Portuguese Phrase
Não use caixas danificadas ou fracas.
Meaning
The sentence is a clear warning: do not employ boxes that are broken, damaged, or structurally weak. It is often used in contexts where safe handling and transport of items are critical.
When to use
Use this phrase on packaging instructions, in warehouses, during shipping preparation, or when giving safety briefings about handling goods. It works both in written signs and spoken reminders.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nãousecaixasdanificadasoufracas
Negative Imperative
In Portuguese, the negative command uses 'não' + the present subjunctive form of the verb (e.g., 'não use' for 'you do not use').
Verb Form
‘use’ is the 2nd‑person singular present subjunctive of ‘usar’, which functions as the imperative in negative sentences.
Adjective Agreement
Adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify: ‘caixas’ (feminine plural) → ‘danificadas’, ‘fracas’.
Conjunction ‘ou’
‘ou’ links two alternatives; both adjectives describe the same noun.
🗨In Conversation
Precisamos embalar esses vasos delicados.
We need to pack these delicate vases.
Não use caixas danificadas ou fracas; escolha caixas novas e resistentes.
Don’t use damaged or weak boxes; choose new, sturdy ones.
✕Common Mistakes
Não usar caixas danificadas ou fracas.
In a negative command you must use the subjunctive form, not the infinitive.
Não use caixas danificadas ou fraco.
The adjective must agree with the plural feminine noun ‘caixas’. Use ‘fracas’, not ‘fraco’.
Não use caixa danificada ou fracas.
When you have more than one adjective, keep the noun plural: ‘caixas danificadas’. Using singular ‘caixa’ creates a mismatch.
↔Alternatives
Não utilize caixas quebradas ou frágeis.
Do not use broken or fragile boxes.
Evite usar embalagens danificadas ou frágeis.
Avoid using damaged or fragile packaging.
Não empregue caixas em mau estado.
Do not employ boxes in poor condition.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, logistics and e‑commerce companies place a strong emphasis on proper packaging to avoid product loss and customer complaints. Using the correct imperative form (‘não use’) sounds firm yet polite, which is preferred in professional settings. Remember that ‘fraco’ can also mean ‘weak’ in a physical sense, so it’s commonly used for describing structural integrity of containers.