Portuguese Phrase
É pra cobrir danos, não pra pagar o aluguel.
Meaning
This phrase is used to clarify the specific purpose of a sum of money, often implying that it should not be used for general expenses like rent. It highlights that the funds are designated for specific repairs or compensation for damage. It's commonly heard in discussions about security deposits, insurance payouts, or funds with restricted uses.
When to use
You would use this phrase when discussing a security deposit for an apartment, an insurance claim, or any situation where money is allocated for a specific purpose (like repairs) and someone is trying to use it for something else (like regular expenses). It emphasizes the intended use of the funds.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Épracobrirdanos,nãoprapagaroaluguel.
É pra (It's for/to)
'É pra' is a common informal contraction of 'É para'. 'É' is the third-person singular of 'ser' (to be), indicating a general truth or purpose. It sets up the intended use of something.
Cobrir (To cover)
'Cobrir' means 'to cover' and is used here in the sense of 'to provide for' or 'to compensate for'. It's an infinitive verb, often following prepositions like 'pra' (para).
Danos (Damages)
'Danos' refers to harm or injury, often financial or material. It's a plural masculine noun, commonly used in legal or insurance contexts.
Não pra (Not to/for)
'Não pra' is the negative form of 'pra', meaning 'not for' or 'not to'. It negates the purpose that follows, clearly stating what the funds are not intended for.
Pagar o aluguel (To pay the rent)
'Pagar' means 'to pay'. 'O aluguel' is the masculine singular noun for 'the rent'. This phrase specifies the action that the money is explicitly *not* intended for.
🗨In Conversation
Preciso de dinheiro para o aluguel deste mês. Posso usar o depósito de segurança?
I need money for this month's rent. Can I use the security deposit?
Não, o depósito de segurança é pra cobrir danos, não pra pagar o aluguel.
No, the security deposit is to cover damages, not to pay the rent.
✕Common Mistakes
É para cobrir danos, não para pagar o aluguel.
While grammatically correct, 'pra' is a common contraction of 'para' in informal Brazilian Portuguese, making the phrase sound more natural and conversational in everyday speech.
É para cobrir estragos, não para pagar o aluguel.
While 'estragos' also means damages, 'danos' is the more standard and formal term, especially in contexts like insurance, contracts, or security deposits.
↔Alternatives
O dinheiro é para reparos, não para despesas gerais.
The money is for repairs, not for general expenses.
Isso é para cobrir prejuízos, não para o seu dia a dia.
This is to cover losses, not for your daily life.
A finalidade é para cobrir danos, não para custear o aluguel.
The purpose is to cover damages, not to pay for the rent.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, security deposits (often called 'caução' or 'depósito de segurança') for rental properties are common. This phrase directly relates to the understanding that this money is held by the landlord specifically to cover potential damages to the property, not as an advance on rent or for the tenant's general use. Misunderstandings about the use of these funds can lead to disputes, making this phrase a practical clarification in such situations.