Portuguese Phrase
Um rádio a manivela é prático.
Meaning
The sentence means 'A hand‑crank radio is practical.' It highlights the convenience of a radio that can be powered by turning a crank, especially when electricity is unavailable.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to comment on the usefulness of devices that don’t need batteries or electricity, such as during camping trips, emergencies, or in remote areas with limited power supply.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Umrádioamanivelaéprático
Indefinite article (Um)
Use 'um' for masculine singular nouns; it means 'a' or 'one'.
Noun gender (rádio)
'Rádio' is a masculine noun, so it takes 'um' and adjectives in masculine form.
Prepositional phrase (a manivela)
'A' here is a preposition meaning 'by' or 'with', followed by the noun 'manivela' (crank).
Ser vs. Estar (é)
Use 'ser' (é) to describe an inherent characteristic; 'estar' would imply a temporary state.
Adjective agreement (prático)
Adjectives agree in gender and number with the noun they modify; 'prático' matches masculine singular 'rádio'.
🗨In Conversation
Um rádio a manivela é prático.
A hand‑crank radio is practical.
Sim, nunca fico sem bateria.
Yes, I never run out of battery.
✕Common Mistakes
Uma rádio a manivela é prático.
‘Rádio’ is masculine, so the correct article is ‘um’, not ‘uma’.
Um rádio a manivela está prático.
Use ‘é’ (ser) for permanent qualities; ‘está’ (estar) would imply a temporary state.
Um rádio a manivela é prática.
The adjective must agree with the masculine noun ‘rádio’.
↔Alternatives
Um rádio de manivela é útil.
A crank radio is useful.
Um rádio com manivela é conveniente.
A radio with a crank is convenient.
Um rádio acionado por manivela é prático.
A radio powered by a crank is practical.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, hand‑crank radios are common in rural communities and emergency kits. They became especially popular after major power‑outage events, as they can be used without batteries or a power grid, making them a trusted tool for staying informed during storms or floods.