de + a = da
Contraction Da
de (of/from) + a (the) = da
How It Works
The contraction da is a fundamental part of Portuguese. It combines the preposition de (of/from) with the feminine definite article a (the).
It serves two primary functions at this level:
- Possession: To show who something belongs to (e.g., 'a chave da casa' - the key of the house).
- Origin: To show where someone is from, provided the location is feminine and requires an article (e.g., 'Eu sou da Bahia').
Important Rules:
1. Gender Agreement: Use da only for feminine nouns. For masculine nouns, use do.
2. Location Exceptions: Many cities and some countries (like Portugal) do not use articles. In those cases, use only 'de'.
3. Materials: When describing what something is made of (composition), we usually use 'de' without an article (e.g., 'mesa de madeira'), unless referring to a specific piece of material.
4. Infinitives: If the word 'a' is the subject of an infinitive verb, the contraction is avoided (e.g., 'na hora de a menina sair').
Examples (4)
- A chave da porta está aqui.
The key of the door is here.
Word by Word: The key of-the door is here.
Here, 'da' shows possession/relationship between the key and the feminine noun 'porta'.
- Eu gosto da comida brasileira.
I like Brazilian food.
Word by Word: I like of-the food Brazilian.
The verb 'gostar' always requires 'de'. Since 'comida' is feminine, 'de' + 'a' becomes 'da'.
- Ela é da cidade de São Paulo.
She is from the city of São Paulo.
Word by Word: She is from-the city of São Paulo.
In this case, 'da' indicates origin from a specific feminine location ('a cidade').
- O carro da Maria é novo.
Maria's car is new.
Word by Word: The car of-the Maria is new.
In Portuguese, we often use articles before names. 'De' + 'a Maria' becomes 'da Maria'.
Common Mistakes
Using 'da' when the article is the subject of an infinitive.
Antes da aula começar.Antes de a aula começar.When the article 'a' is part of the subject for a following infinitive verb (like 'começar'), you should not contract it with 'de'. Keep them separate: 'de a'.
Confusing 'da' with the verb 'dá'.
Ele da um presente para ela.Ele dá um presente para ela.The word 'da' (no accent) is the contraction of 'de + a'. The word 'dá' (with accent) is the verb 'to give'. Always check for the accent mark!
Using 'da' for all locations.
Eu sou da Portugal.Eu sou de Portugal.Not all locations use articles. While you say 'da França', many places like Portugal or São Paulo are neutral and only use the preposition de.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the contraction 'da', you first need to be familiar with its two components: the preposition 'de' (of/from) and the feminine definite article 'a' (the). It is also helpful to understand the masculine version 'do' as they follow the same grammatical logic.
Related Patterns
- o/a/os/asDefinite Articles
Understanding definite articles is essential because 'da' is built using the feminine article 'a'.
Foundations - de + NounPossession with De
This explains the general use of 'de' to show possession before the contraction is applied.
Level 1 - gostar de + Noun/InfinitiveGostar De
One of the most common verbs that triggers the use of 'da' when followed by a feminine noun.
Level 1 - em + a = naContraction Na
Another common contraction involving the feminine article 'a', but using the preposition 'em' (in/on).
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice de + a = da in Bubblegum
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