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Portuguese Phrase

Eles costumam estar no corredor cinco.

/ˈe.lɨʃ kusˈto.mɐ̃j esˈtaɾ nu ko.ʁeˈdoʁ ˈsĩ.ku/
Meaning"They usually are in hallway five."
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Meaning

‘They usually are in hallway five.’ The sentence tells us that a group habitually occupies a specific corridor, such as in a school, office building, or hospital.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you want to describe a regular, recurring location of a group of people – for example, telling a colleague where a team meets every day or informing a visitor where a class is usually held.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Elescostumamestarnocorredorcinco

1

Costumar + infinitive

The verb *costumar* expresses a habitual action and is followed by an infinitive (e.g., *costumam estar* = they usually are).

2

Estar for location

*Estar* is used to talk about temporary or specific locations, unlike *ser* which describes permanent traits.

3

Contraction *no*

*No* = *em* + *o* (in the). It introduces the place where something is located.

4

Number as identifier

When a number identifies a specific place (e.g., *corredor cinco*), it works like a label, not an ordinal.

🗨In Conversation

A

Onde eles costumam estar?

Where do they usually stay?

Eles costumam estar no corredor cinco.

They usually are in hallway five.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Eles costumam ser no corredor cinco.

    Use *estar* for temporary location; *ser* describes permanent characteristics.

  • Eles costumam estar no corredor, cinco.

    The comma changes the meaning; the number should directly modify *corredor* as an identifier.

  • Ele costumam estar no corredor cinco.

    Do not drop the *m*; *costumam* must agree with the plural subject *eles*.

↔Alternatives

  • Eles geralmente ficam no corredor cinco.

    They generally stay in hallway five.

  • Eles normalmente estão no corredor cinco.

    They normally are in hallway five.

  • Eles costumam usar o corredor cinco.

    They usually use hallway five.

pt

Cultural Tip

In Brazil, *corredor* commonly refers to a hallway in schools, hospitals, or office buildings. When you need extra clarity, you can say *corredor número cinco* or *corredor cinco* with a slight pause. The phrase is informal but perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation.