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à distância

A2 phrase #7,000 most common 8 min read

à distância

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips à distância in 30 Seconds

Explanation à distância in your Level:

At the A1 level, you learn that 'à distância' means something is not close to you. You might use it to talk about seeing a person or a car that is far away. It is a simple way to describe space. You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet, just remember it as a fixed phrase for 'at a distance'. You might see it in simple stories or hear it when someone points to something far away on the street. It helps you build basic sentences about your surroundings and where things are located in relation to you. For example, 'Eu vejo a praia à distância' (I see the beach at a distance). It is one of the first phrases you use to describe things that are out of reach but still within your sight. At this stage, focus on the physical meaning of the word in your immediate environment.

At the A2 level, you start using 'à distância' for more modern and practical situations, like 'ensino à distância' (online school) or 'trabalho à distância' (remote work). This is very important because many Portuguese learners use these services. You also learn that the phrase has a special accent called 'crase' on the first letter 'à'. This level is where you begin to see the phrase in job advertisements or school brochures. You can use it to talk about your daily routine if you work from home. For example, 'Eu estudo português à distância' (I study Portuguese remotely). You are expanding from just physical space to 'how' you do things. You might also use it to describe relationships with family members who live in other countries, which is a common topic for A2 learners who are talking about their personal lives.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'à distância' in both physical and professional contexts. You can explain the advantages and disadvantages of 'trabalho à distância' in a conversation. You also start to understand the metaphorical use of the phrase, such as keeping someone 'à distância' to avoid problems. Your grammar should be more precise, knowing that 'à distância' usually has the accent, but you might notice it's missing when a specific number is mentioned. You can participate in debates about the future of education and how 'ensino à distância' is changing the world. You might say, 'É difícil manter um relacionamento à distância' (It's hard to maintain a long-distance relationship). This level requires you to connect the phrase to your opinions and more complex social scenarios, moving beyond simple descriptions to explaining states of being and social dynamics.

At the B2 level, you can use 'à distância' with nuance and in more formal writing. You understand the subtle difference between 'à distância', 'ao longe', and 'remotamente'. You can write a formal email or a report discussing 'gestão de equipes à distância' (managing teams remotely). You are aware of the stylistic choices involving the phrase. For instance, you might use it in a literary sense to describe a character's perspective. You also use it correctly in technical contexts, like 'monitoramento à distância' (remote monitoring) in a scientific or business setting. You can handle the grammatical nuances of the 'crase' perfectly, explaining to others why it is used there. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use this phrase to describe abstract concepts, such as historical events viewed 'à distância' (with the perspective of time), allowing for a more analytical and detached viewpoint in your speech and writing.

At the C1 level, 'à distância' becomes a tool for sophisticated expression. You can use it to discuss the philosophical implications of a society that operates 'à distância'. You use it in academic contexts to describe research methodologies, such as 'observação à distância'. You are sensitive to the rhythm of the sentence and might choose 'à distância' over 'remotamente' for a more natural or classical feel. You understand its use in legal or official documents regarding 'vendas à distância' (remote sales/e-commerce) and the rights associated with them. Your use of the phrase is seamless, whether you are analyzing a poem where 'à distância' represents emotional longing, or writing a complex business strategy for a multinational company. You also recognize when the phrase is used ironically or for emphasis in advanced literature, and you can mimic these styles in your own high-level production.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'à distância' and all its related forms. You can discuss the historical evolution of the phrase and its grammatical standing in different Portuguese-speaking countries. You use it with total precision in any register, from highly technical scientific papers to evocative creative writing. You might use it to explore complex themes of alienation or technological mediation in modern life. You can argue about the linguistic nuances of the 'crase' in this phrase with the authority of a native grammarian. For you, the phrase is not just a vocabulary item but a flexible element of the language that you can manipulate to achieve specific rhetorical effects. You understand the deepest connotations of the phrase in various cultural contexts throughout the Lusophone world, from the 'sertão' of Brazil to the urban centers of Mozambique, and can use it to convey subtle shades of meaning that only a near-native speaker would grasp.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

à distância in 30 Seconds

Used to describe things far away or actions done remotely, like online studying or working from home.
Always remember the 'crase' (grave accent) on the 'à' unless you are specifying a concrete measurement like '5 meters'.
Essential for modern life in Brazil and Portugal, especially when talking about 'EAD' (Ensino a Distância) or 'Home Office'.
Can also be used metaphorically to mean staying away from someone emotionally or socially to avoid trouble or intimacy.

The Portuguese phrase à distância is a versatile adverbial locution that translates most directly to 'at a distance' or 'from a distance' in English. In the modern context, it has taken on a significant role in describing remote activities, particularly in education and work. When we talk about physical space, it describes the position of an object or person that is not close to the observer. However, its usage has expanded exponentially with the rise of the digital age. Today, if you are browsing job listings in Lisbon or São Paulo, you will frequently encounter this phrase to signify 'remote work' or 'telecommuting'. It implies a lack of physical presence, where interactions are mediated through technology, sight, or time. The phrase is composed of the preposition 'a', the feminine article 'a', and the noun 'distância'. The 'crase' (the grave accent on the 'à') is mandatory in this adverbial phrase of feminine nature, though some grammarians argue its omission when the distance is not specified; however, in standard Brazilian and European Portuguese, the accent is the gold standard for clarity and correctness.

Physical Proximity: Refers to observing something from a point that is not near. For example, watching a ship on the horizon.

Digital/Remote Context: Commonly used for 'Ensino à Distância' (EAD), which is the Portuguese term for distance learning or online education.

Emotional Detachment: Can describe keeping someone at 'arm's length' or maintaining a social gap to avoid intimacy or conflict.

Eu prefiro trabalhar à distância para ter mais flexibilidade com minha família e evitar o trânsito caótico.

O capitão observava o farol à distância, guiando o navio com cuidado pelas rochas.

Eles mantiveram uma amizade à distância por muitos anos através de cartas e e-mails.

O curso de graduação à distância permitiu que ele estudasse enquanto viajava pelo mundo.

Mantenha os produtos inflamáveis à distância do calor excessivo e do fogo direto.

Using à distância correctly requires understanding its role as an adverbial phrase that modifies verbs or nouns. In a sentence, it typically appears after the verb it modifies, providing context on where or how an action takes place. For instance, in the sentence 'Ele admira a pintura à distância', the phrase explains the manner of admiration—not up close, but from a point further away. It is also frequently used as an adjectival locution modifying a noun, such as 'trabalho à distância' or 'relacionamento à distância'. In these cases, it functions much like an adjective, describing the nature of the work or the relationship. One of the most important grammatical nuances is the use of the grave accent. While 'à distância' (with crase) is the standard for general distance, 'a distância' (without crase) is used when the distance is specifically determined, such as 'a distância de cinco quilômetros'. This distinction is a common point of confusion even for native speakers, so mastering it will significantly elevate your written Portuguese. Furthermore, the phrase can be used metaphorically to describe social or emotional gaps. If someone says 'Eu prefiro manter aquela pessoa à distância', they are not necessarily talking about physical meters, but rather about avoiding close personal interaction or involvement with that individual.

Modifying Verbs: Used to show how an action is performed. Example: 'Ele controla o drone à distância.'

Modifying Nouns: Used as a descriptor. Example: 'O ensino à distância cresceu muito este ano.'

Metaphorical Use: Used for emotional or social boundaries. Example: 'Mantenha seus inimigos à distância.'

Nós conseguimos gerenciar toda a equipe à distância usando ferramentas digitais.

Vimos o brilho das estrelas à distância durante nossa viagem de acampamento.

O médico realizou a consulta à distância através de uma chamada de vídeo.

In contemporary Lusophone societies, à distância is omnipresent. You will hear it most frequently in professional and educational settings. In Brazil, the term 'EAD' (Ensino a Distância) is a household name, used by millions of students who pursue degrees online. In the corporate world, since the 2020 pandemic, 'trabalho à distância' has become a standard term in job interviews, contracts, and casual office chatter. Beyond the professional sphere, you'll hear it in news reports when journalists describe events happening far away—'O repórter acompanha a manifestação à distância'. In literature and film, it's used to create atmosphere, describing a character watching a loved one from afar or a threat looming on the horizon. It's also common in technical manuals for electronic devices, such as 'controle à distância' for remote controls. In social contexts, people use it to describe the status of their relationships; 'namoro à distância' is a common topic in podcasts and advice columns, referring to long-distance dating. Whether you are watching a Brazilian 'novela', listening to a Portuguese news broadcast, or reading a job description in Angola, this phrase is a fundamental part of the modern Portuguese vocabulary.

Job Market: Frequent in LinkedIn posts and job boards. 'Vaga 100% à distância'.

News & Media: Used by anchors to describe remote reporting or observing events.

Everyday Conversation: Discussing family members who live in other cities or online classes.

Muitas empresas decidiram manter o trabalho à distância permanentemente.

Eu fiz um curso de culinária à distância e aprendi a fazer pães maravilhosos.

The most frequent mistake involving à distância is the incorrect use or omission of the grave accent (crase). Many learners, and even native speakers, struggle with when to use 'à' versus 'a'. The rule of thumb is: use 'à distância' for general, unspecified distances (e.g., 'Ele trabalha à distância'). Omit the crase when the distance is specific (e.g., 'Ele ficou a distância de dois metros'). Another common error is confusing 'à distância' with 'ao longe'. While they can be synonyms in some contexts, 'ao longe' is more poetic and usually refers to something visible on the horizon, whereas 'à distância' is more functional and can apply to work, study, or physical space. Additionally, some learners mistakenly use the preposition 'de' instead of 'a', saying 'de distância' when they mean 'from a distance'. While 'de longe' is a valid phrase meaning 'from far away' or 'by far', 'de distância' is typically used only when specifying a measurement (e.g., 'uma linha de dez metros de distância'). Finally, avoid using 'à distância' when you simply mean 'longe' (far). 'Longe' is an adverb of place, while 'à distância' describes the mode or state of being at a distance. For example, say 'A casa é longe' (The house is far), not 'A casa é à distância'.

Crase Confusion: Writing 'a distancia' when the distance is general. Correct: 'Estudo à distância.'

Preposition Error: Using 'de distância' to mean 'remotely'. Correct: 'Trabalho à distância.'

Word Choice: Confusing with 'longe'. Use 'à distância' for the *way* something is done or perceived.

Errado: Eu trabalho a distancia. (Falta a crase)

Errado: O carro estava à distância de 5 metros. (Com distância específica, não há crase)

There are several ways to express the idea of being far or acting from afar in Portuguese, each with its own nuance. Remotamente is the most direct synonym for 'à distância' when referring to technology or work. It is more formal and specific to digital contexts. De longe is another very common alternative. While 'à distância' often implies a steady state (like a job), 'de longe' often implies a perspective or a comparison (e.g., 'Eu te vi de longe' or 'Este é de longe o melhor café'). Ao longe is more descriptive and literary, usually suggesting something seen on the horizon or heard from a great distance, like 'ouvir um trovão ao longe'. Longe is the basic adverb for 'far' and is used for distance in a general sense without the specific 'at/from' nuance of the other phrases. For educational contexts, EAD (Ensino a Distância) is the standard technical term. In the workplace, Teletrabalho is frequently used in Portugal and formal Brazilian documents. Understanding these alternatives will help you choose the right word for the right situation, whether you are writing a formal report or chatting with friends.

Remotamente: More technical. Used for 'working remotely'. Example: 'Acesso o servidor remotamente.'

De longe: Focuses on the origin of the view. Also used for emphasis: 'Ele é de longe o mais inteligente.'

Ao longe: Poetic/Visual. 'As montanhas aparecem ao longe.'

Eu vi o acidente de longe, mas não pude ajudar.

O sinal de fumaça era visível ao longe.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"A empresa implementou o regime de trabalho à distância."

Neutral

"Eu prefiro estudar à distância."

Informal

"Tô trabalhando à distância agora, mó paz."

Child friendly

"O astronauta vê a Terra à distância."

Slang

"Mantenho aquele cara à distância, ele é maior furada."

Fun Fact

The use of 'à distância' with a 'crase' is a relatively modern grammatical convention to distinguish the adverbial phrase from a simple noun phrase.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /a dʒis.ˈtɐ̃.sjɐ/

US /ɐ diʃ.ˈtɐ̃.sjɐ/

The primary stress is on the second syllable of 'distância' (tân).

Rhymes With

instância substância elegância importância infância ganância abundância vigiância

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'à' as a long English 'a'. It should be a short, open 'ah'.
In Brazil, forgetting the 'j' sound for 'di' and saying 'dee' like in English.
In Portugal, forgetting the 'sh' sound for the 's' and saying 's' like in 'sun'.
Mumbling the nasal 'ân' sound; it needs to vibrate in the nose.
Stressing the wrong syllable, like the first 'dis'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text, especially with the grave accent.

Writing 4/5

Difficult due to the 'crase' rules (à vs a).

Speaking 3/5

Requires correct nasalization of 'ân' and palatalization of 'di'.

Listening 2/5

Generally clear, though 'à' and 'a' sound almost identical.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

longe perto a distância trabalho

Learn Next

remotamente ao longe de longe presencial crase

Advanced

teletrabalho ubiquidade telemetria intermediação hiato

Grammar to Know

Crase em locuções adverbiais femininas

À distância, à pressa, à noite.

Ausência de crase diante de distância determinada

Ficamos a distância de 10 metros.

Uso da preposição 'a' para indicar lugar ou modo

Vou a pé / Estudo à distância.

Contração de preposição + artigo

a (prep) + a (art) = à.

Diferença entre 'à' e 'há' (tempo)

Trabalho à distância há cinco anos.

Examples by Level

Eu vejo o ônibus à distância.

I see the bus at a distance.

A1 learners use it for simple physical sight.

O barco está à distância.

The boat is at a distance.

Simple subject + verb + adverbial phrase.

Ela olha a montanha à distância.

She looks at the mountain from a distance.

Uses 'olhar' to show visual observation.

O cachorro corre à distância.

The dog runs at a distance.

Shows the location of the action.

Eu moro à distância da escola.

I live at a distance from the school.

Expresses general distance from a point.

Nós vemos as luzes à distância.

We see the lights at a distance.

Plural subject with visual verb.

O carro parou à distância.

The car stopped at a distance.

Past tense 'parou' with the phrase.

Você vê o pássaro à distância?

Do you see the bird at a distance?

Interrogative form.

Eu trabalho à distância agora.

I work remotely now.

Introduction of 'remote work' context.

Meu curso de inglês é à distância.

My English course is remote.

Using the phrase to describe a noun (course).

Eles estudam à distância todos os dias.

They study remotely every day.

Habitual action in the present tense.

Você gosta de trabalhar à distância?

Do you like to work remotely?

Common conversational question at A2.

O ensino à distância é muito popular no Brasil.

Distance learning is very popular in Brazil.

Introduction of the EAD concept.

Nós fazemos reuniões à distância.

We have remote meetings.

Professional vocabulary for A2.

Eu prefiro morar à distância da cidade.

I prefer to live at a distance from the city.

Expressing preferences about lifestyle.

A professora ensina à distância.

The teacher teaches remotely.

Occupational context.

É um desafio manter um namoro à distância.

It is a challenge to maintain a long-distance relationship.

Emotional/social use of the phrase.

Muitas empresas oferecem vagas à distância.

Many companies offer remote positions.

Professional/Business context.

Eu consigo resolver problemas à distância.

I can solve problems remotely.

Ability and problem-solving context.

O governo promove o ensino à distância para áreas rurais.

The government promotes distance learning for rural areas.

Social/Political context.

É importante manter o fogo à distância da floresta.

It is important to keep fire at a distance from the forest.

Safety and prevention context.

Ela prefere observar as pessoas à distância.

She prefers to observe people from a distance.

Personality and social behavior.

O controle à distância da TV quebrou.

The TV's remote control broke.

Common household item (remote control).

Nós analisamos os dados à distância.

We analyzed the data remotely.

Scientific/Analytical context.

A gestão de equipes à distância exige novas competências.

Managing remote teams requires new skills.

Management and soft skills context.

O satélite monitora o desmatamento à distância.

The satellite monitors deforestation remotely.

Technical/Environmental context.

Visto à distância, o problema parece menor do que é.

Seen from a distance, the problem seems smaller than it is.

Abstract/Philosophical perspective.

O sistema permite o comando à distância de máquinas pesadas.

The system allows the remote command of heavy machinery.

Industrial/Technological context.

A venda à distância cresceu significativamente no último trimestre.

Remote sales grew significantly in the last quarter.

Economic/Business terminology.

Ele manteve sua vida privada à distância da mídia.

He kept his private life away from the media.

Metaphorical/Public life context.

As estrelas que vemos à distância podem já ter morrido.

The stars we see at a distance might have already died.

Scientific/Astronomy context.

O diagnóstico foi feito à distância pelo especialista.

The diagnosis was made remotely by the specialist.

Telemedicine context.

A contemplação estética exige, por vezes, um olhar à distância.

Aesthetic contemplation sometimes requires a gaze from a distance.

Formal/Philosophical register.

A regulação do comércio à distância é vital para a proteção do consumidor.

Regulating remote trade is vital for consumer protection.

Legal/Institutional context.

O autor narra os eventos à distância, sem se envolver emocionalmente.

The author narrates the events from a distance, without getting emotionally involved.

Literary analysis context.

A implementação do trabalho à distância alterou a dinâmica urbana.

The implementation of remote work altered urban dynamics.

Sociological/Urban planning context.

O telescópio James Webb observa galáxias à distância de bilhões de anos-luz.

The James Webb telescope observes galaxies at a distance of billions of light-years.

Scientific precision (Note: here 'a' might lose crase if distance is specified, but used generally here).

Manter a objetividade à distância dos fatos é o dever do historiador.

Maintaining objectivity away from the facts is the historian's duty.

Abstract/Professional ethics.

A telemetria permite o acompanhamento à distância de pacientes crônicos.

Telemetry allows for the remote monitoring of chronic patients.

Advanced medical technology terminology.

A diplomacia muitas vezes resolve conflitos à distância de mesas de negociação.

Diplomacy often resolves conflicts from across negotiation tables.

Political/Metaphorical context.

A ontologia do ser na era digital manifesta-se predominantemente à distância.

The ontology of being in the digital age manifests itself predominantly at a distance.

High-level philosophical discourse.

O hiato temporal permite-nos analisar a queda do império à distância.

The temporal hiatus allows us to analyze the fall of the empire from a distance.

Temporal distance metaphor.

A pulverização do trabalho à distância atomizou as relações laborais clássicas.

The fragmentation of remote work atomized classic labor relations.

Sociological/Economic critique.

A vigilância panóptica moderna opera silenciosamente à distância.

Modern panoptic surveillance operates silently at a distance.

Critical theory context.

A ressonância emocional pode ser sentida mesmo à distância de séculos.

Emotional resonance can be felt even at a distance of centuries.

Poetic/Abstract time distance.

O mimetismo social ocorre frequentemente à distância de influências diretas.

Social mimicry often occurs at a distance from direct influences.

Psychological/Sociological terminology.

A tecnocracia governa à distância das necessidades imediatas da população.

Technocracy governs at a distance from the immediate needs of the population.

Political critique.

A transcendência do sagrado é percebida à distância da profanidade cotidiana.

The transcendence of the sacred is perceived at a distance from everyday profanity.

Theological/Philosophical register.

Common Collocations

trabalho à distância

ensino à distância

relacionamento à distância

venda à distância

controle à distância

observar à distância

comando à distância

manter à distância

aprendizado à distância

monitoramento à distância

Common Phrases

Manter alguém à distância

— To avoid becoming too close or friendly with someone. Usually for safety or preference.

Eu mantenho meus colegas de trabalho à distância.

Ver à distância

— To see something from far away. Can be literal or metaphorical.

Eu vejo o sucesso dele à distância.

A distância de um clique

— Very close in a digital sense; easily accessible online.

Tudo o que você precisa está à distância de um clique.

Amar à distância

— To love someone who is far away or to love without being close.

Ele amava a atriz à distância, sem nunca conhecê-la.

Seguir à distância

— To follow someone or something without being noticed or from afar.

O detetive seguiu o suspeito à distância.

Operar à distância

— To manage or run something from another location.

A fábrica pode ser operada à distância.

Comunicação à distância

— Any form of interaction that doesn't involve being in the same room.

A comunicação à distância melhorou com a internet.

Vigilância à distância

— Monitoring something from a remote location.

A polícia faz vigilância à distância nesta rua.

Educação à distância

— The formal system of teaching students remotely.

A educação à distância é uma opção barata.

Gerenciar à distância

— To lead a group of people who are not in the same office.

Gerenciar à distância é um desafio para novos chefes.

Often Confused With

à distância vs a distância

Without the accent, it usually requires a specific measurement following it.

à distância vs ao longe

More for visual/sensory things on the horizon.

à distância vs de longe

Often used for superlative emphasis (the best by far).

Idioms & Expressions

"Manter a sete chaves à distância"

— To keep something very secret and far from anyone's reach.

Ele mantém seus planos a sete chaves à distância de todos.

informal

"À distância de um braço"

— Very close, within reach. (Note: though it uses 'distância', it implies proximity).

Mantenha o telefone à distância de um braço.

neutral

"Ver o perigo à distância"

— To be perceptive and notice problems before they arrive.

Um bom empresário vê o perigo à distância.

neutral

"Sentir o cheiro à distância"

— To notice something very easily or from far away (often used for food or suspicious things).

Sinto o cheiro de café à distância.

informal

"À distância de um grito"

— Close enough that a shout could be heard.

Eles moravam à distância de um grito um do outro.

colloquial

"Colocar-se à distância"

— To deliberately distance oneself from a situation or person.

Ela se colocou à distância da discussão política.

formal

"Olhar com distância"

— To look at something objectively, without emotion.

Precisamos olhar para este erro com distância.

formal

"À distância de um sopro"

— Extremely close, almost touching.

A vitória estava à distância de um sopro.

poetic

"Manter as aparências à distância"

— To pretend everything is fine to people who don't see you often.

Eles mantêm as aparências à distância, mas estão brigados.

neutral

"À distância de um olhar"

— As far as the eye can see or within sight.

A felicidade estava à distância de um olhar.

poetic

Easily Confused

à distância vs longe

Both deal with distance.

'Longe' is a general adverb (far). 'À distância' describes the mode of being or acting.

Ele mora longe. / Ele trabalha à distância.

à distância vs remotamente

Synonyms for remote work.

'Remotamente' is an adverb of manner; 'à distância' is a locution. 'Remotamente' is more formal.

Acesse o arquivo remotamente.

à distância vs distante

Adjective vs phrase.

'Distante' describes a noun directly. 'À distância' modifies a verb or acts as a locution.

Um país distante. / Um curso à distância.

à distância vs afastado

Means 'far away' or 'removed'.

'Afastado' implies being moved away from a center. 'À distância' implies a gap between two points.

O bairro é afastado.

à distância vs apartado

Old-fashioned for far.

Rarely used in modern daily speech compared to 'à distância'.

Um lugar apartado de tudo.

Sentence Patterns

Eu vejo [objeto] à distância.

Eu vejo o mar à distância.

Eu [verbo] à distância.

Eu trabalho à distância.

É [adjetivo] [verbo] à distância.

É difícil morar à distância.

O [substantivo] à distância cresceu.

O comércio à distância cresceu.

Visto à distância, [conclusão].

Visto à distância, o erro foi óbvio.

A [conceito] manifesta-se à distância.

A alienação manifesta-se à distância.

All

Manter [alguém] à distância.

Mantenha o perigo à distância.

All

Controle à distância.

Onde está o controle à distância?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in modern business and education contexts.

Common Mistakes

Trabalho a distancia → Trabalho à distância
Missing the crase (grave accent) which is required for feminine adverbial phrases.
O carro estava à distância de 2 metros → O carro estava a distância de 2 metros
When the distance is specified (2 meters), you do not use the crase.
Eu moro à distância → Eu moro longe
You use 'longe' to say where you live. 'À distância' is more for how you do an action.
De distância → À distância
Using 'de' instead of 'a' for the adverbial phrase meaning 'remotely'.
Vi ele ao distância → Vi ele à distância
Confusing the preposition/gender. 'Distância' is feminine, so it must be 'à'.

Tips

The Crase Rule

Always use the accent grave unless a specific distance (like 100m) follows. It's a common test question in Portuguese exams!

Job Hunting

When looking for remote jobs in Brazil, search for 'Vagas Home Office' or 'Trabalho 100% à distância'.

Education Terminology

Learn the acronym EAD. It is essential if you are looking for online certifications in the Lusophone world.

Setting Boundaries

Use 'manter à distância' politely to explain that you prefer to keep a professional gap with someone.

Nasalization

The 'ân' in 'distância' is nasal. Imagine you are saying 'an' but the sound stays in your nose.

Clarity

If you are unsure about the crase, try replacing the phrase with 'de longe'. If it still makes sense, you probably need the crase.

Portugal vs Brazil

In Portugal, 'teletrabalho' is very formal. In Brazil, 'trabalho à distância' and 'home office' are more common in talk.

Warning Signs

You might see 'Mantenha-se à distância' on construction sites or behind trucks. It means 'Keep back'.

Objectivity

Use 'analisar à distância' when you want to say you are being objective and not emotional about a problem.

Device Control

Modern smart home devices are often described as 'controláveis à distância'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine an 'A' with a tiny arrow pointing 'away' (the crase accent `). This arrow shows you are doing things 'à distância' (away from the source).

Visual Association

Think of a laptop on a beach. You are working 'à distância' from the office. The waves are far away, and the office is far away.

Word Web

Trabalho Ensino Remoto Internet Longe EAD Crase Espaço

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about your life using 'à distância': one about work, one about a friend, and one about something you can see from your window.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'distantia', which comes from 'distans', the present participle of 'distare' (to stand apart). The prefix 'di-' means 'apart' and 'stare' means 'to stand'.

Original meaning: Standing apart or being separate in space.

Romance (Latin origin).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it for people; 'manter à distância' can sound cold or unfriendly if not used carefully.

Similar to 'remote' or 'long-distance', but 'à distância' is used more broadly for both physical sight and digital work.

EAD (Ensino a Distância) - A major educational movement in Brazil. The song 'Amor à Distância' is a common theme in Fado and Sertanejo music. Remote work laws in Portugal (Teletrabalho) are among the most advanced in Europe.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Professional

Trabalho à distância
Reunião à distância
Gestão à distância
Vaga à distância

Educational

Curso à distância
Prova à distância
Diploma à distância
Plataforma à distância

Personal Relationships

Namoro à distância
Amizade à distância
Conversar à distância
Viver à distância

Technology

Controle à distância
Acesso à distância
Suporte à distância
Comando à distância

Observation

Ver à distância
Olhar à distância
Seguir à distância
Monitorar à distância

Conversation Starters

"Você prefere trabalhar presencialmente ou à distância?"

"Você já fez algum curso de graduação à distância?"

"É possível manter um namoro à distância por muito tempo?"

"Quais são as vantagens de morar à distância do centro da cidade?"

"Como você gerencia sua equipe quando trabalha à distância?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva como seria o seu dia ideal trabalhando à distância em uma praia paradisíaca.

Escreva sobre os desafios que você enfrentou ao estudar português à distância.

Você acha que o mundo se tornou mais frio porque fazemos tudo à distância agora?

Relate uma experiência de quando você teve que manter alguém à distância para sua própria paz.

Como a tecnologia permitiu que você visse sua família à distância durante viagens?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In general usage, yes. You use the crase when 'distância' is not determined by a specific number. If you say 'at a distance of 5 meters', the crase is omitted: 'a distância de 5 metros'.

Yes, 'namoro à distância' is the standard term for a long-distance relationship in Portuguese.

EAD stands for 'Ensino a Distância'. It is the formal name for the distance learning system, but people use 'à distância' to describe the courses themselves.

'Remotamente' is more technical and formal, often used in IT. 'À distância' is more common in general conversation and for education.

You say 'controle remoto' or 'controle à distância'. 'Controle remoto' is more common for TVs.

Yes, 'Eu vi o fogo à distância' means I saw the fire from a distance.

Standard grammar requires the crase: 'trabalho à distância'. However, you will see it written without the accent frequently in informal contexts.

Yes, metaphorically. 'Visto à distância de dez anos...' means looking back at something after ten years.

Technically 'às distâncias' exists but is almost never used in the adverbial sense. Stick to the singular.

The opposite is 'presencial'. You would say 'uma reunião presencial'.