Portuguese Phrase
Sim, estão bem um ao lado do outro.
Meaning
This sentence confirms that several items or people are positioned right next to each other, emphasizing that they are side‑by‑side and close together.
When to use
Use it when answering a question about the arrangement of objects, people, or places, such as after someone asks “Como estão as cadeiras?” or “Os livros estão próximos?”. It works in both casual and neutral contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sim,estãobemumaoladodooutro.
Sim (affirmation)
Used to answer positively to a yes/no question, similar to “yes”.
Estão (verb estar, 3rd pl)
The present indicative of “estar” for plural subjects; indicates temporary state or location.
Bem (adverb)
Modifies the verb phrase, meaning “well” or “properly”, emphasizing the closeness.
Um ao lado do outro (idiom)
A fixed expression meaning “next to each other”; literally “one at the side of the other”.
🗨In Conversation
Como estão as cadeiras na sala?
How are the chairs in the room?
Sim, estão bem um ao lado do outro.
Yes, they are right next to each other.
✕Common Mistakes
Sim, está bem um ao lado do outro.
Use the plural form “estão” because you are talking about more than one thing.
Sim, estão bem um ao lado de outro.
The correct idiom includes the preposition “do” (contraction of “de + o”).
Sim, bem estão um ao lado do outro.
Placing “bem” after “estão” is correct; putting it before the verb (e.g., “bem estão”) sounds unnatural.
↔Alternatives
Sim, estão bem próximos.
Yes, they are very close.
Sim, estão bem lado a lado.
Yes, they are side by side.
Sim, estão bem juntos.
Yes, they are together.
Cultural Tip
The expression “um ao lado do outro” is a fixed idiom in Portuguese and is used for both people and objects. It’s more natural than a literal “one next to the other”. You can drop the adverb “bem” for a shorter version – “Estão um ao lado do outro” – without losing meaning. In Brazil and Portugal the phrase is equally common, though in informal speech people often say “lado a lado”.