Portuguese Phrase
Não mexa na pessoa se ela estiver ferida.
Meaning
This sentence is a warning or instruction telling someone not to touch or move a person who is injured. It emphasizes safety and respect for the injured individual's condition, implying that unnecessary handling could cause further harm.
When to use
Use this phrase in emergency situations, such as when you are a bystander at an accident scene, a first‑aid responder, or simply advising someone to stay away from a wounded person until professionals arrive.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nãomexanapessoaseelaestiverferida
Negative Imperative
The negative command uses "não" + verb in the present subjunctive (mexa → mexa).
Preposition "na"
"na" is a contraction of "em" + "a", used before feminine nouns like "pessoa".
Conditional Clause with Subjunctive
After "se" (if), the verb takes the present subjunctive (estiver) to express a condition.
Agreement of "ferida"
"Ferida" agrees with the feminine noun "pessoa"; use "ferido" for masculine subjects.
🗨In Conversation
Alguém está sangrando, devo ajudar?
Someone is bleeding, should I help?
Não mexa na pessoa se ela estiver ferida. Espere a ambulância.
Don't touch the person if they are injured. Wait for the ambulance.
✕Common Mistakes
Não mexa na pessoa se ela estiver ferida.
Use the imperative form "mexa" (you) only for affirmative commands; the negative command requires "não mexa".
Não mexa na pessoa se ele estiver ferido.
When referring to a person, the adjective must agree in gender: "ferida" for a female or generic person, "ferido" for a male.
Não mexa na pessoa se ela está ferida.
In conditional clauses, use the subjunctive "estiver" to express uncertainty or condition.
↔Alternatives
Não toque na pessoa se ela estiver ferida.
Don't touch the person if they are injured.
Não mova a pessoa caso ela esteja ferida.
Don't move the person if they are injured.
Evite manipular a pessoa enquanto ela estiver ferida.
Avoid handling the person while they are injured.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, emergency protocols stress the importance of not moving a victim unless there is an immediate danger (e.g., fire). Saying "Não mexa na pessoa" shows you understand basic first‑aid etiquette and respect for the victim's safety. In formal settings, you might hear "não manipule" or "não intervenha" as more technical terms.