Portuguese Phrase
Sim, estão ao lado do caixa eletrônico.
Meaning
The speaker confirms that a group of people or objects is located right next to the ATM. The use of *estão* signals a plural subject, while *ao lado de* pinpoints exact adjacency.
When to use
Use this sentence when someone asks where something plural is (e.g., keys, documents, friends) and the answer is that they are right beside the ATM. It works in both casual and semi‑formal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Simestãoaoladodocaixaeletrônico
Sim
A simple affirmative particle meaning 'yes' or confirming a previous statement.
Estão
Third‑person plural present of the verb *estar*, used for temporary location of multiple subjects.
ao lado de
A fixed prepositional phrase meaning 'next to' or 'beside'. It contracts *a + o* → *ao* and *de + o* → *do*.
do
Contraction of the preposition *de* + the masculine singular article *o*, linking the phrase to the noun that follows.
caixa eletrônico
A compound noun meaning 'ATM' (automated teller machine).
🗨In Conversation
Onde estão as minhas chaves?
Where are my keys?
Sim, estão ao lado do caixa eletrônico.
Yes, they are next to the ATM.
✕Common Mistakes
Sim, está ao lado do caixa eletrônico.
Use *estão* for plural subjects; *está* is singular.
Sim, estão no lado de do caixa eletrônico.
The correct prepositional phrase is *ao lado de*.
Sim, estão ao lado de caixa eletrônico.
You need the article *o* after *de*; *do* = *de + o*.
↔Alternatives
Sim, ficam ao lado do caixa eletrônico.
Yes, they are next to the ATM.
Sim, estão perto do caixa eletrônico.
Yes, they are near the ATM.
Sim, estão ao lado do ATM.
Yes, they are next to the ATM.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, *caixa eletrônico* is the standard term for an ATM; locals often shorten it to just *caixa*. When giving directions, *ao lado de* conveys a precise side‑by‑side location, whereas *próximo a* is more general. Keep the verb *estar* for temporary positions and avoid using *ser*.