Portuguese Phrase
Evita lugares escuros e isolados.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct command or strong recommendation to stay away from locations that are poorly lit and secluded. It implies a warning about potential danger or discomfort associated with such environments. It's a common piece of advice given for personal safety.
When to use
This phrase is typically used as a safety warning or advice, often given to someone who is traveling alone, in an unfamiliar area, or at night. It can also be used in public safety campaigns or discussions about personal security.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Evitalugaresescuroseisolados
Evita (Evitar)
This is the imperative form of the verb 'evitar' (to avoid) for 'tu' (you, informal singular). It's a direct command. For 'você' (you, formal singular), it would be 'Evite'.
lugares
This is the plural noun for 'place' (lugar). It's masculine, hence the masculine adjectives that follow.
escuros
This is the masculine plural adjective for 'dark' (escuro). It agrees in gender and number with 'lugares'.
e
'E' means 'and' in Portuguese. It connects the two adjectives 'escuros' and 'isolados', indicating that both qualities apply to the places.
isolados
This is the masculine plural adjective for 'isolated' (isolado). Like 'escuros', it agrees in gender and number with 'lugares'.
🗨In Conversation
Vou sair para correr à noite.
I'm going out for a run tonight.
Toma cuidado! Evita lugares escuros e isolados.
Be careful! Avoid dark and isolated places.
✕Common Mistakes
Não evita lugares escuros e isolados.
In Portuguese, for negative commands, you place 'não' before the verb, but the verb itself remains in the imperative form. 'Evita' is already an imperative, so 'Não evites' (for 'tu') or 'Não evite' (for 'você') would be correct, but 'Não evita' is grammatically incorrect as a command.
Evita lugares escuros ou isolados.
While 'ou' (or) is not strictly wrong, 'e' (and) is more common and stronger in this context, implying that both characteristics (darkness AND isolation) contribute to the danger, rather than just one or the other.
↔Alternatives
Fique longe de áreas perigosas.
Stay away from dangerous areas.
Não vá para locais mal iluminados e desertos.
Don't go to poorly lit and deserted places.
Cuidado com lugares ermos.
Be careful with desolate places.
Cultural Tip
In many Portuguese-speaking countries, especially in larger cities, personal safety is a significant concern. Giving advice like 'Evita lugares escuros e isolados' is a common way to express care and caution, reflecting a general awareness of urban safety issues. It's often heard from parents to children, or friends to each other, particularly when discussing nightlife or travel.