Portuguese Phrase
Tem um a só duas quadras daqui.
Meaning
The sentence is trying to say that something is only one or two blocks away from the speaker’s current location. It conveys a short distance in an informal, conversational tone.
When to use
Use this expression when giving directions or describing how close a place is, especially in urban areas where ‘quadra’ (block) is a common unit of distance.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Temumasóduasquadrasdaqui
Ter (tem)
The verb 'ter' is used to indicate existence or possession; 'tem' is the third‑person singular present form.
Indefinite article agreement
In Portuguese, the article must agree in gender and number with the noun: 'uma' (feminine singular) with 'quadra'.
Conjunction 'ou' vs. 'a'
To express a choice, use 'ou' (or). The sequence 'um a' is not grammatical in this context.
Adverb 'só'
'Só' means 'only' and is placed before the quantity it modifies.
Locative adverb 'daqui'
'Daqui' means 'from here' and follows the distance expression.
🗨In Conversation
Onde fica a padaria?
Where is the bakery?
Tem um a só duas quadras daqui.
It’s only one or two blocks from here.
✕Common Mistakes
Tem um a só duas quadras daqui.
Use ‘uma ou’ to express ‘one or’ because ‘quadra’ is feminine; ‘um a’ is ungrammatical.
Tem um a só duas quadras daqui.
If you want to be more precise, use ‘Fica’ or ‘Está’ instead of the generic ‘tem’.
↔Alternatives
Fica a uma ou duas quadras daqui.
It’s one or two blocks away from here.
É a apenas uma ou duas quadras daqui.
It’s just one or two blocks from here.
Está a uma ou duas quadras daqui.
It’s a block or two away from here.
Cultural Tip
In most Brazilian cities, especially in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, people measure short distances in ‘quadras’ (city blocks). The length of a quadra can vary, but locals understand it as a convenient way to estimate walking distance. In more formal contexts you might hear ‘rua’ (street) or ‘metade de quilômetro’ instead.