Portuguese Phrase
Minha família é de lá.
Meaning
This phrase is used to indicate the origin or residence of your relatives. It specifically points to a location previously mentioned in the conversation, establishing your heritage or connection to that place.
When to use
Use this when someone asks about your background or where your parents and relatives live. It is common in social settings when discussing travel, geography, or family history.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Minhafamíliaédelá
Minha (Possessive)
The feminine possessive pronoun 'minha' must agree with the feminine noun 'família'.
Collective Nouns
Even though 'família' refers to multiple people, it is a singular noun and takes the singular verb form 'é'.
Preposition 'de'
The preposition 'de' expresses origin, similar to 'from' in English, and is required when stating where someone is from.
🗨In Conversation
Você conhece o Rio de Janeiro?
Do you know Rio de Janeiro?
Sim, minha família é de lá.
Yes, my family is from there.
✕Common Mistakes
Minha família está de lá.
Use 'ser' (é) for origin and permanent identity; 'estar' is for temporary states or locations.
Minha família é lá.
The preposition 'de' is essential here to indicate 'from' a place.
↔Alternatives
Minha família vem de lá.
My family comes from there.
Meus parentes são de lá.
My relatives are from there.
Cultural Tip
In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, especially Brazil, family roots are a point of pride. Mentioning where your family is from often leads to warm conversations about regional traditions, food, and local accents.