onde / aonde
Onde vs. Aonde
Onde = Where (at/in)
Aonde = Where to (to/toward)
How It Works
In Portuguese, the distinction between these two words is a matter of regency (the preposition required by a verb).
- Onde: This is used for static locations. It corresponds to 'in what place'. It is used with verbs of state or rest such as estar (to be), morar (to live), trabalhar (to work), or ficar (to be located).
- Aonde: This is a contraction of the preposition a (to) + onde (where). It is used exclusively with verbs of motion that require the preposition 'a' to indicate a destination, such as ir (to go), chegar (to arrive), or levar (to lead/take to).
While casual Brazilian Portuguese often uses onde for both situations, formal writing and exams strictly require this distinction. Note that if you are moving 'from' a place, you should use de onde or donde instead.
Examples (5)
- Onde você está agora?
Where are you now?
Word by Word: Where you are now?
Uses 'onde' because 'estar' indicates a static state/location.
- Aonde nós vamos hoje à noite?
Where are we going tonight?
Word by Word: To-where we go today at night?
Uses 'aonde' because the verb 'ir' (vamos) implies movement toward a destination.
- Eu não sei onde ele mora.
I don't know where he lives.
Word by Word: I not know where he lives.
Uses 'onde' because 'morar' (to live) is a verb of permanence/rest.
- Aonde este caminho leva?
Where does this path lead?
Word by Word: To-where this path leads?
Uses 'aonde' because 'levar' (to lead/take) implies a destination.
- Onde fica a farmácia mais próxima?
Where is the nearest pharmacy located?
Word by Word: Where stays the pharmacy most near?
Uses 'onde' because 'ficar' refers to a fixed location.
Common Mistakes
Using 'aonde' for static locations to sound more formal.
Aonde você mora?Onde você mora?This is a common hypercorrection. 'Aonde' requires a verb of motion. Since 'morar' is static, only 'onde' is correct.
Using 'onde' for movement in formal writing.
Onde você vai?Aonde você vai?While very common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese, formal grammar requires 'aonde' because the verb 'ir' implies 'going TO' a place.
How It Connects
Learn This First
This comparison explains when to use aonde versus related patterns.
Related Patterns
- que/quem/onde/quando/como/quanto/por queQuestion Words
Onde is part of the core set of Portuguese question words used to gather information.
Foundations - ir + a/para + DestinationIr with Destination
The verb 'ir' is the most common trigger for using 'aonde' instead of 'onde'.
Level 2 - estar + LocationEstar for Location
The verb 'estar' is the most common trigger for using 'onde' to describe current location.
Level 1 - a + o = aoContraction Ao
Aonde follows the same logic as the contraction 'ao', combining the preposition 'a' with another word.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice onde / aonde in Bubblegum
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