em + a = na
Contraction Na
em (in/on/at) + a (the) = na
How It Works
The word na is an obligatory contraction. In modern Portuguese, you cannot say 'em a'; it is always combined.
1. Gender and Number:
Use na only with feminine singular nouns. If the noun is masculine, use no. If it is plural, use nas.
2. Static Location:
Portuguese uses em (and its contractions) for most static locations (being in, on, or at a place):
- In: A chave está na gaveta (The key is in the drawer).
- On: O livro está na mesa (The book is on the table).
- At: Eu estou na escola (I am at the school).
3. Usage with Countries:
Many countries in Portuguese (especially those ending in -a) are feminine and often use an article (e.g., a França, a Argentina). In Brazil, you use na for these (Estou na França). However, in Portugal, many countries are used without an article, so you would simply use em (Estou em França). Note that some places like Portugal never use an article in either dialect.
Examples (4)
- A caneta está na mesa.
The pen is on the table.
Word by Word: The pen is in-the table.
Here 'na' means 'on the' because the pen is resting on the surface of the feminine noun 'mesa'.
- Ela trabalha na padaria.
She works at the bakery.
Word by Word: She works in-the bakery.
'Padaria' is a feminine noun, so 'em + a' becomes 'na' to indicate the place of work.
- Nós moramos na França.
We live in France.
Word by Word: We live in-the France.
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'França' takes an article, so 'em + a' becomes 'na'. In European Portuguese, you might hear 'em França' without the article.
- Eu te vejo na segunda-feira.
I'll see you on Monday.
Word by Word: I you see in-the second-day.
Days of the week (except Saturday and Sunday) are feminine in Portuguese and use 'na' for 'on'.
Common Mistakes
Using 'em a' as two separate words.
Eu estou em a casa.Eu estou na casa.In Portuguese, contractions with articles are mandatory. Keeping them separate sounds like broken language to native speakers.
Using 'na' for masculine nouns.
O gato está na carro.O gato está no carro.'Carro' is masculine, so you must use the masculine contraction 'no' (em + o).
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the contraction 'na', a learner must be familiar with its two components: the preposition 'em' and the feminine definite article 'a'. It is also helpful to have already encountered the masculine version 'no' to recognize the pattern of how 'em' changes in contractions.
Related Patterns
- em + os/as = nos/nasContraction Nos/Nas
The plural versions of these contractions.
Level 2 - de + a = daContraction Da
Another common contraction involving the feminine article 'a', but using the preposition 'de' (of/from).
Level 1 - a + a = àContraction À
Often confused with 'na'; 'à' indicates movement toward a place, while 'na' indicates being at a place.
Level 1 - o/a/os/asDefinite Articles
The definite articles that form the second half of the contraction.
Foundations
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice em + a = na in Bubblegum
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