Portuguese Phrase
Coloca-os na carteira ou na mochila.
Meaning
A direct, informal command telling someone to put the (masculine plural) items either in the wallet or in the backpack.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to give a quick, informal instruction about where to store objects—e.g., in a classroom, at home, or while traveling.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Coloca-osnacarteiraounamochila.
Imperative affirmative with enclitic pronoun
In affirmative commands, direct object pronouns are attached to the end of the verb with a hyphen (e.g., coloca‑os).
Preposition + article contraction
The preposition 'em' + feminine article 'a' contracts to 'na' (e.g., na carteira).
Pronoun placement in negative
If the command were negative, the pronoun would precede the verb: 'Não os coloques na carteira…'.
🗨In Conversation
Coloca-os na carteira ou na mochila.
Put them in the wallet or in the backpack.
Já os coloquei na mochila.
I've already put them in the backpack.
✕Common Mistakes
Coloca eles na carteira ou na mochila.
The direct object pronoun must be attached to the verb in affirmative commands: 'coloca‑os'.
Coloca‑os na carteira e na mochila.
Using 'e' (and) changes the meaning to 'in both the wallet and the backpack' instead of offering a choice.
↔Alternatives
Põe-os na carteira ou na mochila.
Put them in the wallet or in the backpack.
Guarda-os na carteira ou na mochila.
Store them in the wallet or in the backpack.
Coloque-os na carteira ou na mochila.
Put them in the wallet or in the backpack. (formal)
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, 'carteira' often refers to a small purse or money holder, while 'mochila' is the typical school backpack. The informal imperative 'coloca' is common among friends or when speaking to children; for a more polite request, use the formal 'coloque'.