Portuguese Phrase
Não pegue atalhos por lugares desconhecidos.
Meaning
This phrase is a warning, advising someone against taking a quicker, less conventional route through areas they are not familiar with. It implies that doing so could lead to unforeseen dangers or complications. It's a cautionary statement about the risks associated with venturing into the unknown without proper knowledge.
When to use
This phrase is typically used to caution someone against making a risky decision, especially when they are considering a path that seems easier or faster but lacks familiarity. It can be applied literally to physical routes or metaphorically to life choices, projects, or problem-solving strategies where cutting corners might lead to trouble.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nãopegueatalhosporlugaresdesconhecidos
Não (Negation)
'Não' is placed directly before the verb to form a negative command or statement in Portuguese. It's a simple and direct way to negate an action.
Pegue (Verb 'Pegar')
'Pegue' is the imperative form of the verb 'pegar' (to take, to catch). In this context, it's used for a command or advice, specifically for 'você' (you, singular formal/informal in Brazil) or 'ele/ela' (he/she).
Atalhos (Noun 'Atalho')
'Atalhos' is the plural of 'atalho', meaning 'shortcut'. It's a masculine noun, hence the plural form ending in '-os'.
Por (Preposition)
'Por' is a versatile preposition that can mean 'through', 'by', 'for', or 'along'. Here, it indicates movement 'through' or 'by way of' the unknown places.
Lugares (Noun 'Lugar')
'Lugares' is the plural of 'lugar', meaning 'place'. It's a masculine noun, and its plural form is regular.
Desconhecidos (Adjective 'Desconhecido')
'Desconhecidos' is the plural masculine form of the adjective 'desconhecido', meaning 'unknown'. It agrees in gender and number with the noun 'lugares' it modifies.
🗨In Conversation
Estou pensando em pegar um atalho por aquela rua para chegar mais rápido.
I'm thinking of taking a shortcut through that street to get there faster.
Não pegue atalhos por lugares desconhecidos, pode ser perigoso.
Don't take shortcuts through unknown places, it could be dangerous.
✕Common Mistakes
Não toma atalhos por lugares desconhecidos.
While 'tomar atalho' is also common, 'pegar atalho' is more frequently used in Brazil. Also, 'toma' is the informal imperative for 'você', but the phrase uses 'pegue' which is the formal imperative or informal for 'você' in some regions, but here it's a general warning.
Não pegue atalhos em lugares desconhecidos.
The preposition 'por' is generally used to indicate 'through' or 'by way of' when referring to passing through a place, which fits the context of taking a shortcut. 'Em' would mean 'in' or 'at', which doesn't quite convey the same sense of movement through.
↔Alternatives
Não se aventure em lugares desconhecidos.
Don't venture into unknown places.
Cuidado com os atalhos em áreas que você não conhece.
Be careful with shortcuts in areas you don't know.
É melhor ir pelo caminho conhecido.
It's better to go by the known path.
Cultural Tip
Brazilians often value safety and caution, especially when giving advice to friends or family. This phrase reflects a common sentiment of looking out for others and warning them against potential dangers, whether literal (like navigating a city) or figurative (like making a quick decision without full information). It's a polite but firm way to express concern.