Portuguese Phrase
Vê se a caixa aguenta o peso.
Meaning
Literally, “See if the box can hold the weight.” It is used to ask someone to test whether a container is strong enough for a given load, often before placing heavy items inside.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are about to load something heavy onto a box, crate, or any container and want to make sure it won’t break. It’s typical in informal settings such as moving houses, packing for a trip, or in a workshop.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vêseacaixaaguentaopeso
Vê se
Colloquial contraction of "veja se", used to ask someone to check or verify something. It is informal and common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.
Aguentar
Verb meaning “to endure, to hold up, to support”. In this context it refers to the box’s capacity to bear weight.
Definite article with nouns
The article "a" before "caixa" specifies a particular box that both speakers know.
Object complement "o peso"
The phrase "o peso" (the weight) is the thing the box must support; it is a direct object of the verb "aguenta".
🗨In Conversation
Vê se a caixa aguenta o peso antes de colocar as caixas de livros.
Check if the box can hold the weight before putting the books boxes on it.
Já coloquei, mas parece que está firme.
I already placed it, but it seems to be holding up.
✕Common Mistakes
Ver se a caixa aguenta o peso.
In spoken Brazilian Portuguese the correct colloquial form is "vê se" (contraction of "veja se"). "Ver se" sounds unnatural here.
A caixa aguenta o peso.
While "aguentar" is correct, beginners sometimes misuse it as "aguentar o peso" for a person’s stamina. Here it refers to the box’s structural capacity.
Vê se a caixa aguenta um peso.
Do not add an article before "peso" (e.g., "um peso"); the phrase calls for the definite article "o" because a specific weight is implied.
↔Alternatives
Veja se a caixa suporta o peso.
See if the box supports the weight.
Cheque se a caixa aguenta o peso.
Check if the box can bear the weight.
Confirme se a caixa suporta o peso.
Confirm whether the box can support the weight.
Cultural Tip
The construction "vê se" is strictly informal; you will hear it in everyday conversation across Brazil, but it is avoided in formal writing or professional reports. In a formal context you would replace it with "verifique se" or "confirme se".