a diminutive) to sound more affectionate or casual when talking about places close by, like 'my cute little place near the beach.'
Don't Forget the 'DE'!
A super common beginner mistake is saying `perto o mercado` instead of `perto do mercado`. Always remember `perto` needs `de` when followed by a noun phrase, unless you're using it adverbially (like 'ficar perto' - to stay close).
Think 'Near To', Not Just 'Near'
While English often uses 'near' alone, Portuguese usually requires `perto de` when specifying *what* something is near. It's like saying 'close *to* the thing.'
Examples
12Estou `perto do` café, já chego!
I'm near the cafe, I'll be there soon!
Here, `perto do` connects the speaker's location to the cafe. The contraction `do` is essential.
Minha casa fica `perto da` praia, dá pra ir andando.
My house is near the beach, you can walk there.
`Perto da` is used because 'praia' (beach) is feminine. It emphasizes convenience.
O museu é `perto daqui`?
Is the museum near here?
`Daqui` means 'from here,' so `perto daqui` means 'near from here.'
Novos achados `perto do` trabalho. ☕️ #cafehopping
New finds near work. ☕️ #cafehopping
Short and sweet for social media, highlighting a convenient discovery.
Que lugar incrível! Fica `perto de` onde eu moro?
What an amazing place! Is it near where I live?
Expressing interest and asking about proximity in a relatable way.
O escritório do cliente fica `perto da` estação central.
The client's office is near the central station.
Used for practical information in a professional context. `Perto da` is neutral and clear.
Sim, meu trajeto para o novo escritório seria `perto do` meu bairro atual.
Yes, my commute to the new office would be near my current neighborhood.
Used to describe commute feasibility, showing awareness of location.
✗ Onde fica o hotel? `Perto` o rio. → ✓ Onde fica o hotel? `Perto do` rio.
✗ Where is the hotel? Near the river. → ✓ Where is the hotel? Near the river.
Forgetting the contraction `do` after `perto` is a common error.
✗ Eu moro `perto` a estação. → ✓ Eu moro `perto da` estação.
✗ I live near the station. → ✓ I live near the station.
Using `perto` alone before a noun phrase is incorrect; `perto de` is required.
Meu gato adora dormir `perto do` aquecedor. Ele é preguiçoso!
My cat loves sleeping near the heater. He's lazy!
A lighthearted comment about a pet's preferred spot.
Sinto falta de morar `perto dos` meus amigos.
I miss living near my friends.
Connects physical proximity to emotional well-being.
O restaurante fica `perto de` casa, então a entrega deve ser rápida.
The restaurant is near home, so the delivery should be fast.
Justifying an expectation based on proximity.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of `perto de`.
You need `perto da` because 'praça' (square) is a feminine noun, and `de + a = da`.
Choose the sentence that uses `perto de` correctly.
Which sentence is correct?
This sentence correctly uses `perto da` before the feminine noun 'estação' (station).
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
The preposition `de` must be used with `perto` when followed by a noun phrase, and it contracts with the article `a` to form `da`.
Translate this sentence to Portuguese.
The phrase `perto da` is used because 'universidade' is feminine.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of `perto de`.
Since 'amigos' (friends) is plural and masculine, you need the plural masculine contraction `dos` (`de + os = dos`).
Choose the sentence that uses `perto de` correctly.
Which sentence is correct?
This correctly uses `perto do` because 'correio' (post office) is masculine. The contraction `do` is essential.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
This sentence is already correct! It uses `perto da` before the feminine noun 'hora' (hour) to indicate proximity in time.
Translate this sentence to Portuguese.
While `perto daqui` is also correct, `por perto` is a very common and natural alternative for 'nearby' or 'around here'.
Put the words in the correct order.
This sentence is grammatically incorrect. The correct structure would be 'O [noun] fica perto do [reference point].' For example, 'O parque fica perto do centro.'
Put the words in the correct order.
This sentence is incomplete. It needs a noun after 'da'. For example, 'Eu moro perto da escola' (I live near the school).
Match the Portuguese phrase with its English meaning.
Understanding the contractions `do` and `da` is key to using `perto de` correctly.
Choose the sentence that uses `perto de` correctly in context.
Which sentence best describes something happening around the same time?
This sentence correctly uses `perto da` to indicate proximity in time, meaning 'around midnight'.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Perto de'
Texting friends, social media comments.
O bar fica perto da praça!
Everyday conversations, giving directions.
Onde fica o banco? Perto do correio.
Professional emails, formal announcements.
O evento será realizado perto do centro da cidade.
Rarely used in very formal settings; `próximo de` might be preferred.
A localização é considerada perto de pontos de interesse.
Where You'll Hear 'Perto de'
Asking for directions
Fica perto do metrô?
Describing your neighborhood
Moro perto da praia.
Meeting up with friends
Estou perto do shopping.
Ordering food
O restaurante é perto de casa.
Travel commentary
O hotel fica perto do aeroporto.
Shopping
A loja fica perto da estação.
'Perto de' vs. Similar Phrases
Usage Scenarios for 'Perto de'
Directions
- • Turn left near the church.
- • It's past the big tree.
Location Description
- • My house is near the park.
- • The office is near the river.
Time Reference
- • Near midnight.
- • Around 5 o'clock.
Informal Chat
- • Are you near?
- • It's close to my place.
Practice Bank
12 exercisesOnde fica a padaria? Fica ___ do parque.
You need `perto do` because 'parque' (park) is a masculine noun, and `de + o = do`.
Você mora ___ do centro?
The phrase requires `perto de` followed by the article. Since 'centro' (center) is masculine, it becomes `perto do`.
Find and fix the mistake:
Onde fica o cinema? Perto da o shopping.
The article 'o' should contract with 'de' to form 'do'. 'Shopping' is masculine.
Find and fix the mistake:
Estamos perto de chegar ao destino.
This sentence is correct. It uses `perto de` to indicate proximity in time or progress towards an action.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This sentence is incomplete. It needs a noun after 'da'. For example, 'A loja está perto da estação' (The store is near the station).
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
The correct order is: 'Minha casa fica perto do [reference point].' This example needs a reference point and correct article usage.
The school is near the park.
Hints: 'School' is feminine., 'Park' is masculine., Use 'perto de' + article.
The correct translation uses `perto do` because 'parque' is masculine.
He lives very close to the beach.
Hints: How do you say 'very'?, 'Beach' is feminine.
Adding 'bem' before `perto` emphasizes the proximity, similar to 'very close'.
Which sentence correctly uses `perto de`?
'Restaurante' is masculine, so you need the contracted article `do`.
Which sentence correctly expresses proximity in time?
When referring to time, 'perto de' is used, and it contracts with the article. 'Cinco horas' is feminine plural, requiring `das`.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding these related phrases helps you express different degrees of proximity or distance.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These examples show how `perto de` can be used in more complex or idiomatic expressions.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 questionsIt means 'near to' or 'close to'. It's used to indicate that something is not far away from a specific point or object. Think of it as pointing on a map and saying 'it's right around here'.
'Perto de' is quite versatile and generally considered neutral. You can comfortably use it in most everyday situations, from texting friends to asking strangers for directions. It doesn't sound overly stiff or too casual, making it a safe bet.
The direct opposite of 'perto de' is 'longe de', which means 'far from'. So, if something isn't near, it's far away!
Use 'perto de' anytime you want to express proximity. This includes giving directions ('It's near the big tree'), describing locations ('My house is near the school'), or even talking about time ('near midnight').
Yes, absolutely! In professional emails or conversations, 'perto de' is perfectly acceptable for indicating locations. For instance, you might say 'The client's office is near the central station'. It's clear and concise.
This is crucial! The preposition 'de' combines with the definite articles 'o' (the masculine) and 'a' (the feminine). So, 'de + o' becomes 'do' and 'de + a' becomes 'da'. You'll often say 'perto do parque' (near the park) or 'perto da casa' (near the house).
A common diminutive is 'pertinho de', meaning 'very close' or 'right nearby', often used affectionately. In Portugal, 'próximo de' is sometimes used, especially in more formal writing, but 'perto de' is universally understood.
Yes, 'ao lado de' means 'next to' or 'beside', indicating even closer proximity. 'Junto a' also means 'next to' or 'together with'. 'Próximo de' is a more formal synonym for 'near to'.
Yes, it can! You can use 'perto de' to indicate a time that is approaching, like 'perto das cinco horas' (near five o'clock) or 'perto da meia-noite' (near midnight). Remember the contractions still apply!
A very frequent error is forgetting the 'de' or the correct contraction. For example, saying 'perto o mercado' instead of 'perto do mercado'. Always remember that 'perto' needs 'de' when followed by a noun phrase.
Sometimes, yes. If 'perto' acts as an adverb meaning 'nearby' or 'close by' without specifying *what* it's near, you can use it alone. For example, 'Fique perto' (Stay close). But when you link it to a noun, you need 'perto de'.
You can intensify 'perto de' by adding 'bem' before it: 'bem perto de'. So, 'bem perto do parque' means 'very close to the park'. The diminutive 'pertinho de' also conveys a similar sense of closeness.
Its significance lies in its practicality. The phrase reflects the fundamental human need to orient oneself spatially and communicate location effectively. It's a building block for navigating the world and connecting with others.
Just like with singular articles, 'de' contracts with the plural articles 'os' (masculine) and 'as' (feminine). So, 'de + os' becomes 'dos', and 'de + as' becomes 'das'. For example, 'perto dos amigos' (near the friends) or 'perto das escolas' (near the schools).
Occasionally, yes. It might be used metaphorically, like 'perto de um colapso' (close to a breakdown). However, for beginners, it's best to stick to its primary meaning of physical or temporal proximity.
'Perto de' is the most common and neutral term for 'near to'. 'Próximo de' is often seen as slightly more formal or literary, though they are largely interchangeable in many contexts. Think of 'próximo de' as a slightly more polished cousin.
You can say 'perto daqui'. 'Daqui' means 'from here'. Another very common and natural way to say 'nearby' or 'around here' is simply 'por perto'.
Yes! Avoid saying 'perto a [feminine noun]' or 'perto o [masculine noun]'. Always use the de preposition, and always contract it correctly: perto da for feminine nouns and perto do for masculine nouns.
Related Phrases
Longe de
antonymFar from
This phrase is the direct opposite of 'perto de', expressing distance rather than proximity.
Ao lado de
related topicNext to
This phrase indicates a closer proximity than 'perto de', specifically meaning 'right beside' or 'adjacent to'.
Bem perto de
related topicVery close to
This phrase intensifies 'perto de', emphasizing a shorter distance and indicating a higher degree of closeness.
Próximo de
synonymClose to / Near to
Often considered a more formal or literary synonym for 'perto de', used in similar contexts but with a slightly elevated register.
Perto
related topicNearby / Close
This is the adverbial form, used without 'de' when the object of proximity is implied or not specified.
Aqui perto
related topicNear here
This phrase specifically denotes proximity to the speaker's current location, functioning similarly to 'perto daqui'.
