Portuguese Phrase
Anota a tarefa.
Meaning
Literally, “Write down the task.” It is a short, informal command asking someone to note or record a specific task, often used in a work or classroom setting.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need a colleague, classmate, or assistant to put a task on paper or in a digital list. It works best in informal contexts; add *por favor* for extra politeness.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Anotaatarefa
Imperative (tu) of *anotar*
The verb *anotar* drops the final -r and adds -a for the informal second‑person singular command: *anotar* → *anota*.
Definite article *a*
The feminine singular article *a* precedes the noun *tarefa* (task) and agrees in gender and number.
Direct object placement
In Portuguese the object follows the verb in an imperative clause: *Anota* (verb) + *a tarefa* (object).
🗨In Conversation
Anota a tarefa, por favor.
Please write down the task.
Claro, já anoto.
Sure, I’ll note it right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Anote a tarefa.
This is the formal (você) imperative; use *Anota* for informal *tu* unless you’re speaking formally.
Anotar a tarefa.
The infinitive *anotar* cannot be used as a command.
Anota a tarefa?
Adding a question mark turns the command into a question; use rising intonation only if you really mean “Should I write down the task?”
↔Alternatives
Registra a tarefa.
Record the task.
Escreve a tarefa.
Write the task.
Aponta a tarefa.
Mark the task.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil *anotar* is the go‑to verb for taking quick notes, while in Portugal people often say *registar* or *apontar*. The imperative without *por favor* can sound blunt; adding the polite particle softens the request and is common in professional settings.