Portuguese Phrase
Guarda cópias dos teus documentos importantes.
Meaning
The sentence advises someone to keep backup copies of the documents that matter most, such as passports, birth certificates, or contracts. It emphasizes a proactive habit of preserving important paperwork in case the originals are lost or damaged.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving practical advice about personal organization, especially in contexts like moving houses, preparing for travel, or discussing legal paperwork. It’s common in informal conversations between friends or family members.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Guardacópiasdosteusdocumentosimportantes.
Imperative (tu) – Guarda
‘Guarda’ is the affirmative imperative form of the verb ‘guardar’ for the familiar ‘tu’ subject, used to give a direct command.
Plural noun – cópias
‘cópias’ is the plural of ‘cópia’, meaning ‘copies’; it agrees in number with the verb in the imperative.
Contraction – dos
‘dos’ = de + os, meaning ‘of the’; it links the noun ‘cópias’ to the possessive phrase that follows.
Possessive adjective – teus
‘teus’ is the masculine plural form of ‘teu’, meaning ‘your’; it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
Adjective agreement – importantes
‘importantes’ is the plural form of ‘importante’, matching the plural noun ‘documentos’.
🗨In Conversation
Vou mudar de casa na próxima semana.
I'm moving house next week.
Então, guarda cópias dos teus documentos importantes antes de empacotar tudo.
Then, keep copies of your important documents before packing everything.
✕Common Mistakes
Guarde cópias dos teus documentos importantes.
‘Guarde’ is the formal imperative (você/o senhor). Using it with ‘teus’ creates a register clash; stick to ‘Guarda’ for informal speech.
Guarda cópias dos teu documentos importantes.
When referring to plural nouns like ‘documentos’, the possessive must be plural ‘teus’, not singular ‘teu’.
Guarda cópias dos os teu documentos importantes.
The contraction ‘dos’ already includes the article ‘os’; you cannot repeat the article with the possessive.
↔Alternatives
Faz cópias dos teus documentos importantes.
Make copies of your important documents.
Mantém cópias dos teus documentos importantes.
Maintain copies of your important documents.
Não te esqueças de guardar cópias dos teus documentos importantes.
Don't forget to keep copies of your important documents.
Cultural Tip
In Portugal and Brazil, it’s common to keep both physical and digital backups of essential paperwork. Many public offices (e.g., conservatórias, cartórios) require original documents, but having a scanned copy can speed up appointments and protect you from loss. When speaking informally, the familiar ‘tu’ form (Guarda) is natural, but in more formal settings you’d use ‘Guarde’ (imperative for ‘você’/‘o senhor’).