Portuguese Phrase
É por aqui que fica o mercado?
Meaning
The speaker is asking whether the market is located in the immediate vicinity. It’s a polite way to confirm the market’s whereabouts when you’re walking around a neighborhood.
When to use
Use this question when you’re looking for a market, grocery store, or any place that sells food and you want to know if it’s nearby. It works in casual conversation with locals, shopkeepers, or fellow pedestrians.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Époraquiqueficaomercado?
É (ser)
The verb 'ser' is used for identification or definition; here it introduces the statement.
por aqui
A prepositional phrase meaning 'around here' or 'in this area', used to indicate a general location.
que (relative pronoun)
Connects the location phrase with the verb 'fica', forming a relative clause.
fica (ficar)
Verb meaning 'to be located' or 'to stay'; commonly used for static locations.
o mercado
Definite article + noun, referring to a specific market.
🗨In Conversation
É por aqui que fica o mercado?
Is the market around here?
Sim, fica a duas quadras daqui, na Rua das Flores.
Yes, it’s two blocks from here, on Rua das Flores.
✕Common Mistakes
É por aqui que está o mercado?
Use 'fica' for permanent locations; 'está' sounds like the market is temporarily there.
É aqui que fica o mercado?
Dropping 'por' changes the nuance; 'É aqui que fica o mercado?' is acceptable but less natural in casual speech.
É por aqui que fica mercado?
Remember the article 'o' before the noun; omitting it sounds incomplete.
↔Alternatives
O mercado fica por aqui?
Is the market around here?
O mercado está por aqui?
Is the market here?
É aqui que o mercado fica?
Is this where the market is?
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian Portuguese, 'ficar' is the go‑to verb for static locations, while 'estar' is used for temporary states. 'Por aqui' is informal and friendly; in more formal contexts you might hear 'nesta área' or 'por perto'. Also, Brazilians often give directions using landmarks (e.g., 'duas quadras', 'na esquina da padaria').