Portuguese Phrase
Não mostre coisas caras.
Meaning
‘Don’t show expensive things.’ The sentence is a polite but firm request not to display items that are costly or luxurious, often to avoid drawing attention or causing envy.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to advise a friend, colleague, or a child to keep high‑value items out of sight—e.g., at a modest gathering, in a workplace where ostentation is discouraged, or when teaching modest behavior.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nãomostrecoisascaras
Negation (Não)
‘Não’ precedes the verb to make a negative command, similar to ‘don’t’ in English.
Imperative (mostre)
‘Mostre’ is the affirmative imperative for the second‑person singular (você) of the verb ‘mostrar’ (to show).
Noun‑adjective order (coisas caras)
In Portuguese the adjective usually follows the noun and must agree in gender and number.
Plural agreement (caras)
‘Caras’ is the feminine plural form of ‘caro’, matching the plural noun ‘coisas’.
🗨In Conversation
Não mostre coisas caras na festa, pode deixar as pessoas desconfortáveis.
Don’t show expensive things at the party; it might make people uncomfortable.
Entendi, vou guardar o relógio de ouro no carro.
Got it, I’ll keep the gold watch in the car.
✕Common Mistakes
Não mostra coisas caras.
‘Mostra’ is the present indicative (he/she shows). For a command you need the imperative ‘mostre’.
Não mostre coisas caro.
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun; ‘coisas’ is feminine plural, so it should be ‘caras’.
Nao mostre coisas caras.
The tilde is essential; ‘nao’ without it changes pronunciation and is considered a spelling error.
↔Alternatives
Não exiba coisas caras.
Don’t display expensive things.
Não ostente objetos caros.
Don’t flaunt costly objects.
Não mostre objetos de valor.
Don’t show valuable objects.
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian culture modesty is often appreciated; openly flaunting wealth can be seen as bragging or disrespectful, especially in mixed‑company gatherings. Using a gentle negative command like ‘Não mostre…’ helps keep the tone courteous while still conveying the request.