Ordinal Numbers in Brazilian Portuguese: First, Second, and Floors
Practice primeiro, segundo, and other ordinal numbers, then use them to name an order or ask which floor an address is on.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Ordinal numbers describe position in a sequence: primeiro (first), segundo (second), terceiro (third), quarto (fourth), and quinto (fifth). They agree with the noun in gender and number: primeiro lugar (first place), primeira vez (first time), and primeiras páginas (first pages).
Build the most common ordinal numbers
In writing, an ordinal number may appear with a masculine or feminine indicator, such as 1º andar or 1ª vez. In speech, say the full word: primeiro andar, primeira vez. For many dates, Brazilians use cardinal numbers, with the first day commonly expressed as primeiro de janeiro.
É a minha primeira viagem ao Brasil.
It’s my first trip to Brazil.
O time ficou em segundo lugar.
The team came in second place.
Esta é a terceira pergunta.
This is the third question.
Understand floor numbers in a Brazilian building
Térreo usually names the ground-level floor. The floor above it is commonly called primeiro andar, so the numbering may feel different from the ground-floor conventions you know in English. Ask for the floor explicitly when visiting an apartment, office, or hotel.
Ordinal forms also help you describe steps in a process: primeiro, depois, and por último (first, then, and finally). These sequence words are not ordinal adjectives, but they make spoken instructions easier to follow.
O consultório fica no terceiro andar.
The office is on the third floor.
A recepção fica no térreo?
Is reception on the ground floor?
É a primeira porta à direita.
It’s the first door on the right.
Put it into practice
Use an ordinal for order and position, matching it to the noun. In Brazilian buildings, térreo commonly means ground level and primeiro andar the floor above it; check when the distinction matters.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “The office is on the third floor”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.