Portuguese Phrase
Escolhe um lugar seguro lá fora.
Meaning
The sentence is a direct command telling someone to pick a location that is both safe and located outside, typically used in situations where staying indoors might be risky or when planning an outdoor activity. It combines the imperative form of the verb ‘escolher’ with an indefinite article, a noun, an adjective, and the adverbial phrase ‘lá fora’.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to advise or order someone to move to a secure outdoor spot – for example during a fire drill, a sudden storm, a protest, or when arranging a meet‑up in a public park. It’s informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends or family.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Escolheumlugarseguroláfora
Escolhe (imperative)
‘Escolhe’ is the informal (tu) imperative of ‘escolher’. For formal ‘você’, use ‘Escolha’.
um (indefinite article)
‘um’ agrees with the masculine noun ‘lugar’; use ‘uma’ for feminine nouns.
seguro (adjective)
Adjectives agree in gender and number with the noun they modify – ‘seguro’ for masculine singular.
lá fora (adverbial phrase)
‘lá fora’ means ‘outside’ or ‘out there’; it emphasizes distance from the speaker’s current location.
🗨In Conversation
O incêndio está se espalhando rápido. Escolhe um lugar seguro lá fora.
The fire is spreading quickly. Choose a safe place outside.
Certo, vou para o parque ao lado.
Alright, I’ll go to the nearby park.
✕Common Mistakes
Escolha um lugar seguro lá fora.
‘Escolha’ is the formal imperative; using it with friends can sound overly stiff.
Escolhe um lugar segura lá fora.
The adjective must match the gender of ‘lugar’ (masculine), so ‘segura’ is incorrect here.
Escolhe um lugar seguro fora.
Leaving out ‘lá’ changes the nuance; ‘fora’ alone can sound abrupt, while ‘lá fora’ stresses distance.
↔Alternatives
Escolha um local seguro ao ar livre.
Choose a safe outdoor location.
Encontre um lugar seguro fora de casa.
Find a safe place away from home.
Procure um ponto seguro lá fora.
Look for a safe spot outside.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, safety advice often includes the phrase ‘lá fora’ when referring to public spaces like parks, beaches, or streets. The informal imperative ‘escolhe’ is common among friends, but in professional or emergency contexts you’ll hear the more formal ‘escolha’. Also, Brazilians tend to prioritize well‑lit, populated areas for safety, especially after dark.