Portuguese Phrase
Por favor, devolve depois de usar.
Meaning
A courteous request asking someone to give back an item after they have finished using it. It combines the politeness marker “por favor” with the informal imperative “devolve”.
When to use
Use this phrase when you lend something (a book, a charger, a tool, etc.) and want the borrower to return it once they’re done. It works well in informal settings among friends, roommates, or colleagues.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Porfavor,devolvedepoisdeusar.
Por favor
A polite phrase meaning “please”; placed at the beginning or end of a request.
devolve (imperative)
Second‑person singular (tu) imperative of the verb devolver “to return”. For formal you’d use devolva (você).
depois de + infinitive
A prepositional phrase meaning “after” followed by an infinitive verb.
usar (infinitive)
The infinitive form of the verb “to use”. After depois de, the verb stays in infinitive.
🗨In Conversation
Posso usar o teu carregador?
Can I use your charger?
Claro, por favor, devolve depois de usar.
Sure, please return it after using.
✕Common Mistakes
Por favor, devolva depois de usar.
“devolva” is the formal imperative (você). If you’re speaking informally to a friend, use “devolve”.
Por favor, devolve depois usar.
The preposition “de” is required after “depois”.
Por favor devolve depois de usar.
Missing the comma makes the sentence feel rushed; a pause after “por favor” is natural.
↔Alternatives
Por favor, devolva depois de usar.
Please return it after using.
Depois de usar, devolve, por favor.
After using, return it, please.
Devolve, por favor, depois de usar.
Return it, please, after using.
Cultural Tip
In Portugal the informal “tu” form (devolve) is common among peers, while in Brazil people usually prefer the formal “você” form (devolva) even in casual conversation. Adjust the verb form to match the level of familiarity and the regional variety you’re speaking.