Portuguese Phrase
Compara bem os nomes das ruas.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to compare the street names carefully, often to avoid confusion or to verify that they match a map or a list.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are giving a friend or a colleague instructions to double‑check street names, for example while planning a route, checking an address, or reviewing a city map.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Comparabemosnomesdasruas
Imperative (tu) - Compara
The verb 'comparar' in the affirmative informal imperative (tu) drops the final -r and adds an -a: compara.
Adverb of manner - bem
‘bem’ modifies the verb, indicating the action should be done well or carefully.
Definite article + noun - os nomes
‘os’ is the masculine plural definite article agreeing with ‘nomes’.
Preposition + article contraction - das
‘das’ = de + as, used before feminine plural nouns like ‘ruas’.
Noun - ruas
‘ruas’ is the feminine plural of ‘rua’, meaning ‘streets’.
🗨In Conversation
Preciso encontrar a casa do João, mas não lembro a rua.
I need to find João's house, but I don't remember the street.
Compara bem os nomes das ruas no mapa antes de sair.
Compare the street names on the map carefully before you go out.
✕Common Mistakes
Comparar bem os nomes das ruas.
Using the infinitive ‘comparar’ instead of the imperative changes the meaning to ‘to compare’ rather than giving a command.
Compara bem o nome das ruas.
‘o nome’ is singular; the sentence refers to multiple street names, so it should be ‘os nomes’.
Compara bem os nomes das rua.
‘rua’ is singular; the article must agree in number – ‘das ruas’.
↔Alternatives
Verifica bem os nomes das ruas.
Check the street names carefully.
Confere atentamente os nomes das ruas.
Cross‑check the street names attentively.
Olha com atenção os nomes das ruas.
Look at the street names with attention.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, many cities have streets with similar or duplicated names, especially in large neighborhoods. It’s common to ask someone to ‘comparar bem os nomes das ruas’ before giving directions, because a small mistake can lead you to a completely different area. The informal imperative (tu) is typical in the South of Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná) and in Portugal; in most of Brazil you would hear ‘compare bem…’ using the formal ‘você’ form.