Portuguese Phrase
Pega o próximo trem.
Meaning
Literally, ‘Take the next train.’ It is a short, direct instruction you might give a friend, a fellow traveler, or a child when you want them to board the train that arrives next.
When to use
Use this phrase at a train station, in a travel guide, or when coordinating a group’s departure. It’s informal, so reserve it for people you know well or for casual settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Pegaopróximotrem
Imperative (tu) form
‘Pega’ is the informal second‑person singular imperative of the verb ‘pegar’ (to take). It’s used in casual conversation.
Definite article
‘o’ is the masculine singular definite article that agrees with ‘trem’.
Demonstrative adjective
‘próximo’ means ‘next’ and must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (masc. singular → próximo).
Verb‑object order
In Portuguese imperatives the verb comes first, followed directly by the object.
🗨In Conversation
Pega o próximo trem, ele sai em cinco minutos.
Take the next train, it leaves in five minutes.
Certo, já estou a caminho da plataforma.
Okay, I’m already heading to the platform.
✕Common Mistakes
Pega o próximo trens.
‘Trem’ is singular; the plural would be ‘trens’, but the sentence refers to a single next train.
Pegue o próximo trem.
‘Pegue’ is correct in formal Portuguese, but using it in a casual conversation with friends can sound overly stiff.
Pega a próximo trem.
The article and adjective must match the masculine noun ‘trem’: use ‘o próximo’, not ‘a próximo’.
↔Alternatives
Pegue o próximo trem.
Take the next train.
Pegue o próximo comboio.
Take the next train/coach.
Pegue o próximo metrô.
Take the next subway.
Pegue o próximo trem, por favor.
Please take the next train.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, ‘trem’ is the common word for a railway train, while in Portugal people often say ‘comboio’. The informal imperative ‘pega’ is typical among friends; in more formal or polite contexts you should use ‘pegue’. Also, Brazilians tend to be very punctual with train schedules, so mentioning the exact departure time (e.g., ‘em cinco minutos’) adds clarity.