Portuguese Phrase
Não bloqueie as portas com sacolas.
Meaning
A polite but firm request not to obstruct doorways with bags. It is commonly seen on signs in public places to keep traffic flowing and to avoid safety hazards.
When to use
Use this phrase on signs in schools, offices, stores, elevators, or any public area where people might leave shopping bags in the way of a door. It works both as a written notice and as a spoken reminder.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nãobloqueieasportascomsacolas
Negation (Não)
‘Não’ is placed before the verb to make a negative command.
Imperative (bloqueie)
‘Bloqueie’ is the formal (você) imperative of the verb ‘bloquear’, formed from the present subjunctive.
Definite article (as)
‘As’ is the feminine plural definite article that must agree with ‘portas’.
Preposition (com)
‘Com’ means ‘with’ and introduces the instrument or material.
Noun agreement (sacolas)
‘Sacolas’ is a feminine plural noun; it matches the preposition ‘com’ without article.
🗨In Conversation
Desculpe, posso deixar minha sacola aqui?
Excuse me, can I leave my bag here?
Não bloqueie as portas com sacolas, por favor.
Please don’t block the doors with bags.
✕Common Mistakes
Não bloqueia as portas com sacolas.
‘Bloqueia’ is the present indicative; the correct imperative form is ‘bloqueie’.
Não bloqueie as porta com sacolas.
The article must agree in number with the noun; use ‘as portas’.
Não bloqueie as portas com sacola.
When referring to multiple bags, use the plural ‘sacolas’.
↔Alternatives
Não obstrua as portas com sacolas.
Do not obstruct the doors with bags.
Não tape as portas com sacolas.
Do not cover the doors with bags.
Por favor, não coloque sacolas nas portas.
Please don’t place bags in the doors.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, keeping entrances clear is a matter of safety and courtesy. Signs using the formal imperative (‑e) are common in public spaces because they sound respectful yet authoritative. Avoid overly casual forms like ‘não bloqueia’ which can sound ungrammatical or rude.