Portuguese Phrase
As toalhas estão na recepção.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone that the towels are located at the reception desk. It is a simple locative statement often used in hotels, hostels, or any place where guests might need to find towels.
When to use
Use this phrase when a guest asks where the towels are, when you are giving directions inside a hotel, or when you need to point out where housekeeping items are stored.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Astoalhasestãonarecepção
Definite article (As)
‘As’ is the feminine plural definite article, used before feminine plural nouns like ‘toalhas’.
Noun (toalhas)
‘Toalhas’ means ‘towels’; it is a feminine plural noun, so it matches the article ‘as’.
Verb estar (estão)
‘Estão’ is the third‑person plural present of ‘estar’, used for temporary locations.
Preposition + article (na)
‘Na’ is the contraction of ‘em + a’, meaning ‘in/on the’. It must agree with the feminine noun ‘recepção’.
Noun (recepção)
‘Recepção’ means ‘reception’; it is a feminine singular noun, so the preposition contracts to ‘na’.
🗨In Conversation
Onde estão as toalhas?
Where are the towels?
As toalhas estão na recepção.
The towels are at the reception.
✕Common Mistakes
Os toalhas estão na recepção.
‘Toalhas’ is feminine, so the article must be ‘as’, not the masculine ‘os’.
As toalhas está na recepção.
‘Está’ is singular; you need the plural ‘estão’ because ‘toalhas’ is plural.
As toalhas estão no recepção.
‘No’ contracts ‘em + o’ (masculine). Since ‘recepção’ is feminine, use ‘na’.
↔Alternatives
As toalhas ficam na recepção.
The towels are kept at the reception.
Os toalheiros estão na recepção.
The towel racks are at the reception.
Você pode pegar as toalhas na recepção.
You can get the towels at the reception.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil and Portugal, hotels often store extra towels at the reception for quick guest access. The word ‘recepção’ is formal; in some smaller inns you might hear ‘balcão’ (counter) instead. Using ‘estão’ signals a temporary location, which is why it’s preferred over ‘são’ for items that can be moved.