Portuguese · Travel & Getting Around
"Straight ahead" in Portuguese: em frente
em frente
Note: also: reto
Straight ahead in Portuguese is em frente. Drivers and walkers also say reto or siga em frente. All three guide you without turning.
Walking directions
Siga em frente até o semáforo.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce em frente
Say it
eng FREN-chee
/ˈẽ ˈfɾẽ.tʃi/
eng FREN-chee. Soft final e.
"Straight ahead" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| em frente | straight ahead / in front Main learner phrase. | Main learner phrase. |
| siga em frente | go straight ahead Navigation instruction. | Navigation instruction. |
| reto | straight Very common spoken alternative. | Very common spoken alternative. |
| bem em frente | right ahead / directly ahead Emphasis. | Emphasis. |
| em frente de | in front of Location relative to something. | Location relative to something. |
How to use em frente in real life
- 1Walking directions
Siga em frente até o semáforo.
Go straight ahead to the traffic light.
Siga em frente is GPS language.
- 2Taxi tip
Pode ir em frente, não precisa virar.
You can go straight ahead; no need to turn.
Clear driver guidance.
- 3Meeting point
O banco fica bem em frente à praça.
The bank is right in front of the square.
Em frente à for in front of.
Mistakes English speakers make with em frente
Incorrect: Vai straight.
Correct: Vai em frente. / Vai reto.
Use Portuguese em frente or reto.
Incorrect: Em frente o hotel (missing contraction).
Correct: Em frente ao hotel.
Em frente a + o becomes em frente ao.
Good to know
Brazilian GPS voices mix siga em frente and continue reto. Em frente also means facing / in front of a place. Context tells you whether it is a direction or a location.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Finding a museum entrance
ChatPal
A entrada fica em frente?
Is the entrance straight ahead?
You
Fica. Segue em frente e sobe a escada.
Yes. Go straight ahead and up the stairs.
ChatPal
Não vira em nenhum canto, só em frente?
Don't turn at any corner, just straight ahead?
You
Isso. Em frente até a porta de vidro.
Yes. Straight ahead to the glass door.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Straight ahead" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Straight ahead" in Portuguese
Best phrase?
Em frente or siga em frente.
What about reto?
Very common spoken synonym for straight.
In front of the hotel?
Em frente ao hotel.
Opposite of turning?
Em frente / reto means no turn.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
