ao

ao

"Ao" means "to the" or "at the" (masculine singular).

In this sentence, 'ao' is the contraction of 'a' (to) and 'o' (the, masculine singular article). It introduces the destination, which is definite and masculine.

Eu fui ao mercado para comprar frutas.

I went to the market to buy fruits.

Here, 'ao' is used to indicate an action occurring simultaneously or in relation to another event, formed by 'a' (to, indicating purpose or related action) and 'o' (a); it accompanies an infinitive verb ('sair').

Ao sair de casa, lembrei-me do compromisso.

Upon leaving home, I remembered the appointment.

In this case, 'ao' introduces the action associated with the main clause, expressing the circumstance under which something happened.

Ele tomou cuidado ao dar sua opinião.

He was careful when giving his opinion.