Speaking Brazilian Podcast

Host: Virginia Langhammer
Episode: Cadê, Onde está, Onde é, Onde fica - Explained! Brazilian Portuguese Lesson
Date: October 3, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode is a practical and focused lesson from Virginia Langhammer on the Speaking Brazilian Podcast. The main theme is demystifying the different ways to ask "Where is...?" in Brazilian Portuguese. Virginia aims to clarify the distinctions and appropriate usage of expressions like "cadê," "onde está," "onde é," and "onde fica," equipping listeners with the right tools for real-life conversations in Portuguese.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Many Ways to Say "Where Is" in Brazilian Portuguese

• Cadê:

  • Commonly used in informal, spoken language.
  • Example: "Cadê meu celular?" ("Where is my cellphone?")
  • Virginia points out that this is frequently used when looking for something that’s missing at the moment.

• Onde está:

  • Slightly more formal than "cadê".
  • Used when asking about the current location of something or someone.
  • Example: "Onde está a Maria?" ("Where is Maria?")

• Onde é:

  • Used for events or places whose locations are fixed.
  • Common in contexts like asking about locations of events, addresses, or establishments.
  • Example: "Onde é a festa?" ("Where is the party?")

• Onde fica:

  • Used for places, especially when the listener likely doesn’t know or needs directions.
  • Emphasizes the permanent location.
  • Example: "Onde fica o banheiro?" ("Where is the bathroom?")

2. Real-Life Usage Scenarios

• Finding People at Events
  (01:46)

  • Virginia:
    "Se você combinou de encontrar uma amiga em uma festa e não consegue encontrá-la, você pode perguntar: 'Cadê a Maria?' ou 'Onde está a Maria?'" ("If you arranged to meet a friend at a party and can't find her, you could ask: 'Cadê a Maria?' or 'Onde está a Maria?'")

• Objects vs. Fixed Locations

  • Key distinction made between using "cadê" and "onde fica":
    • For items that move (cellphone, keys): "cadê" or "onde está"
    • For permanent places (restaurants, bathrooms): "onde é" or "onde fica"

3. Memorable Quotes

• On Informality:

  • Virginia:
    "'Cadê' é super informal. Use com amigos ou em situações do dia a dia."
    ("'Cadê' is super informal. Use it with friends or in everyday situations.")
    (Timestamp: 01:50)

• On Asking Directions:

  • Virginia:
    "'Onde fica' é perfeito quando você está numa cidade nova, pedindo direções."
    ("'Onde fica' is perfect when you’re in a new city, asking for directions.")
    (Timestamp: 03:17)

• On Common Mistakes:

  • Virginia:
    "Muitos confundem 'onde é' e 'onde está', mas lembre-se: 'onde é' para eventos fixos, 'onde está' para localização atual."
    ("Many confuse 'onde é' and 'onde está', but remember: 'onde é' for fixed events, 'onde está' for the current location.")
    (Timestamp: 05:02)

Notable Segment Timestamps

• 01:46: Introduction of usage scenario—looking for a friend at a party.
• 01:50: Explanation of "cadê" as informal, everyday language.
• 03:17: Emphasis on "onde fica" for directions in unfamiliar places.
• 05:02: Clarifying common confusion between "onde é" and "onde está."

Conclusion

Virginia wraps up by encouraging listeners to practice using these expressions in daily conversations, emphasizing frequency and context to build fluency. The episode is clear, practical, and packed with examples, making it highly valuable for learners seeking confidence with Brazilian Portuguese location questions.

Resources

• Speaking Brazilian Podcast
• Weekly lessons on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation