Portuguese Phrase
Embala alimentos não perecíveis.
Meaning
The sentence is a direct instruction telling someone to pack foods that do not spoil quickly. It is often used when preparing a moving box, a disaster‑relief kit, or a pantry for a long trip.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to give a clear, informal command to a friend, family member, or colleague to place non‑perishable items into a container or bag.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Embalaalimentosnãoperecíveis.
Imperative (tu) of regular -ar verbs
‘Embala’ is the informal second‑person singular imperative of the verb ‘embalar’ (to pack), formed by dropping the -r from the infinitive and adding -a.
Negation with ‘não’
When negating an imperative, ‘não’ normally precedes the verb (e.g., ‘Não embale…’). Placing ‘não’ after the verb is acceptable in declarative sentences but sounds odd as a command.
Adjective agreement
‘perecíveis’ is a plural adjective that must agree in number (and gender) with the noun ‘alimentos’, which is masculine plural.
🗨In Conversation
Preciso que a caixa esteja pronta para a mudança.
I need the box to be ready for the move.
Claro, eu embalo alimentos não perecíveis.
Sure, I’ll pack non‑perishable foods.
✕Common Mistakes
Embala alimentos não perecíveis.
In a command, the negative particle should precede the verb: ‘Não embale…’ not ‘Embala… não…’
Embala alimentos perecíveis.
Leaving out ‘não’ changes the meaning to ‘pack perishable foods’, which is the opposite of the intended instruction.
↔Alternatives
Coloque alimentos não perecíveis na caixa.
Put non‑perishable foods in the box.
Guarde alimentos não perecíveis.
Store non‑perishable foods.
Arrume alimentos que não estragam.
Arrange foods that don’t spoil.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, ‘alimentos não perecíveis’ usually refers to canned goods, dry pasta, rice, beans, and other items that can be stored for months without refrigeration. When speaking to strangers or in a professional setting, use the formal imperative ‘Embale…’ instead of the informal ‘Embala…’. Regional accents may affect the pronunciation of the nasal diphthong in ‘não’.