Portuguese Phrase
Uma caixa resistente impede que as coisas se estraguem durante o transporte.
Meaning
The sentence means that a sturdy box prevents items from getting damaged while they are being moved. It emphasizes the protective role of good packaging and highlights the cause‑effect relationship between the box’s durability and the safety of the contents.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are talking about shipping, moving houses, or sending gifts and want to stress the importance of using a strong container. It works well in both informal advice and more formal instructions for logistics.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Umacaixaresistenteimpedequeascoisasseestraguemduranteotransporte
Impede que + Subjuntivo
After verbs of prevention like impedir, the conjunction que introduces a clause that must be in the subjunctive mood because the outcome is not certain.
Adjetivo concordância
Resistente agrees in gender and number with caixa (feminine singular), so it ends in -e.
Verbo reflexivo se estragar
Estragar can be used reflexively (se estragar) to indicate that something gets ruined on its own.
Preposição durante
Durante introduces a time period and is followed by a noun phrase (o transporte).
🗨In Conversation
Preciso enviar esses objetos frágeis para o cliente.
I need to send these fragile items to the client.
Então escolha uma caixa resistente; ela impede que as coisas se estraguem durante o transporte.
Then choose a sturdy box; it prevents the things from getting damaged during transport.
✕Common Mistakes
Uma caixa resistente impede que as coisas se estragam durante o transporte.
After "impede que" the verb must be in the subjunctive (estraguem), not the indicative (estragam).
Uma caixa resistente impede as coisas se estraguem durante o transporte.
The verb "impedir" requires the conjunction "que" before the subordinate clause.
Uma caixa resistente impede que as coisas se estraguem durante transporte.
The preposition "durante" needs a definite article when referring to a specific transport event: "durante o transporte".
↔Alternatives
Uma caixa forte protege os itens durante o transporte.
A strong box protects the items during transport.
Com uma caixa resistente, nada se quebra ao ser transportado.
With a sturdy box, nothing breaks when being transported.
Usar uma caixa robusta evita que os objetos se danifiquem no caminho.
Using a robust box avoids the objects getting damaged on the way.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, it is common to reinforce cardboard boxes with tape and sometimes add newspaper or bubble wrap, especially for long‑distance shipments. Couriers often check that the packaging is "resistente" before accepting the parcel, so mentioning the quality of the box can reassure both sender and carrier. In some regions, "caixa" can also refer to wooden crates, which are preferred for very heavy or valuable items.

