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How to Say ‘Turn left’ in Portuguese

Vire à esquerda

VEE-ruh ah izh-KEHR-dah

[VEE-ruh ah izh-KEHR-dah]

💬 Usage Tip: à is a "to" + a "the" merged into one. Right works the same way: vire à direita "turn right".

Phrase Breakdown

Vire

[VEE-ruh]

turn

Formal command form (você) of the verb 'virar', to turn; used when giving directions.

Example

Vire à direita na rotunda.

Turn right at the roundabout.

[ah]

Indicates direction or destination.

Example

Vou "à" loja mais tarde.

I'm going to the store later.

esquerda

[izh-KEHR-dah]

left

Direction word meaning the left side.

Example

A esquerda costuma ter menos trânsito aqui.

The left side usually has less traffic here.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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