Portuguese Phrase
O que fazer se suas roupas pegarem fogo?
Meaning
This question asks for advice on the steps to take when your clothing suddenly ignites. It is a practical safety query, often heard in emergency‑preparedness contexts.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing fire‑safety drills, giving first‑aid instructions, or reacting to a sudden emergency where clothing catches fire. It can appear in instructional videos, safety brochures, or casual conversation about what‑if scenarios.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Oquefazersesuasroupaspegaremfogo?
O que (interrogative)
The phrase "O que" introduces a question meaning "what" and is followed by a verb in infinitive.
fazer (infinitive)
After "O que", the verb stays in the infinitive form to ask about an action.
se (conditional conjunction)
"se" introduces a conditional clause, similar to "if" in English.
pegarem (present subjunctive)
Verbs in a conditional clause after "se" use the present subjunctive; here "pegarem" is the subjunctive of "pegar".
fogo (noun)
"fogo" means "fire"; the expression "pegar fogo" is an idiomatic way to say "catch fire".
🗨In Conversation
O que fazer se suas roupas pegarem fogo?
What should you do if your clothes catch fire?
Primeiro, pare, caia e role no chão para abafar as chamas; depois, peça ajuda imediatamente.
First, stop, drop, and roll on the ground to smother the flames; then call for help right away.
✕Common Mistakes
O que fazer se suas roupas pegam fogo?
The verb must be in the present subjunctive (pegarem) after the conditional "se".
O que fazer se seus roupas pegarem fogo?
Because "roupas" is feminine plural, the possessive must agree: "suas".
O que fazer se suas roupas pegarem o fogo?
Do not add an article; the idiom is "pegar fogo", not "pegar o fogo".
↔Alternatives
O que fazer caso suas roupas peguem fogo?
What to do in case your clothes catch fire?
Como agir se suas roupas entrarem em chamas?
How to act if your clothes go up in flames?
Quais são os passos quando suas roupas pegam fogo?
What are the steps when your clothes catch fire?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the standard emergency number for fire is 193. Safety campaigns often teach the "Pare, Caia e Role" (Stop, Drop, and Roll) technique. When using this phrase, keep a calm tone; it is usually part of a safety briefing rather than a casual chat.