Portuguese Phrase
Aproxima o cartão ao embarcar.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener to bring the travel card close to the validator when getting on a bus, train, or metro. It’s a short, direct instruction commonly heard in public‑transport announcements.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are giving a quick, polite instruction to passengers at a bus stop, metro station, or any place where a contactless travel card must be presented before boarding.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Aproximaocartãoaoembarcar
Imperative (Aproxima)
‘Aproxima’ is the affirmative imperative of the verb ‘aproximar’, used here to give a direct command.
Definite article (o)
‘o’ is the masculine singular definite article that agrees with ‘cartão’.
Contraction (ao)
‘ao’ = a + o, meaning ‘to the/when the’. It introduces the infinitive verb that follows.
Infinitive after ao (embarcar)
After the preposition ‘a’, the verb stays in the infinitive form, here ‘embarcar’ = ‘to board’.
🗨In Conversation
Aproxima o cartão ao embarcar.
Bring your card close when you board.
Obrigado, já fiz.
Thanks, I’ve done it.
✕Common Mistakes
Aproxima‑te o cartão ao embarcar.
‘Aproxima‑te’ is the reflexive form meaning ‘bring yourself close’, which changes the meaning.
Aproxima o cartão na embarcar.
The preposition should be ‘ao’ (a + o), not ‘na’, which would mean ‘in the’ and is grammatically incorrect here.
Aproxima o cartão ao entrar.
While ‘entrar’ is understandable, the standard phrase uses ‘embarcar’ for buses/trains; ‘entrar’ is more common for buildings.
↔Alternatives
Segure o cartão próximo ao validar.
Hold the card near the validator.
Aproxime o cartão ao entrar no ônibus.
Bring the card close when you get on the bus.
Passe o cartão na catraca ao embarcar.
Swipe the card at the turnstile when boarding.
Cultural Tip
In most Brazilian cities the phrase appears on automated voice announcements and on digital displays at metro stations. The tone is neutral and slightly formal – it’s not a request but a clear instruction. Remember that ‘cartão’ usually refers to a contact‑less fare card (e.g., Bilhete Único, MetroCard), not a credit card.