em + uma = numa
Contraction Numa
em (in/on/at) + uma (a/an) = numa
How It Works
The contraction numa is a standard part of Portuguese grammar used across all dialects. It serves to streamline speech and writing by merging two high-frequency words.
1. Formation and Gender:
It is strictly feminine. The full set of contractions for em + indefinite articles is:
- num (em + um)
- numa (em + uma)
- nuns (em + uns)
- numas (em + umas)
2. Usage Contexts:
- Location: Moro numa cidade pequena. (I live in a small city.)
- Surface: O livro está numa mesa. (The book is on a table.)
- State of Mind: In informal registers of both Brazilian and European Portuguese, it is used to describe a mood or 'vibe', such as estar numa de viajar (to be in a mood for traveling).
3. Register and Style:
In European Portuguese, these contractions are effectively mandatory in all registers, including formal writing. In Brazil, while numa is the default for speech, you may occasionally see em uma in very formal academic texts, though numa is never incorrect.
4. When to Avoid Contractions:
- Titles: Contractions are typically avoided when the article is the first word of a proper noun or title (e.g., Li isso em Uma Breve História do Tempo).
Examples (4)
- Ela mora numa casa antiga.
She lives in an old house.
Word by Word: She lives in-a house old.
Here, 'numa' combines 'em' (in) and 'uma' (a) to describe an unspecified house.
- Deixei o meu casaco numa cadeira.
I left my coat on a chair.
Word by Word: I-left the my coat on-a chair.
In this context, 'numa' translates to 'on a' because it refers to a surface.
- Nós trabalhamos numa empresa internacional.
We work at an international company.
Word by Word: We work in-a company international.
The contraction is used here to indicate the place of work.
- Eu vi esse ator numa peça de teatro.
I saw that actor in a theater play.
Word by Word: I saw that actor in-a piece of theater.
Used to indicate the setting or context of an event.
Common Mistakes
Using 'numa' for specific, known objects.
Estou numa minha casa.Estou na minha casa.'Numa' means 'in A'. If you are talking about a specific house (like 'my house'), you should use the contraction na (in THE).
Using 'numa' with masculine nouns.
O gato está numa carro.O gato está num carro.Portuguese requires gender agreement. 'Carro' is masculine, so you must use the masculine contraction num.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the contraction 'numa', you need to know its two component parts: the preposition 'em' and the feminine indefinite article 'uma'. It is also helpful to have seen the masculine equivalent 'num' to recognize the pattern of how these words merge.
Related Patterns
- em + a = naContraction Na
While 'numa' means 'in a', 'na' means 'in the' (definite).
Level 1 - de + uma = dumaContraction Duma
A similar contraction using the preposition 'de' (of/from) instead of 'em'.
Level 2 - um/uma/uns/umasIndefinite Articles
The base indefinite articles used to form these contractions.
Foundations - em + este/esse/aquele = neste/nesse/naqueleContraction with Demonstratives (Em)
Other common contractions involving the preposition 'em'.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice em + uma = numa in Bubblegum
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