Portuguese Phrase
Para, atira-te ao chão e rola já!
Meaning
This is a very urgent and direct command, instructing someone to immediately cease their current action, drop to the ground, and roll. It implies a situation of extreme danger or a drill where quick, decisive action is required to avoid harm. The adverb "já" emphasizes the immediacy of the action.
When to use
This phrase is typically used in emergency situations where immediate action is needed for safety, such as during a fire (as part of 'stop, drop, and roll' instructions), a military drill, or a self-defense instruction. It is a very strong and direct command, not suitable for casual conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Paraatira-teao chãoerolajá
Para (Imperative)
'Para' is the imperative form of the verb 'parar' (to stop) for the informal singular 'tu'. It's a direct command.
atira-te (Reflexive Imperative)
'Atira-te' is the imperative form of 'atirar' (to throw) for 'tu', combined with the reflexive pronoun 'te' (yourself). This indicates the action is performed by the subject upon themselves.
ao chão (Prepositional Phrase)
'Ao chão' is a contraction of the preposition 'a' (to/at) and the masculine definite article 'o' (the), followed by 'chão' (ground). It means 'to the ground'.
e (Conjunction)
'E' is a conjunction meaning 'and', used here to connect the series of urgent commands.
rola (Imperative)
'Rola' is the imperative form of the verb 'rolar' (to roll) for the informal singular 'tu'. It's another direct command.
já (Adverb of Time)
'Já' is an adverb meaning 'now' or 'immediately'. In this context, it strongly emphasizes the urgency and immediacy required for the actions.
🗨In Conversation
Cuidado! O teto está a cair!
Watch out! The ceiling is falling!
Para, atira-te ao chão e rola já!
Stop, throw yourself to the ground and roll now!
✕Common Mistakes
Para, atira ao chão e rola já!
The verb 'atirar' (to throw) needs the reflexive pronoun 'te' when the subject is throwing themselves. Without 'te', it would mean 'throw something else'.
Parar, atirar-se ao chão e rolar já!
Commands in Portuguese use the imperative mood, not the infinitive form of the verbs. 'Para', 'atira-te', and 'rola' are the correct imperative forms for 'tu'.
↔Alternatives
Pára e deita-te no chão!
Stop and lie down on the ground!
Fica no chão!
Stay on the ground!
Abaixa-te rapidamente!
Get down quickly!
Cultural Tip
Portuguese, like many Romance languages, uses direct commands frequently. However, the intensity and urgency of "Para, atira-te ao chão e rola já!" make it suitable only for very specific, high-stakes contexts. Using such a direct and urgent command in a non-emergency situation would be considered rude or overly dramatic. It's a phrase often associated with safety drills or action movie scenarios.