Portuguese Phrase
Vai em frente e passa pela igreja antiga.
Meaning
The sentence gives two consecutive directions: first, continue straight ahead; second, go past the old church. It’s a typical way to guide someone through a small town or neighborhood.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are giving someone a quick, informal set of directions on foot or by car, especially in a setting where landmarks such as a historic church are well‑known.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vaiemfrenteepassapelaigrejaantiga
Imperative of *ir* (vai)
‘Vai’ is the informal (tu) imperative of the verb *ir* meaning ‘go’. For the formal *você* form you would use ‘vá’.
Direction phrase *em frente*
*Em frente* literally means ‘in front’, but it is the common way to say ‘straight ahead’ in Brazilian Portuguese.
Conjunction *e*
The simple coordinating conjunction *e* links two commands: ‘go straight ahead *and* pass by…’
Imperative of *passar* (passa)
*Passa* is the informal (tu) imperative of *passar* meaning ‘pass’ or ‘go past’.
Contraction *pela* (por + a)
*Pela* combines the preposition *por* (by) with the feminine article *a*, forming ‘by the…’
Noun‑adjective order *igreja antiga*
In Portuguese adjectives usually follow the noun; *igreja antiga* = ‘old church’.
🗨In Conversation
Vai em frente e passa pela igreja antiga.
Go straight ahead and pass by the old church.
Obrigado! Cheguei logo.
Thanks! I’ll be there soon.
✕Common Mistakes
Vá em frente e passa pela igreja antiga.
For a formal ‘you’ (você) the correct imperative is ‘vá’. Using ‘vai’ can sound too casual or even rude in some contexts.
Passa por a igreja antiga.
Learners sometimes separate the preposition and article as ‘por a’, which is incorrect in modern Portuguese.
Vai à frente e passa pela igreja antiga.
‘À frente’ means ‘in front of’ a specific object, not ‘straight ahead’. Use *em frente* for the direction.
↔Alternatives
Siga em frente e passe pela igreja velha.
Follow straight ahead and pass by the old church.
Continue reto e cruze a rua ao lado da igreja antiga.
Continue straight and cross the street next to the old church.
Vá direto e passe pela antiga igreja da praça.
Go straight and pass by the old church in the square.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, directions are often given using well‑known landmarks—churches, squares, or big trees. The adjective *antiga* sounds a bit more formal than *velha*, which is more colloquial. When speaking to strangers or in a polite context, switch the informal imperatives (vai, passa) to the formal ones (vá, passe).