Portuguese Phrase
Fica a umas quadras ao norte daqui.
Meaning
This phrase is used to give directions, indicating that something is located a short distance away in a northerly direction. 'Fica' is a common verb for location in Portuguese, similar to 'it is located'. 'Umas quadras' refers to 'a few blocks', and 'ao norte daqui' specifies 'north from here'.
When to use
You would use this phrase when someone asks for directions to a place and it's relatively close, just a few blocks away, and you want to specify the general direction. It's a casual and common way to guide someone in urban settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ficaaumasquadrasaonortedaqui
Fica (ficar)
'Ficar' is a versatile verb meaning 'to stay', 'to remain', or 'to be located'. When referring to the location of places or objects, 'ficar' is preferred over 'ser' or 'estar' in Brazilian Portuguese.
a umas quadras
The preposition 'a' is used here to indicate distance, meaning 'at a distance of' or 'a few blocks away'. 'Umas' is the feminine plural indefinite article, meaning 'a few' or 'some'.
ao norte
'Ao norte' means 'to the north' or 'northward'. 'Ao' is a contraction of 'a' (to) + 'o' (the masculine singular article), used with cardinal directions.
daqui
'Daqui' is a contraction of 'de' (from) + 'aqui' (here), meaning 'from here'. It's a common way to specify the starting point for directions.
🗨In Conversation
Com licença, onde fica o museu?
Excuse me, where is the museum?
Ah, o museu? Fica a umas quadras ao norte daqui.
Oh, the museum? It's a few blocks north from here.
✕Common Mistakes
É umas quadras ao norte daqui.
While 'é' (from 'ser') can mean 'it is', 'fica' (from 'ficar') is more commonly used for the location of places or objects in Portuguese, especially when giving directions.
Fica umas quadras ao norte daqui.
The preposition 'a' is required before 'umas quadras' when indicating distance, meaning 'at a few blocks' or 'a few blocks away'.
Fica a umas quadras ao norte de aqui.
'Daqui' is the correct contraction of 'de' + 'aqui' (from here). Using 'de aqui' separately is grammatically incorrect.
↔Alternatives
Está a algumas quadras daqui.
It is a few blocks from here.
É um pouco mais ao norte.
It's a little further north.
Fica a uns quarteirões ao norte daqui.
It's a few blocks north from here. (Using 'quarteirões' which is another word for blocks)
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, 'quadra' refers to a city block, and it's a very common unit of distance when giving directions. Unlike some cultures where directions might be very precise (e.g., 'turn left at the third traffic light'), Brazilians often use more general terms like 'umas quadras' (a few blocks) or 'um pouco mais à frente' (a little further ahead). It's also common to use landmarks rather than street names, especially in less formal contexts.