Portuguese Phrase
Evita chamadas longas nas máquinas.
Meaning
‘Avoid long calls on the machines.’ It is a short directive, often found on signs or in spoken instructions, telling users not to keep a call running for too long when using public or self‑service devices.
When to use
Use this phrase on signage, in manuals, or when verbally reminding someone to keep phone calls brief on shared equipment such as public phones, vending‑machine phones, or office kiosks.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Evitachamadaslongasnasmáquinas.
Imperative (Evita)
‘Evita’ is the affirmative imperative form of the verb ‘evitar’ for the third‑person singular (or formal ‘you’), used to give a command or advice.
Noun + adjective agreement (chamadas longas)
‘Chamadas’ (calls) is feminine plural; the adjective ‘longas’ must match in gender and number.
Prepositional contraction (nas)
‘Nas’ is the contraction of ‘em + as’, meaning ‘in/on the’. It introduces the location where the action takes place.
Plural noun (máquinas)
‘Máquinas’ is a feminine plural noun meaning ‘machines’ (e.g., phone booths, kiosks).
🗨In Conversation
Preciso usar a máquina, mas a chamada está demorando muito.
I need to use the machine, but the call is taking a long time.
Evita chamadas longas nas máquinas; use o fone se precisar conversar mais.
Avoid long calls on the machines; use a handset if you need to talk longer.
✕Common Mistakes
Evita chamadas longa nas máquinas.
Adjective must agree with the plural feminine noun ‘chamadas’. Use ‘longas’.
Evita chamadas longas nas maquina.
The noun is plural and feminine; use ‘máquinas’ with the article ‘as’.
Evitar chamadas longas nas máquinas.
The infinitive ‘evitar’ cannot be used as a command; you need the imperative ‘Evita’.
↔Alternatives
Não faça chamadas longas nas máquinas.
Don’t make long calls on the machines.
Limite o tempo das chamadas nas máquinas.
Limit the duration of calls on the machines.
Evite conversas extensas nas máquinas.
Avoid extensive conversations on the machines.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, public phone booths and self‑service kiosks often display short imperatives like this to keep the lines free for everyone. The tone is informal but firm; using the third‑person singular imperative (‘Evita’) is common on signs because it sounds direct without being overly polite or overly casual.