Portuguese Phrase
É para cartas leves.
Meaning
Literally, “It is for light letters.” The sentence is typically used on mailboxes, post‑office counters, or packaging to indicate that only lightweight letters (as opposed to parcels or heavy envelopes) should be placed there.
When to use
Use this phrase on signs, labels, or when explaining the purpose of a specific slot or container that is meant only for thin, low‑weight correspondence.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Éparacartasleves.
É (ser)
Third‑person singular of the verb *ser*, used here to identify the purpose of something.
para (preposition)
Introduces the intended recipient or purpose; translates as “for”.
cartas (noun)
Plural, feminine noun meaning “letters”.
leves (adjective agreement)
Adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies – feminine plural *leves* matches *cartas*.
🗨In Conversation
Onde eu devo colocar esta carta?
Where should I put this letter?
É para cartas leves.
It’s for light letters.
✕Common Mistakes
É de cartas leves.
Using *de* changes the meaning to “of light letters”, which is not the intended purpose.
É para cartas leve.
The adjective must agree with the plural noun *cartas*; *leve* is singular.
Para cartas leves.
Do not omit the verb *é*; the sentence would be fragmentary.
↔Alternatives
É destinado a cartas leves.
It is intended for light letters.
É para correspondência leve.
It’s for light correspondence.
Só aceita cartas leves.
Only accepts light letters.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, public mailboxes often have separate slots labeled *Cartas leves* and *Encomendas* (parcels). The distinction helps postal workers sort mail quickly and prevents heavy items from clogging the letter‑only chute. The phrase is informal but perfectly acceptable on signage; avoid overly formal wording like *destinado exclusivamente a correspondência de baixo peso* in everyday contexts.