Portuguese Phrase
A sauna fica ao lado dos chuveiros.
Meaning
The sentence means 'The sauna is next to the showers.' It tells the listener where the sauna is located within a building such as a gym, spa, or hotel.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving directions inside a facility, describing the layout of a sports center, or answering a question like 'Where is the sauna?'
✦Grammar Breakdown
Asaunaficaaoladodoschuveiros.
Definite Article (A)
The article 'a' is feminine singular, matching the noun 'sauna'.
Noun Gender (sauna)
'Sauna' is a feminine noun, so it takes the article 'a'.
Verb ficar (fica)
'Ficar' means 'to be located' or 'to stay'; here it describes a permanent location.
Expression ao lado de
The phrase 'ao lado de' literally means 'at the side of' and is used to say 'next to'.
Contraction dos
'Dos' is the contraction of 'de' + 'os' (of the) and must agree with the plural masculine noun 'chuveiros'.
Plural noun (chuveiros)
'Chuveiros' is the plural form of 'chuveiro' (shower).
🗨In Conversation
Onde fica a sauna?
Where is the sauna?
A sauna fica ao lado dos chuveiros.
The sauna is next to the showers.
✕Common Mistakes
A sauna fica ao lado de os chuveiros.
The preposition 'de' contracts with the article 'os' to form 'dos'.
A sauna fica ao lado dos chuveiro.
Since 'chuveiros' is plural, the noun must also be plural.
A sauna está ao lado dos chuveiros.
Using 'fica' for a temporary location is less natural; 'está' is preferred for temporary situations.
↔Alternatives
A sauna está ao lado dos chuveiros.
The sauna is next to the showers.
A sauna fica perto dos chuveiros.
The sauna is near the showers.
A sauna está próxima dos chuveiros.
The sauna is close to the showers.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, saunas are common in gyms, beach clubs, and hotels. While 'sauna' is feminine here, you may also hear it used as masculine in some regions, so pay attention to the article used. 'Ficar' emphasizes a fixed location, whereas 'estar' can be used for temporary situations.