Portuguese Phrase
Em alguns transportes não se pode comer.
Meaning
The sentence states that eating is not allowed on certain types of transportation. It is a general rule rather than a personal restriction, implying that the rule applies to anyone using those transport modes.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to inform passengers, read a sign, or answer a question about whether food is permitted on a bus, train, airplane, or any other conveyance.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Emalgunstransportesnãosepodecomer.
Em (preposition)
Used to indicate location or context, similar to 'in' or 'on' in English.
alguns (indefinite adjective)
Means 'some' and agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies.
se pode (impersonal construction)
The pronoun 'se' creates an impersonal subject, translating to 'one can' or 'it is possible to'.
comer (infinitive verb)
The infinitive form of the verb 'to eat', used after modal verbs like poder.
🗨In Conversation
Posso comer no ônibus?
Can I eat on the bus?
Em alguns transportes não se pode comer.
In some transports you cannot eat.
✕Common Mistakes
Em alguns transportes não pode comer.
Missing the impersonal 'se' changes the meaning to 'you/they cannot eat' rather than a general rule.
Em alguns transportes se não pode comer.
The negation must stay before the verb; placing it after 'se' (e.g., 'se não pode comer') is ungrammatical.
Nos transportes não se pode comer.
Using 'nos' (in the transports) is less natural here; 'em alguns transportes' specifies that only some, not all, have the restriction.
↔Alternatives
Em certos meios de transporte, comer é proibido.
In certain means of transport, eating is prohibited.
Não é permitido comer em alguns transportes.
It is not allowed to eat in some transports.
Alguns veículos não permitem que se coma.
Some vehicles do not allow one to eat.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, most city buses, metros and urban trains discourage eating because of cleanliness concerns. Long‑distance coaches often allow snacks but forbid strong‑smelling foods. When traveling, always look for posted signs – they usually read something like 'É proibido comer' or 'Não é permitido consumir alimentos'.