Portuguese Phrase
Cada coisa em seu lugar
Meaning
This idiomatic expression literally translates to 'each thing in its place.' It is used to emphasize the importance of organization, order, and finding the correct spot for objects or tasks to maintain harmony.
When to use
It is commonly used when tidying up a room, organizing a workspace, or advising someone to be more disciplined and systematic in their life or work habits.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Cadacoisaemseulugar
Cada
An invariable distributive pronoun meaning 'each', used to refer to members of a group individually.
Seu
A possessive adjective that agrees with the masculine singular noun 'lugar', meaning 'its' or 'his/her'.
🗨In Conversation
Onde devo colocar estas pastas?
Where should I put these folders?
Na gaveta de cima. Cada coisa em seu lugar.
In the top drawer. Everything in its place.
✕Common Mistakes
Tudo coisa em seu lugar
Use 'Cada' (each) instead of 'Tudo' (all) to preserve the distributive meaning of the idiom.
Cada coisa em seu local
While 'local' means place, the idiomatic expression specifically uses 'lugar'.
↔Alternatives
Tudo em ordem
Everything in order
Uma coisa de cada vez
One thing at a time
Cultural Tip
This phrase reflects a traditional value in Portuguese-speaking cultures regarding household discipline. It is a very common 'parental' phrase used to teach children the importance of cleaning up after themselves.