Preposition for locations (em, no, na)

The Preposition "em"

To specify where something is, use the preposition em ("in", "on", or "at"). For most cities, use em on its own.

We are in Lisbon, and they are in London.
Nós estamos em Lisboa, e eles estão em Londres.

Contracting "em" with Definite Articles

If a location requires a definite article (o, a, os, as), the preposition em merges with it. These contractions are mandatory.

  • em
    • o = no (in/on/at the - masculine)
  • em
    • a = na (in/on/at the - feminine)
The car is in the street.
O carro está na rua.
The mother is in the living room.
A mãe está na sala.

You can use these to pinpoint exact spots:

The cat is in the living room, on the sofa.
O gato está na sala, no sofá.

Plural Locations

The preposition em also contracts with the plural articles os and as:

  • em
    • os = nos (in/on/at the - masculine plural)
  • em
    • as = nas (in/on/at the - feminine plural)
The keys are in the drawers.
As chaves estão nas gavetas.
The friends are in the cafés.
Os amigos estão nos cafés.

Putting it Together

Combine these contractions with the verb estar (to be) to describe exactly where things are.

We are in the office, but they are in the café.
Nós estamos no escritório, mas eles estão no café.
The phone is not in the pocket, it is on the sofa.
O telemóvel não está no bolso, está no sofá.
Practice this lesson