Portuguese Phrase
Puxa, mira, aperta, varre.
Meaning
A rapid series of four commands: ‘Pull, aim, press, sweep.’ It’s often used to describe a quick, decisive sequence of actions, especially in games or sports where each step follows the previous one.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to give a concise, energetic set of instructions, such as explaining a move in a video game, describing a cleaning routine, or jokingly telling a friend how to handle a tricky situation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Puxa,mira,aperta,varre.
Imperative (tu) form
All four verbs are in the informal singular imperative (tu) used in Brazil, which is formed by dropping the final -r of the infinitive and adding -a (for -ar verbs) or -e (for -er/-ir verbs).
Verb types
Puxa (puxar) is an -ar verb, mira (mirar) is a regular -ar verb, aperta (apertar) is also -ar, and varre (varrer) is an irregular -er verb where the stem changes from 'varr-' to 'varr-'.
Comma usage
Commas separate a list of commands, creating a rhythmic, instructional tone.
Pronoun omission
In Portuguese imperatives, the subject pronoun (tu) is omitted; the verb itself conveys the command.
🗨In Conversation
Puxa, mira, aperta, varre!
Pull, aim, press, sweep!
Entendi, já faço tudo na sequência.
Got it, I’ll do everything in that order.
✕Common Mistakes
Puxe, mira, aperta, varre.
‘Puxe’ is the formal você‑imperative; the phrase relies on the informal tu‑imperative for its punchy rhythm.
Puxa, mira, aperta, varra.
‘Varra’ is the second‑person singular of the present indicative; the correct imperative is ‘varre’.
Puxa, mira, apertar, varre.
Using the infinitive breaks the command structure; you need the imperative form ‘aperta’.
↔Alternatives
Puxe, mire, aperte, varra.
Pull, aim, press, sweep.
Puxa, aponta, aperta, limpa.
Pull, point, press, clean.
Puxa, foca, aperta, varre.
Pull, focus, press, sweep.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the informal tu‑imperative (puxa, mira, etc.) is common among friends and in casual settings, while the formal você‑imperative (puxe, mire, aperte, varra) would be used with strangers or in professional contexts. The rhythm of this phrase mimics the cadence of many Brazilian chants and sports cheers, giving it a lively, motivational feel.