Portuguese Phrase
Eles protegem os direitos dos consumidores.
Meaning
The sentence states that ‘they’ (usually a government agency, a company, or an association) safeguard the legal rights that belong to consumers. It emphasizes an active role in defending consumer protection legislation.
When to use
Use this phrase when talking about consumer‑protection agencies, corporate compliance departments, or consumer‑rights NGOs. It works in news reports, formal presentations, or classroom discussions about consumer law.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Elesprotegemosdireitosdosconsumidores
Subject‑verb agreement
The third‑person plural pronoun 'eles' requires the verb 'proteger' to be conjugated as 'protegem'.
Definite article 'os'
Use the masculine plural article 'os' before 'direitos' because 'direito' is masculine.
Contraction 'dos'
'dos' = de + os; it links the noun 'direitos' to the complement 'consumidores'.
Noun gender & number
'Direitos' (rights) and 'consumidores' (consumers) are both masculine plural, so the articles and adjectives must match.
🗨In Conversation
Você sabia que o Procon tem feito um ótimo trabalho?
Did you know that Procon has been doing a great job?
Sim, eles protegem os direitos dos consumidores.
Yes, they protect consumers' rights.
✕Common Mistakes
Ele protege os direitos dos consumidores.
The subject is plural; you need 'Eles protegem' not singular 'Ele protege'.
Eles protegem os direito dos consumidores.
The noun must agree in number with the article: 'os direitos'.
Eles protegem os direitos do consumidores.
The preposition 'de' contracts with the plural article 'os' → 'dos'.
↔Alternatives
Eles defendem os direitos dos consumidores.
They defend consumers' rights.
Eles salvaguardam os direitos dos consumidores.
They safeguard consumers' rights.
Eles garantem os direitos dos consumidores.
They guarantee consumers' rights.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, consumer protection is regulated by the Código de Defesa do Consumidor (Consumer Defense Code). Mentioning 'direitos dos consumidores' often signals a formal, legal context. In casual conversation you might hear 'os direitos do cliente' (the customer's rights) instead of the more formal 'direitos dos consumidores'.