Portuguese Phrase
Dá pra congelar alguns pratos por mais tempo.
Meaning
The sentence says that it is possible to keep certain dishes frozen for a longer period of time. It implies that not all dishes may keep their quality if stored too long, but some can be safely extended.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing food storage, especially when advising friends or family about which leftovers can stay in the freezer for an extended time.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Dápracongelaralgunspratospormaistempo
Dá pra (colloquial)
‘Dá pra’ is an informal contraction of ‘dá para’, meaning ‘it’s possible to’ or ‘you can’. It’s common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.
por mais tempo
The preposition ‘por’ indicates duration. ‘Mais tempo’ adds the idea of a longer period.
congelar (infinitive)
The verb appears in its infinitive form after ‘dá pra’, which functions like ‘to be able to’.
alguns pratos (quantifier)
‘Alguns’ quantifies the noun ‘pratos’, meaning ‘some dishes’.
🗨In Conversation
Você acha que dá pra congelar a lasanha por mais tempo?
Do you think we can freeze the lasagna for longer?
Sim, dá pra congelar alguns pratos por mais tempo, mas a massa pode ficar um pouco mole depois.
Yes, you can freeze some dishes for longer, but the pasta might get a bit soft later.
✕Common Mistakes
Tem pra congelar alguns pratos por mais tempo.
‘Tem’ means ‘has’ or ‘there is’; the correct verb for possibility is ‘dá’ (or ‘é possível’).
Dá para congelar alguns pratos por mais tempo.
In this colloquial structure you should use ‘pra’ (contraction of ‘para’) after ‘dá’. ‘Para’ would sound overly formal.
Dá pra congelar alguns pratos de mais tempo.
Do not replace ‘por’ with ‘de’; ‘por’ is the correct preposition for duration.
↔Alternatives
É possível congelar alguns pratos por mais tempo.
It is possible to freeze some dishes for a longer time.
Pode-se congelar alguns pratos por mais tempo.
One can freeze some dishes for a longer time.
Consegue congelar alguns pratos por mais tempo?
Can you freeze some dishes for longer?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, freezing leftovers is a common way to reduce food waste, but certain dishes—like rice, creamy sauces, or salads with fresh herbs—may lose texture or flavor after a long freeze. It’s typical to label containers with the date and type of food to keep track of quality.