Portuguese Phrase
Fica nas estradas principais.
Meaning
‘Stay on the main roads.’ It is a directive telling someone to keep to the primary thoroughfares, often used when giving directions or travel advice.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are guiding someone through a city, countryside, or when you want to advise a driver to avoid side streets and stick to the main routes.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ficanasestradasprincipais
Imperative of ficar
"Fica" is the informal singular (tu) imperative of the verb "ficar" meaning ‘to stay’ or ‘to remain’.
Preposition + article = nas
"nas" is the contraction of "em" (in/on) + "as" (the, feminine plural). It signals location on plural feminine nouns.
Adjective agreement
The adjective "principais" agrees in gender (feminine) and number (plural) with "estradas".
Alternative formal imperative
In formal contexts you would use "Fique nas estradas principais" (you stay).
🗨In Conversation
Como chego ao centro da cidade?
How do I get to the city center?
Fica nas estradas principais e depois vire à esquerda na avenida 5 de Julho.
Stay on the main roads and then turn left onto 5 de Julho Avenue.
✕Common Mistakes
Fica nos estradas principais.
Use "nas" because "estradas" is feminine plural; "nos" is for masculine plural.
Fica nas estradas principal.
The adjective must agree in number with "estradas"; use "principais" (plural).
Fica nas estradas principais, senhor.
When speaking formally or to someone you don’t know, use "Fique" instead of "Fica".
↔Alternatives
Fique nas estradas principais.
Stay on the main roads. (formal)
Mantenha‑se nas vias principais.
Keep yourself on the main routes.
Use as rodovias principais.
Use the main highways.
Fica na estrada principal.
Stay on the main road. (singular)
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, "estrada" usually refers to rural or secondary roads, while "via" or "rodovia" is used for major highways. When speaking to someone you don’t know well, replace the informal "Fica" with the formal "Fique". Also, remember that "nas" only works with feminine plural nouns; for masculine plural you would say "nos" (e.g., "nos caminhos principais").