Portuguese Phrase
Quero ir ao Japão.
Meaning
The sentence means “I want to go to Japan.” It expresses a personal desire or intention to travel to the country, not a plan that is already set in stone.
When to use
Use this phrase when talking about travel dreams, making a wish, or when someone asks where you’d like to go. It works in casual conversation, in a travel‑planning meeting, or when sharing your bucket‑list with friends.
✦Grammar Breakdown
QueroiraoJapão
Quero (verbo querer)
‘Quero’ is the first‑person singular present of ‘querer,’ meaning ‘to want.’ It is followed by an infinitive verb.
ir (infinitivo)
The infinitive ‘ir’ means ‘to go.’ After ‘querer,’ the infinitive expresses the desired action.
ao (contração de a + o)
‘Ao’ is the contraction of the preposition ‘a’ (to) and the masculine definite article ‘o.’ It is used before masculine singular nouns, including country names like ‘Japão.’
Japão (nome próprio)
‘Japão’ is a proper noun for the country Japan. In Portuguese it is masculine, so it takes the article ‘o’ (hence ‘ao Japão’).
🗨In Conversation
Quero ir ao Japão.
I want to go to Japan.
Que legal! Já está planejando a data da viagem?
How cool! Are you already planning the date of the trip?
✕Common Mistakes
Quero ir a Japão.
The preposition “a” must contract with the masculine article “o” to become “ao.”
Quero ir no Japão.
“No” (em + o) means “in the,” which changes the meaning to “I want to be in Japan,” not “go to Japan.”
↔Alternatives
Desejo viajar para o Japão.
I wish to travel to Japan.
Tenho vontade de ir ao Japão.
I feel like going to Japan.
Quero conhecer o Japão.
I want to get to know Japan.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese, the preposition “a” contracts with the masculine article “o” to form “ao.” This contraction is mandatory before country names that are masculine, like “Japão.” When speaking about travel, Brazilians often add excitement with interjections such as “Que incrível!” or “Vai ser uma experiência inesquecível!” Remember that Japanese culture values punctuality and respect, so if you actually travel, learning basic Japanese greetings will be appreciated.