Portuguese Phrase
Segue a regra dos 30% pro aluguel.
Meaning
This phrase refers to the common financial guideline that suggests your monthly rent should not exceed 30% of your gross monthly income. It's a widely accepted principle for maintaining financial stability and avoiding being "house poor." Adhering to this rule helps ensure you have enough funds for other expenses and savings.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing personal finance, budgeting, or giving advice to someone looking for a place to live. It's a practical tip for managing expenses and ensuring affordability, often shared in informal conversations about housing or financial planning.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Seguea regrados 30%pro aluguel
Segue (Seguir)
Segue is the informal imperative form of the verb 'seguir' (to follow). It's used to give advice or commands to 'you' (tu) in a casual context, common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.
A regra (The rule)
'A regra' means 'the rule'. 'A' is the feminine definite article, matching 'regra' (rule), which is a feminine noun. This structure is standard for referring to a specific rule.
Dos 30% (Of the 30%)
'Dos' is a contraction of 'de' (of/from) and 'os' (the, masculine plural). It indicates possession or relation, here meaning 'of the 30%'. It's common to use 'dos' even when referring to a percentage, treating the number as a masculine plural concept.
Pro aluguel (For the rent)
'Pro' is a common informal contraction of 'para o' (for the, masculine singular). It's widely used in spoken Brazilian Portuguese, meaning 'for the rent' or 'regarding the rent'.
🗨In Conversation
Estou procurando um apartamento, mas os preços estão muito altos!
I'm looking for an apartment, but prices are very high!
É, mas segue a regra dos 30% pro aluguel, pra não apertar o orçamento.
Yeah, but follow the 30% rule for rent, so you don't squeeze your budget.
✕Common Mistakes
Segue a regra de 30% para o aluguel.
"Dos" is a contraction of "de" + "os" and is more natural when referring to a percentage in this context. "Pro" is a common informal contraction of "para o" in spoken Portuguese.
Siga a regra dos 30% para o aluguel.
"Segue" is the informal imperative (tu form) and is more commonly used when giving casual advice to a friend. "Siga" is the formal imperative (você/ele/ela form).
↔Alternatives
Não gaste mais de 30% da sua renda com aluguel.
Don't spend more than 30% of your income on rent.
O ideal é que o aluguel não passe de 30% do seu salário.
Ideally, rent shouldn't exceed 30% of your salary.
Cultural Tip
In many Portuguese-speaking countries, especially Brazil, discussing personal finance and giving advice on budgeting is common among friends and family. The "30% rule" is a well-known guideline, often shared as practical wisdom. While it's a general rule, local economic conditions and housing markets can significantly influence its applicability, and it's often seen as a starting point for financial planning.