Portuguese Phrase
Não encha demais a caixa nem a deixe muito vazia.
Meaning
This phrase is a practical instruction about finding a balance. It warns against the two extremes of overstuffing a container or leaving it underfilled, which could lead to damage or inefficiency.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving directions for packing, shipping, or organizing items. It is common in workplaces, during a move, or when teaching someone how to store goods properly.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nãoenchademaisa caixanema deixemuitovazia
Imperativo Negativo
'Não encha' is the negative imperative of 'encher', used to tell someone what not to do.
Conjunção Nem
'Nem' is used to connect two negative ideas, similar to 'nor' in English, avoiding the repetition of 'não'.
Colocação Pronominal
The pronoun 'a' refers back to 'a caixa'. It must come before 'deixe' because 'nem' is a negative word that triggers proclisis.
🗨In Conversation
Como devo preparar estas encomendas para o envio?
How should I prepare these orders for shipping?
Não encha demais a caixa nem a deixe muito vazia.
Don't overfill the box nor leave it too empty.
✕Common Mistakes
Não enche demais a caixa.
Use the imperative form 'encha' for commands or instructions rather than the indicative 'enche'.
Não encha demais a caixa nem deixe-a muito vazia.
The word 'nem' acts as a negative attractor, requiring the pronoun 'a' to be placed before the verb (proclisis).
↔Alternatives
Mantenha a caixa com um peso equilibrado.
Keep the box at a balanced weight.
Evite deixar a caixa muito cheia ou muito vazia.
Avoid leaving the box too full or too empty.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, clear instructions are valued in logistics and manual labor. Using 'nem' to link two negative commands is considered grammatically correct and sounds more natural in professional or instructional settings than repeating 'não'.