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Portuguese Phrase

Descreve o problema passo a passo.

/dʒiˈskɾe.vi u pɾoˈble.ma ˈpas.u a ˈpas.u/
Meaning"Describe the problem step by step."
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Meaning

A request to explain a problem in a clear, sequential manner, breaking it down into individual steps. It emphasizes thoroughness and clarity, useful in troubleshooting or teaching contexts.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you need someone to detail an issue for you—e.g., during technical support, a classroom exercise, or when collaborating on a project that requires a methodical explanation.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Descreveoproblemapassoapasso

1

Descreve

Second‑person singular present indicative of 'descrever', often used as an informal imperative meaning 'describe'.

2

o

Definite article matching the masculine singular noun 'problema'.

3

problema

Masculine singular noun meaning 'problem' or 'issue'.

4

passo a passo

Fixed idiomatic expression meaning 'step by step'; the preposition 'a' links two identical nouns.

🗨In Conversation

A

Descreve o problema passo a passo, por favor.

Please describe the problem step by step.

Claro! Primeiro, o computador não liga; depois, a tela fica preta, e assim por diante.

Sure! First, the computer won't turn on; then the screen goes black, and so on.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Descreva o problema passo a passo.

    Use 'Descreva' only in formal contexts; 'Descreve' is informal. Mixing registers can sound odd.

  • Descreve o problema passos a passo.

    The idiom is 'passo a passo' (singular), not 'passos a passo'.

  • Descreve problema passo a passo.

    If the problem has already been mentioned, you can drop the article: 'Descreve problema passo a passo.'

↔Alternatives

  • Explique o problema passo a passo.

    Explain the problem step by step.

  • Detalhe o problema passo a passo.

    Detail the problem step by step.

  • Descreva o problema passo a passo.

    Describe the problem step by step (formal).

pt

Cultural Tip

In Brazilian Portuguese, 'passo a passo' is a very common collocation and works both in formal and informal speech. When speaking to someone you don't know well, prefer the formal imperative 'Descreva' or 'Explique' to show respect. In Portugal, the same phrase is used, but you may also hear 'passo a passo' pronounced with a slightly shorter vowel in 'passo'.