Portuguese Phrase
Evita lugares escuros e vazios.
Meaning
The sentence is a direct recommendation to stay away from places that are both dark and empty. It can be used as a safety tip or a warning, emphasizing that such environments may feel unsafe or be risky.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving advice about personal safety, especially to children, tourists, or anyone walking alone at night. It also works in contexts like horror stories, travel guides, or casual conversation about urban legends.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Evitalugaresescurosevazios
Imperative (tu) - Evita
The verb 'evitar' in the affirmative imperative for 'tu' drops the final -r and adds an -a, forming 'evita' meaning 'avoid'.
Noun plural agreement
Adjectives 'escuros' and 'vazios' must agree in gender and number with the plural noun 'lugares'.
Coordinating conjunction 'e'
The conjunction 'e' (and) links two adjectives describing the same noun without repeating the noun.
🗨In Conversation
Você vai ao parque à noite?
Are you going to the park at night?
Não, melhor não. Evita lugares escuros e vazios.
No, better not. Avoid dark and empty places.
✕Common Mistakes
Evita lugares escuro e vazios.
Adjective must agree with plural noun 'lugares', so use 'escuros'.
Evita lugares escuros e vazio.
Same agreement rule; use 'vazios' for plural.
Evitar lugares escuros e vazios.
In the imperative you need the conjugated form 'Evita', not the infinitive.
↔Alternatives
Fuja de locais escuros e vazios.
Flee from dark and empty places.
Não vá a lugares escuros e vazios.
Don't go to dark and empty places.
Mantenha-se longe de áreas escuras e desertas.
Stay away from dark and deserted areas.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, many people associate dark, empty streets with danger or even supernatural stories. It's common for parents to tell kids to 'evitar lugares escuros' as a safety precaution. However, in larger cities, well‑lit public transport hubs are considered safe even after dark, so the advice is context‑dependent.