Portuguese Phrase
Abafa as chamas.
Meaning
A direct command telling someone to extinguish or smother the flames. It can be used literally when dealing with a fire, or figuratively to calm a heated situation.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to quickly stop a fire, whether it’s a kitchen stove, a campfire, or a metaphorical ‘flame’ like a heated argument. It’s informal and best suited for familiar contexts or urgent situations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Abafaaschamas
Imperative Mood
‘Abafa’ is the affirmative imperative form of the verb ‘abafar’ for the second person singular (tu).
Definite Article Contraction
‘as’ is the feminine plural definite article, used here before the noun ‘chamas’.
Feminine Plural Noun
‘chamas’ is a feminine plural noun meaning ‘flames’ or ‘fires’.
🗨In Conversation
Abafa as chamas antes que se espalhem!
Smother the flames before they spread!
Já estou a pegar o extintor.
I’m already grabbing the extinguisher.
✕Common Mistakes
Abafe as chamas.
‘Abafe’ is the formal (você) imperative; for informal ‘tu’ you need ‘abafa’. Using the wrong form can sound overly formal or incorrect in casual speech.
Abafa a chama.
‘Chama’ is singular; the article must agree in number. The correct plural is ‘as chamas’.
Abafar as chamas.
Using the infinitive ‘abafar’ instead of the imperative loses the command tone.
↔Alternatives
Apaga as chamas.
Put out the flames.
Extingue o fogo.
Extinguish the fire.
Dá um jeito nas chamas.
Deal with the flames.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking countries, especially Brazil, the verb ‘abafar’ is often used in emergency contexts (e.g., ‘abafar o incêndio’) and also metaphorically to describe calming a heated argument or a passionate debate. The phrase is informal; in a formal safety briefing you’d likely hear ‘Apague o fogo imediatamente.’