Portuguese Phrase
Um galão por pessoa por dia.
Meaning
The sentence states a daily allocation: each individual is allowed one gallon of water (or another liquid) every day. It is a typical way to express rationing or recommended consumption limits.
When to use
Use this phrase when talking about water distribution in areas without regular supply, setting health‑related intake guidelines, or describing any resource that is handed out on a per‑person, per‑day basis.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Umgalãoporpessoapordia
Um (indefinite article)
Used before masculine singular nouns to mean 'one' or 'a'.
galão (noun, masculine)
A large container, commonly 20 L of water; masculine, so it takes 'um' and 'o'.
por (preposition)
Means 'per' or 'for each', indicating a rate or distribution.
pessoa (noun, feminine)
Means 'person'; the preposition 'por' links it to the rate.
dia (noun, masculine)
Means 'day'; the second 'por' creates the expression 'per day'.
🗨In Conversation
Qual é a cota de água para a comunidade?
What is the water quota for the community?
Um galão por pessoa por dia.
One gallon per person per day.
✕Common Mistakes
Um galão de pessoa por dia.
The preposition 'de' changes the meaning to 'a gallon of person', which is incorrect.
Um galão por pessoa cada dia.
While 'cada' can mean 'each', using it together with 'por' is redundant.
Um galão por pessoa ao dia.
'Ao' (a + o) is acceptable in some regions but sounds less natural in formal contexts.
↔Alternatives
Um litro por pessoa por dia.
One liter per person per day.
Um galão por habitante ao dia.
One gallon per inhabitant per day.
Um galão diário por pessoa.
A daily gallon per person.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, a 'galão' usually refers to a 20‑liter water container that families keep at home when municipal water service is unreliable. When you use this phrase, you’re speaking in a neutral, slightly formal register—perfect for public announcements, NGO briefings, or classroom discussions about resource management.