Directions in Portuguese



Lesson Objective:


By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to understand and give basic directions in Portuguese, including recognizing common direction-related vocabulary and using simple sentence structures to describe how to get from one place to another.



Vocabulary List:



  • esquerda: left

  • direita: right

  • em frente: straight ahead

  • atrás: behind

  • perto: near

  • longe: far

  • à esquina: at the corner

  • ao lado de: next to

  • entre: between

  • cruzamento: intersection

  • rotatória: roundabout

  • sinal: traffic light

  • rua: street

  • avenida: avenue

  • praça: square



Grammar Point:


In Portuguese, directions use imperative forms (command forms) and prepositions. For giving directions, typical verbs include “virar” (to turn), “seguir” (to follow), and “ir” (to go). When giving directions, we often use the “você” form of the verb in a polite tone.


Examples:



  • Vire à esquerda. (Turn left.)

  • Siga em frente. (Go straight ahead.)

  • Vire à direita na esquina. (Turn right at the corner.)

  • O supermercado fica ao lado da farmácia. (The supermarket is next to the pharmacy.)



Exercises:



Reading Comprehension:


Text:


Ana quer ir ao banco. Ela pergunta a um policial onde fica. O policial diz: “Siga em frente por duas quadras. Depois vire à esquerda na segunda rua. O banco está ao lado da padaria.”


Questions:



  • Onde Ana quer ir?

  • Quantas quadras ela deve seguir em frente?

  • Depois da segunda rua, ela vira para que lado?

  • O que está ao lado do banco?



Listening Comprehension:


Listen to a native speaker give directions to a hotel. Pay attention to the use of directional words and verbs.


Audio task (instructor should provide): A recording of someone saying, "Siga em frente até o cruzamento, depois vire à direita. O hotel está do outro lado da rua."


Comprehension Questions:



  • What is the first instruction given?

  • Where should the person turn?

  • Where is the hotel located?



Speaking Practice:


Practice the following dialogue with a partner:


Person A: Com licença, como eu chego ao museu?


Person B: Siga em frente duas quadras, depois vire à direita. O museu está entre o teatro e o cinema.


Now switch roles and create your own version of the dialogue using the vocabulary list.



Summary:


In today’s lesson, you learned how to give and understand directions in Portuguese. You practiced key vocabulary such as "esquerda", "direita", and "siga em frente", and how to use verbs in the imperative form when guiding someone on how to reach a certain place. Understanding prepositions like “ao lado de” and “entre” is essential for accurate directions.



Homework:



  • Write a short paragraph in Portuguese giving directions from your home to a nearby store. Use at least five new vocabulary words.

  • Review the vocabulary list and practice pronunciation.

  • Prepare to ask and answer direction questions with a class partner in the next lesson.