Portuguese Phrase
Limpa o equipamento depois de usar.
Meaning
This sentence is a direct instruction telling someone to clean the equipment after they have finished using it. It emphasizes the order of actions – first use, then clean – to keep the gear in good condition and maintain hygiene.
When to use
Use this phrase in workplaces, gyms, laboratories, or any setting where tools or machines need to be kept clean after each use. It works well on signage, safety briefings, or when a supervisor reminds staff of proper maintenance routines.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Limpaoequipamentodepoisdeusar
Imperative (affirmative) 2nd person singular
‘Limpa’ is the affirmative imperative form of the verb ‘limpar’ used for giving a direct command to ‘you’ (tu) or, in a neutral tone, to a group.
Definite article
‘o’ is the masculine singular definite article that agrees with ‘equipamento’.
Prepositional phrase ‘depois de’
‘depois de’ means ‘after’ and is followed by a verb in the infinitive.
Infinitive without object
The infinitive ‘usar’ is understood as ‘usar (o equipamento)’, so the object can be omitted when it is clear from context.
🗨In Conversation
Lembre‑se de limpar o equipamento depois de usar.
Remember to clean the equipment after using it.
Claro, assim ele dura mais tempo.
Sure, that way it lasts longer.
✕Common Mistakes
Limpar o equipamento depois de usar.
Using the infinitive ‘limpar’ instead of the imperative ‘limpa’ turns the sentence into a suggestion rather than a command.
Depois de usar o equipamento, limpa.
Placing the verb at the end sounds unnatural; the imperative should precede the object.
Limpa o equipamento depois de usá‑lo.
The clitic ‘‑lo’ is unnecessary here because the object is already explicit; it can sound overly formal.
↔Alternatives
Limpe o equipamento após o uso.
Clean the equipment after use.
Faça a limpeza do equipamento depois de utilizá‑lo.
Do the cleaning of the equipment after you have used it.
Depois de usar, limpe o equipamento.
After using, clean the equipment.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese‑speaking countries, especially in labs, gyms and kitchens, there is a strong cultural emphasis on keeping shared tools clean. Using the imperative form is common on signs and in spoken instructions, but when speaking to a colleague you might soften it with ‘por favor’ or use the polite ‘você’ form: ‘Por favor, limpe o equipamento depois de usar.’