Portuguese Phrase
Você pode tirar o pó das prateleiras?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct but polite request asking someone to remove dust from shelving units. It utilizes the idiomatic expression 'tirar o pó', which literally translates to 'to take the dust'.
When to use
Use this phrase when assigning household chores, asking for help with cleaning, or instructing a cleaning professional. It is appropriate for both informal and semi-formal domestic situations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vocêpodetirar o pódasprateleiras
Poder (pode)
The verb 'poder' means 'to be able to' or 'can'. 'Pode' is the third-person singular form used with 'você'.
Tirar o pó
This is a common verbal phrase meaning 'to dust'. 'Tirar' means to remove or take away.
Das
This is a contraction of the preposition 'de' (of/from) and the feminine plural article 'as' (the).
🗨In Conversation
A sala está ficando muito suja.
The living room is getting very dirty.
Você pode tirar o pó das prateleiras?
Can you dust the shelves?
✕Common Mistakes
Você pode polvilhar as prateleiras?
'Polvilhar' is used for sprinkling powder like sugar or flour in cooking, not for cleaning dust.
Você pode limpar o pó as prateleiras?
You must use the contraction 'das' (de + as) to indicate where the dust is being removed from.
↔Alternatives
Dá para tirar o pó?
Is it possible to dust?
Pode limpar as prateleiras?
Can you clean the shelves?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, 'tirar o pó' is the most common way to describe dusting. While 'limpar' is a general term for cleaning, being specific about 'o pó' helps distinguish light surface cleaning from a deep scrub.