Portuguese Phrase
Normalmente, o depósito caução não pode ser usado para pagar o aluguel.
Meaning
The sentence means "Usually, the security deposit cannot be used to pay the rent." It emphasizes that the deposit is meant as a guarantee, not as a payment method.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing the terms of a rental contract, especially when clarifying what the security deposit can and cannot be used for.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Normalmenteodepósitocauçãonãopodeserusadoparapagaroaluguel
Adverb of frequency
"Normalmente" is an adverb placed at the beginning of the sentence to indicate what usually happens.
Compound noun
"Depósito caução" is a fixed expression meaning a security deposit; both words stay together.
Negative modal + passive infinitive
"não pode ser usado" combines the negative modal "não pode" with the passive infinitive "ser usado" to express inability.
"para + infinitive" purpose
The construction "para pagar" indicates the purpose of the action (to pay).
🗨In Conversation
Posso usar o depósito caução para pagar o aluguel deste mês?
Can I use the security deposit to pay this month's rent?
Normalmente, o depósito caução não pode ser usado para pagar o aluguel.
Usually, the security deposit cannot be used to pay the rent.
✕Common Mistakes
Normalmente, o depósito caução não pode usar para pagar o aluguel.
The verb should be in passive form "ser usado"; "usar" makes the sentence active and changes the meaning.
Normalmente, o depósito caução não pode usar para pagar o aluguel.
Combine the modal with the passive infinitive: "pode ser usado".
↔Alternatives
O depósito caução não serve para pagar o aluguel.
The security deposit is not meant to pay the rent.
Em geral, o depósito caução não pode ser destinado ao pagamento do aluguel.
In general, the security deposit cannot be allocated to rent payment.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, a "caução" is often a cash deposit or a guarantee from a third party, but it is rarely allowed to be applied toward monthly rent. Landlords usually require a separate guarantor or a rental insurance policy. Be aware that the rules can vary by state and by the specific contract, so always read the fine print.