Portuguese Phrase
Como evito que as coisas se mexam?
Meaning
The speaker is asking for advice or a method to keep objects from moving. It can refer to literal physical objects (e.g., furniture, tools) or be used metaphorically for ideas that keep changing.
When to use
Use this question when you need practical tips to secure items, such as in a workshop, during a move, or when setting up a display. It also works in a figurative sense, like preventing a project’s scope from shifting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Comoevitoqueascoisassemexam?
Como (How)
Interrogative adverb used to ask about manner or method.
evito (I avoid)
First‑person singular present of the verb evitar; expresses the speaker’s action.
que + subjunctive
After verbs of desire, fear, or prevention (like evitar), Portuguese requires the subordinate clause to be in the subjunctive mood.
se mexam (they move themselves)
Present subjunctive of mexer (to move) with the reflexive pronoun se; third‑person plural agrees with coisas.
🗨In Conversation
Como evito que as coisas se mexam?
How do I prevent things from moving?
Você pode usar fita adesiva, pesos ou até prender com parafusos, dependendo do que for mais seguro.
You can use tape, weights, or even screw them down, depending on what’s safest.
✕Common Mistakes
Como evito que as coisas se mexem?
After "evitar que" the verb must be in the subjunctive, not the indicative.
Como evito que as coisas não se mexem?
If you add "não" you must keep the subjunctive: "não se mexam" is correct, but "não se mexem" is wrong.
Como eu evito as coisas se mexem?
The clause needs "que" to introduce the subjunctive and the verb must stay in subjunctive form.
↔Alternatives
Como faço para que as coisas não se mexam?
How do I make sure the things don’t move?
De que forma posso impedir que as coisas se mexam?
In what way can I stop the things from moving?
O que devo fazer para que as coisas fiquem paradas?
What should I do so that the things stay still?
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian Portuguese, the construction evitar que + subjunctive is very common for giving or asking for preventive advice. Native speakers often prefer the more informal "não deixar" (e.g., "Como não deixo as coisas se mexerem?") in casual conversation, but the subjunctive form sounds slightly more formal and precise.