Portuguese Phrase
Prepara‑te sempre para o tempo imprevisível.
Meaning
The sentence advises someone to always get ready for weather that can change without warning. It stresses a habit of preparation rather than a one‑off action.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving practical advice about outdoor plans – hiking, a beach day, a picnic, or even daily commuting in regions where the weather is known to shift quickly.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Prepara-tesempreparaotempoimprevisível
Reflexive imperative (affirmative)
The verb ‘preparar‑se’ in the affirmative imperative attaches the pronoun after the verb with a hyphen: ‘Prepara‑te’ (prepare yourself).
Adverb of frequency
‘Sempre’ means ‘always’ and is placed before the prepositional phrase it modifies.
Preposition ‘para’
‘Para’ introduces the goal or purpose – here ‘for the weather’. It never contracts with the article.
Article with ‘tempo’
‘Tempo’ (weather) is a masculine noun, so it requires the definite article ‘o’.
Adjective position
In Portuguese adjectives usually follow the noun; ‘imprevisível’ comes after ‘tempo’, which is the natural order.
🗨In Conversation
Vamos fazer a caminhada amanhã?
Shall we go for the hike tomorrow?
Sim, mas prepara‑te sempre para o tempo imprevisível.
Yes, but always prepare yourself for unpredictable weather.
✕Common Mistakes
Prepara‑te sempre ao tempo imprevisível.
‘Ao’ (a + o) is wrong here; the correct preposition is ‘para’.
Prepara‑te sempre para tempo imprevisível.
The definite article ‘o’ before ‘tempo’ is required.
Prepara‑te sempre para o imprevisível tempo.
While grammatically possible, Portuguese normally places the adjective after the noun; the given order sounds unnatural.
↔Alternatives
Esteja sempre pronto para o tempo imprevisível.
Be always ready for unpredictable weather.
Sempre se prepare para o clima incerto.
Always get ready for uncertain weather.
Nunca esqueças de levar um guarda‑chuva, o tempo pode mudar.
Never forget to bring an umbrella; the weather can change.
Cultural Tip
In Portugal, especially along the Atlantic coast, the weather can swing from sunshine to rain in minutes. Locals habitually carry a small raincoat or an umbrella, and they’ll often remind friends with phrases like this. Note that ‘tempo’ refers to daily weather, while ‘clima’ is used for long‑term climate patterns.