Portuguese Phrase
Liga já para o 911 se houver ferimentos graves.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to call emergency services (911) immediately if there are serious injuries. It combines a direct command with a conditional clause, stressing both urgency and the specific circumstance that triggers the call.
When to use
Use this phrase in an emergency situation where you witness or are informed of a serious injury and need to alert emergency responders right away. It is appropriate for both spoken and written alerts, especially when giving instructions to a by‑stander.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ligajáparao911sehouverferimentosgraves
Imperative Mood
‘Liga’ is the affirmative imperative of ‘ligar’ (to call) used for giving a direct command.
Adverb ‘já’
‘Já’ means ‘already’ or ‘right away’; placed after the verb to stress urgency.
Preposition ‘para’ + number
When calling a phone number, Portuguese uses ‘ligar para o 911’ (call to 911).
Conditional ‘se houver’
‘Se’ introduces a condition; the verb ‘haver’ appears in the present subjunctive ‘houver’ after ‘se’.
Noun phrase ‘ferimentos graves’
‘Ferimentos’ (injuries) is modified by the adjective ‘graves’ (serious) placed after the noun.
🗨In Conversation
Acabei de ver o acidente, tem alguém gravemente ferido?
I just saw the accident, is anyone seriously injured?
Sim, há ferimentos graves. Liga já para o 911.
Yes, there are serious injuries. Call 911 right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Liga já o 911 se houver ferimentos graves.
The preposition ‘para’ is required when calling a number; ‘ligar o 911’ sounds like ‘turn on the 911’.
Liga já para o 911 se há ferimentos graves.
After ‘se’, the verb must be in the subjunctive ‘houver’, not the indicative ‘há’.
Já liga para o 911 se houver ferimentos graves.
In the affirmative imperative, the verb comes first; ‘já liga’ sounds like a statement, not a command.
↔Alternatives
Ligue imediatamente para o 911 se houver ferimentos graves.
Call 911 immediately if there are serious injuries.
Chame o 911 imediatamente caso haja ferimentos graves.
Call 911 immediately in case there are serious injuries.
Se houver ferimentos graves, ligue já para o 911.
If there are serious injuries, call 911 right away.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil the official emergency numbers are 190 (police), 192 (ambulance) and 193 (fire). Tourists and many apps also accept 911, so the phrase is still useful, especially for non‑Brazilian speakers. Keep a firm but calm tone; emergency operators expect clear, concise information.