Portuguese Phrase
A máquina de bilhetes está ali.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener that the ticket‑dispensing machine is located at a specific spot that is visible but not right next to the speaker. It is a simple statement of location.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are giving directions in a train station, metro, bus terminal, or any place where a ticket‑machine is present and the other person needs to know where to find it.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Amáquinadebilhetesestáali
Definite article (A)
A is the feminine singular definite article, matching the gender of máquina.
Noun gender (máquina)
máquina is a feminine noun, so it takes the article A.
Prepositional phrase (de bilhetes)
de links the noun máquina to its purpose (bilhetes = tickets).
Verb estar (está)
Estar is used for temporary location; here it tells where the machine is.
Adverb of place (ali)
ali means ‘over there’, a point that is not close to the speaker but can be seen.
🗨In Conversation
Onde fica a máquina de bilhetes?
Where is the ticket machine?
A máquina de bilhetes está ali.
The ticket machine is over there.
✕Common Mistakes
A máquina de bilhetes é ali.
Use estar for location, not ser.
A máquina de bilhetes está aqui.
‘Aqui’ means ‘here’; the machine is not next to the speaker.
A máquina de bilhete está ali.
The plural ‘bilhetes’ is needed because the machine dispenses many tickets.
↔Alternatives
A máquina de bilhetes fica ali.
The ticket machine is located over there.
A máquina de bilhetes está lá.
The ticket machine is there.
A máquina de bilhetes está à esquerda.
The ticket machine is on the left.
Cultural Tip
In Portugal and Brazil, you’ll often see ‘máquina de bilhetes’ at train stations, metro stops, and bus terminals. ‘Ali’ points to something you can see from where you stand, while ‘lá’ is a bit farther away or out of sight. When speaking to staff, it’s polite to use the formal ‘o senhor / a senhora’ if you need extra help.