Portuguese Phrase
Pega uma caixa em que suas coisas caibam bem.
Meaning
The sentence is a casual instruction telling someone to pick a box that will hold their belongings comfortably. It combines a direct command with a relative clause that uses the subjunctive to express a desired condition.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are helping someone pack for a move, organizing storage, or simply advising a friend on how to choose a container for items. It is informal and works best in spoken Portuguese among friends or family.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Pegaumacaixaemquesuascoisascaibambem
Imperative (Pega)
‘Pega’ is the affirmative imperative of the verb *pegar* (to grab). It is used for direct commands in informal speech.
Relative clause with ‘em que’
The phrase ‘em que’ introduces a relative clause that refers to a location or container. It is followed by the subjunctive because the existence of a suitable box is not certain.
Present Subjunctive (caibam)
‘Caibam’ is the present subjunctive of *caber* (to fit). The subjunctive is required after ‘em que’ to express a desired or possible condition.
Adverb ‘bem’
‘Bem’ modifies the verb *caber*, meaning ‘well’ or ‘properly’. It emphasizes that the items should fit comfortably, not just barely.
🗨In Conversation
Pega uma caixa em que suas coisas caibam bem.
Grab a box in which your things fit well.
Claro, vou procurar uma que seja grande o suficiente.
Sure, I’ll look for one that’s big enough.
✕Common Mistakes
Pega uma caixa em que suas coisas cabe bem.
‘Cabe’ is the indicative form; the subjunctive ‘caibam’ is required after ‘em que’ because the condition is not certain.
Pega uma caixa que suas coisas caibam bem.
Using only ‘que’ instead of ‘em que’ changes the meaning; ‘em que’ specifies the container.
Pega uma caixa em que suas coisas bem caibam.
Placing ‘bem’ before the verb (e.g., ‘bem caibam’) is ungrammatical in Portuguese.
↔Alternatives
Escolha uma caixa que acomode bem suas coisas.
Choose a box that accommodates your things well.
Pegue uma caixa onde tudo caiba direitinho.
Take a box where everything fits nicely.
Use uma caixa que seja do tamanho certo para seus objetos.
Use a box that is the right size for your objects.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the informal imperative ‘Pega’ is perfectly natural among peers, but in Portugal speakers might prefer ‘Apanha’ or a more polite form like ‘Por favor, pegue…’. Also, the subjunctive after ‘em que’ is a subtle grammatical cue that signals the speaker is not sure which box will work, a nuance often missed by learners.