Portuguese Phrase
Leva uma caneta e papel para anotar.
Meaning
A direct, informal instruction telling someone to bring a pen and paper so they can write down information. The phrase emphasizes the purpose (para anotar) rather than just the objects themselves.
When to use
Use it when giving quick, casual instructions before a class, meeting, workshop, or any situation where note‑taking is expected. It’s perfect for friends, classmates, or colleagues in an informal setting.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Levaumacanetaepapelparaanotar
Imperative (Levar)
Leva is the informal 2nd‑person singular imperative of the verb levar ‘to take/bring’.
Indefinite article (uma)
Uma is the feminine singular indefinite article, matching the noun caneta.
Gender agreement
Caneta is feminine, papel is masculine; each article or adjective must agree in gender.
Conjunction (e)
E simply links two nouns, equivalent to ‘and’.
Preposition (para)
Para introduces purpose: ‘in order to’.
Infinitive purpose (anotar)
Anotar is the infinitive form of ‘to note/write down’, used after para to express the goal.
🗨In Conversation
O que eu preciso levar para a reunião?
What do I need to bring for the meeting?
Leva uma caneta e papel para anotar.
Take a pen and paper to write down.
✕Common Mistakes
Leva um caneta e papel para anotar.
Caneta is feminine; the article must be ‘uma’, not ‘um’.
Leve uma caneta e papel para anotar.
‘Leve’ is the formal imperative; using it in a casual conversation sounds stiff.
Leva uma caneta e papel para anota.
After ‘para’ you need the infinitive ‘anotar’, not the conjugated form ‘anota’.
↔Alternatives
Traga uma caneta e papel para fazer anotações.
Bring a pen and paper to make notes.
Pegue uma caneta e papel para escrever.
Grab a pen and paper to write.
Leve uma caneta e papel para anotar.
Take a pen and paper to note.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil the informal imperative ‘leva’ is common among friends and peers. In a more formal or professional context you would use the formal imperative ‘leve’. Also, remember the gender agreement: you cannot say *‘Leva um caneta’* because caneta is feminine; the correct form is *‘uma caneta’*.