Portuguese Phrase
Troca as pilhas todo ano.
Meaning
The sentence tells that you replace the batteries each year. It expresses a regular, yearly habit using the present indicative of ‘trocar’ and the adverbial phrase ‘todo ano’ (every year).
When to use
Use this phrase when talking about routine maintenance of devices—remote controls, toys, flashlights, etc.—or when reminding someone to change batteries on an annual basis.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Trocaaspilhastodoano
Troca (verb)
‘Troca’ is the 2nd‑person singular present indicative of ‘trocar’ (to change/replace). It can also be an informal imperative.
as (definite article)
Plural feminine article that agrees with ‘pilhas’.
pilhas (noun)
Feminine plural noun meaning ‘batteries’ (or ‘piles’).
todo (adjective)
Used before a singular masculine noun to mean ‘every’. It must agree in gender/number with the noun that follows.
ano (noun)
Masculine singular noun meaning ‘year’.
🗨In Conversation
Você troca as pilhas do controle remoto?
Do you change the batteries in the remote control?
Sim, troco as pilhas todo ano.
Yes, I change the batteries every year.
✕Common Mistakes
Troca as pilhas todos ano.
‘Todos’ is plural; the correct form before the singular masculine noun ‘ano’ is ‘todo’.
Muda as pilhas todo ano.
While understandable, native speakers prefer ‘trocar’ for batteries.
↔Alternatives
Muda as baterias todo ano.
You change the batteries every year.
Substitui as pilhas anualmente.
You replace the batteries annually.
Renova as pilhas a cada ano.
You renew the batteries each year.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil many household gadgets still use AA or AAA batteries. It’s common to replace them yearly to avoid leakage that can damage the device. When speaking about batteries, ‘trocar’ is the preferred verb; ‘mudar’ is understood but sounds less natural.