Portuguese Phrase
O laboratório de ciências é pra fazer experimentos.
Meaning
This phrase explains the primary purpose of a science laboratory. The structure 'é pra fazer' is a common, informal way to say 'is for doing' or 'is used for doing' in Brazilian Portuguese, indicating function or intention. It's a straightforward statement about what happens in such a place.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase when explaining the function of a science lab, perhaps to a student, a visitor, or in a general conversation about school facilities. It's suitable for informal to semi-formal contexts, especially in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Olaboratório de ciênciasé prafazer experimentos
O (The)
'O' is the masculine singular definite article in Portuguese, equivalent to 'the'. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it precedes, in this case, 'laboratório' (masculine singular).
laboratório de ciências (science lab)
'Laboratório' means 'laboratory'. The preposition 'de' (of) is used here to specify the type of laboratory, forming 'laboratório de ciências' (laboratory of sciences), which translates to 'science lab'.
é pra (is for)
'É' is the third-person singular of the verb 'ser' (to be), used for permanent characteristics or purposes. 'Pra' is a common contraction of 'para' (for), indicating purpose or destination. Together, 'é pra' means 'is for' or 'is used for'.
fazer experimentos (to do experiments)
'Fazer' means 'to do' or 'to make'. 'Experimentos' means 'experiments'. When 'para' (or 'pra') is followed by a verb, the verb is typically in the infinitive form, indicating the action for which something is intended.
🗨In Conversation
Por que temos que ir ao laboratório hoje?
Why do we have to go to the lab today?
O laboratório de ciências é pra fazer experimentos, e hoje faremos um sobre química!
The science lab is for doing experiments, and today we'll do one about chemistry!
✕Common Mistakes
O laboratório de ciências está para fazer experimentos.
Using 'estar para' implies 'to be about to do something' or 'to be ready to do something', not 'to be for the purpose of doing something'. 'Ser para' (or 'é pra') is correct for purpose.
O laboratório de ciências é para fazer experimentos.
While 'para' is grammatically correct, 'pra' is much more common and natural in spoken Brazilian Portuguese. Using 'para' might sound a bit stiff or formal in casual conversation.
↔Alternatives
O laboratório de ciências serve para realizar experimentos.
The science lab serves to conduct experiments.
No laboratório de ciências, fazemos experimentos.
In the science lab, we do experiments.
A função do laboratório de ciências é fazer experimentos.
The function of the science lab is to do experiments.
Cultural Tip
The use of 'pra' instead of 'para' is extremely common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese. While 'para' is the full, grammatically correct form, 'pra' is a contraction that flows more naturally in everyday conversation. It's not considered 'wrong' in informal contexts, but you might see 'para' in formal writing. Mastering 'pra' will make your Portuguese sound much more authentic and native.