Portuguese Phrase
Vira à esquerda no semáforo.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener to turn left when they reach the traffic light. It is a direct, practical instruction used while giving directions on the road.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are guiding someone who is driving or walking and needs to know which way to go at an intersection controlled by a traffic light. It works in both formal (e.g., GPS voice) and informal (e.g., a friend giving directions) contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Viraàesquerdanosemáforo
Virar (imperative vs. indicative)
‘Vira’ is the third‑person singular present indicative of virar. In traffic instructions the imperative ‘Vire’ (you) is more common, but ‘Vira’ is often heard in informal spoken Portuguese.
à = a + a
The preposition ‘a’ (to) contracts with the feminine singular article ‘a’ to form ‘à’, meaning ‘to the’.
esquerda (noun)
‘Esquerda’ is a feminine noun meaning ‘left’; it follows the preposition ‘à’ without a definite article.
no = de + o
‘No’ is the contraction of the preposition ‘de’ (of) and the masculine singular article ‘o’, translating to ‘at the’ or ‘on the’ in this context.
semáforo (noun)
‘Semáforo’ is a masculine noun meaning ‘traffic light’.
🗨In Conversation
Desculpe, como chego ao centro comercial?
Excuse me, how do I get to the mall?
Vira à esquerda no semáforo e depois siga em frente por duas quadras.
Turn left at the traffic light and then go straight for two blocks.
✕Common Mistakes
Vire à esquerda no semáforo.
‘Vire’ is the correct imperative for ‘you (formal)’, but many native speakers use ‘Vira’ informally; both are understood, yet ‘Vire’ is preferred in formal instruction.
Vira à esquerda no sinal.
Some learners say ‘no sinal’ which is acceptable, but ‘semáforo’ is the standard term for a traffic light in Brazil.
Vira ao esquerda no semáforo.
Using the masculine article ‘o’ (e.g., ‘o esquerda’) is incorrect because ‘esquerda’ is feminine.
↔Alternatives
Vire à esquerda no sinal.
Turn left at the signal.
Faça a curva à esquerda no cruzamento com semáforo.
Make the left turn at the intersection with a traffic light.
Pegue a esquerda quando o semáforo ficar verde.
Take the left when the traffic light turns green.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, traffic lights are called ‘semáforos’ and the green light means you may proceed, but you must still yield to pedestrians crossing at the crosswalk. Drivers often use the informal imperative ‘vira’ in spoken directions, but the formal instruction on road signs uses the infinitive ‘virar’ (e.g., ‘Virar à esquerda’). Remember to signal your turn with the vehicle’s indicator, as failing to do so is considered rude and can lead to fines.