Portuguese Phrase
É longe daqui?
Meaning
Literally, 'Is it far from here?'. The speaker is asking whether the distance to a certain place feels long or short from their current location. It can be used for physical distances (e.g., a museum, a restaurant) or, less commonly, for figurative distances such as a long‑term goal.
When to use
Use this question when you are unsure about how far a destination is and want a quick estimate. It works in both casual conversations with friends and in more formal settings like asking a hotel concierge.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Élongedaqui?
É (ser)
The verb 'ser' is used to describe inherent characteristics, including the perceived distance of a place from the speaker.
longe
An adverb meaning 'far'. It does not change form and is placed after the verb.
daqui
A contraction of 'de' + 'aqui' meaning 'from here'. It is the standard way to indicate the point of reference.
Question mark placement
In Portuguese, the opening question mark (¿) is not used; only the closing '?' is required.
🗨In Conversation
É longe daqui?
Is it far from here?
Não, fica a cinco minutos a pé.
No, it’s about a five‑minute walk.
✕Common Mistakes
Está longe daqui?
While 'estar' can be used for temporary states, distance is usually expressed with 'ser' in this fixed expression.
É longe de aqui?
The correct prepositional phrase is the contraction 'daqui', not 'de aqui'.
É longe daqui
In written Portuguese a question mark is required at the end of a question.
↔Alternatives
Fica longe daqui?
Is it far from here?
É distante daqui?
Is it distant from here?
É longe?
Is it far?
Cultural Tip
Brazilians rarely answer with exact kilometers. Instead, they give an approximate travel time (e.g., 'cerca de 10 minutos de carro') or a relative measure ('não, é bem perto'). In informal speech, you’ll also hear 'É longe?' without the 'daqui', especially when the reference point is obvious.