Portuguese Phrase
Se precisar, sela as janelas e as portas.
Meaning
The sentence gives a conditional instruction: if a situation arises where it is necessary, the listener should seal (close tightly) both the windows and the doors. It is often used in contexts of safety, weather protection, or security.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to give a precautionary command, such as before a storm, during a cleaning routine, or when preparing a house for a security check. It works well in informal spoken Portuguese and in written safety guidelines.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Seprecisar,selaasjanelaseasportas.
Se (conditional conjunction)
Introduces a condition, equivalent to “if” in English. It is followed by a verb in the infinitive.
precisar (infinitive)
The infinitive after “se” expresses the condition: “if (you) need”.
sela (imperative)
Affirmative imperative of the verb “selar” for the 2nd‑person singular (você). It gives a direct instruction: “seal”.
as janelas / as portas (definite articles)
Both nouns are feminine plural, so they take the article “as”.
e (coordinating conjunction)
Links two objects of the same action, similar to “and”.
🗨In Conversation
A tempestade está chegando, o que devemos fazer?
The storm is coming, what should we do?
Se precisar, sela as janelas e as portas.
If needed, seal the windows and the doors.
✕Common Mistakes
Se precisar, selas as janelas e as portas.
The verb should stay in the singular imperative form “sela”; “selas” is a conjugation that does not exist for this verb.
Se precisar, sela a janela e as portas.
Both windows and doors are plural in the original sentence; using the singular “janela” changes the meaning.
Se precisar, sela as janelas e portas.
The article “as” must be repeated before each noun to keep agreement clear.
↔Alternatives
Caso seja necessário, feche as janelas e as portas.
If it is necessary, close the windows and the doors.
Se for preciso, tranque as janelas e as portas.
If it is required, lock the windows and the doors.
Se precisar, mantenha as janelas e as portas bem fechadas.
If needed, keep the windows and doors tightly closed.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, “selar” is commonly used when talking about protecting a house from rain, wind, insects, or dust. It does not imply locking (that would be “trancar”), but rather making sure there are no gaps. In some regions, people also say “tampar” (to cover) when referring to windows.