The Relative Pronoun "Aonde"
In Portuguese, the relative pronoun aonde is used to mean "where" or "where to" when referring to a destination. It is simply a combination of the preposition a (to) and the word onde (where).
| We do not know the place where we are going in this spontaneous adventure. | Não sabemos o lugar aonde vamos nesta aventura espontânea. |
You must use aonde instead of just onde whenever the verb implies movement or direction toward a place, such as ir (to go), viajar (to travel), chegar (to arrive), or levar (to take/lead).
| I do not know the city where this motorway takes you! | Não conheço a cidade aonde esta autoestrada te leva! |
"Onde" vs. "Aonde"
The distinction between these two words is strict in Portuguese. Use onde for a fixed location (where you are) and aonde for motion (where you are going).
| The place where we are is beautiful, but the city where we travel to is unknown. | O lugar onde estamos é lindo, mas a cidade aonde viajamos é desconhecida. |
"Aonde" Without a Noun
Just like in English, you do not always need to state the specific place you are referring to. Aonde can be used on its own without a noun, and it frequently appears in questions to ask "Where to?".
| We do not know the route nor where we are going. | Não sabemos a rota nem aonde vamos. |
| Where does this mysterious route go? | Aonde vai esta rota misteriosa? |
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