Portuguese Phrase
Limita o uso do celular.
Meaning
A direct command telling someone to restrict how much they use their mobile phone. It can be used as advice, a rule, or a reminder to practice healthier habits.
When to use
Use this phrase when setting household rules, giving a friend a gentle reminder, or in a classroom setting where you want students to focus without phone distractions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Limitaousodocelular.
Imperative (tu)
‘Limita’ is the informal singular imperative form of ‘limitar’ used with ‘tu’ in Brazil.
Article + noun gender
‘Uso’ is masculine, so it takes the definite article ‘o’.
Contraction ‘do’
‘Do’ is the contraction of the preposition ‘de’ + the masculine article ‘o’ (de + o = do).
Object complement
‘O uso do celular’ functions as the direct object of the verb ‘limita’.
🗨In Conversation
Limita o uso do celular durante a aula.
Limit the use of the cell phone during class.
Claro, vou deixá‑lo no bolso.
Sure, I’ll keep it in my pocket.
✕Common Mistakes
Limite o uso do celular.
‘Limite’ is the formal imperative (você). If you’re speaking informally to a ‘tu’, use ‘Limita’. Mixing forms can sound inconsistent.
Limita uso do celular.
The definite article ‘o’ before ‘uso’ is required because ‘uso’ is a specific noun here.
↔Alternatives
Reduza o uso do celular.
Reduce the use of the cell phone.
Diminua o tempo de uso do celular.
Decrease the amount of time you spend on the cell phone.
Modere o uso do celular.
Moderate the use of the cell phone.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, it’s common to ask friends or family to ‘limitar o uso do celular’ during meals, gatherings, or study sessions to show respect and stay present. The informal imperative ‘limita’ works well among peers, while ‘limite’ is preferred for a more formal tone.