Portuguese Phrase
Mantenha a pessoa aquecida.
Meaning
The sentence is a polite command telling someone to keep a person warm. It can be used when caring for a sick relative, looking after a child in cold weather, or any situation where warmth is essential for comfort and health.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to give clear, caring instructions to another person to ensure someone stays warm – for example, a nurse to a caregiver, a parent to a friend, or a teammate during an outdoor activity.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Mantenhaapessoaaquecida
Imperative of manter
‘Mantenha’ is the formal (você) imperative of the verb ‘manter’ (to keep). It is used to give a direct command or instruction.
Definite article + noun
‘a pessoa’ combines the feminine singular article ‘a’ with the noun ‘pessoa’ (person).
Past participle as adjective
‘aquecida’ is the past participle of ‘aquecer’ and agrees in gender and number with ‘pessoa’, functioning as an adjective meaning ‘warm’.
🗨In Conversation
Mantenha a pessoa aquecida.
Keep the person warm.
Claro, vou cobri‑la com um cobertor.
Sure, I’ll cover them with a blanket.
✕Common Mistakes
Mantém a pessoa aquecida.
‘Mantém’ is the present indicative (he/she keeps); the correct command form is ‘Mantenha’.
Mantenha a pessoa quente.
‘Quente’ means ‘hot’; for a comfortable warmth use ‘aquecida’.
A pessoa aquecida.
Leaving out the verb makes the sentence a fragment; you need a verb like ‘Mantenha’ or ‘Garanta que’.
↔Alternatives
Mantenha a pessoa quente.
Keep the person hot.
Faça a pessoa ficar aquecida.
Make sure the person stays warm.
Garanta que a pessoa esteja aquecida.
Ensure the person is warm.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, caring for warmth is especially important in the southern states where winter can be chilly. ‘Aquecida’ is the preferred adjective for a comfortable warmth, while ‘quente’ can sound a bit too hot. When giving a command, the formal imperative ‘Mantenha…’ sounds polite and respectful, especially in caregiving contexts.