Portuguese Phrase
Não te atrases.
Meaning
A direct, informal way to tell someone not to be late. It carries a friendly but firm tone, suitable for peers, friends or colleagues you know well.
When to use
Use it when you’re arranging a meeting, a class, a dinner, or any event where punctuality matters. In more formal contexts switch to the third‑person form ‘Não se atrase.’
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nãoteatrases
Negação (Não)
‘Não’ precedes the verb to turn a command into a negative one.
Pronome reflexivo (te)
‘te’ is the second‑person singular reflexive pronoun, required because ‘atrastar‑se’ is a reflexive verb.
Imperativo negativo (atrases)
In Portuguese the negative imperative uses the present subjunctive form; for ‘tu’ the form is ‘atrases’.
🗨In Conversation
Não te atrases!
Don’t be late!
Já estou a caminho, não te preocupes.
I’m already on my way, don’t worry.
✕Common Mistakes
Não te atrasa.
The verb must be in the present subjunctive for a negative command (atrases), not the indicative (atrasa).
Não te atrases.
When speaking formally you should use the third‑person reflexive ‘se’ instead of ‘te’.
↔Alternatives
Não se atrase.
Don’t be late. (formal)
Chega a tempo.
Arrive on time.
Não venhas atrasado.
Don’t come late.
Cultural Tip
In Portugal punctuality is a sign of respect; being even a few minutes late can be seen as rude. Among friends the informal ‘Não te atrases’ is common, while in Brazil people usually say ‘Não se atrase’ or ‘Não se atrase, por favor.’ Adjust the pronoun and level of formality to match the region and relationship.