Portuguese Phrase
Escuta bem as instruções deles.
Meaning
‘Escuta bem as instruções deles.’ means ‘Listen carefully to their instructions.’ The adverb *bem* adds the nuance of paying close attention, not just hearing.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to remind someone—informally—to follow the directions given by a third party, such as a teacher, a trainer, or a colleague.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Escutabemasinstruçõesdeles
Escuta (imperative)
‘Escuta’ is the informal second‑person singular imperative of the verb *escutar* (to listen). Use it with friends, peers, or anyone you address with ‘tu’.
bem (adverb)
‘bem’ means ‘well’ or ‘carefully’ and modifies the verb, telling the listener to pay close attention.
as instruções (definite article + noun)
‘as’ is the feminine plural definite article that agrees with *instruções*, a feminine plural noun meaning ‘instructions’.
deles (possessive pronoun)
‘deles’ means ‘their’ and follows the noun it modifies, a typical Portuguese word order.
🗨In Conversation
Escuta bem as instruções deles antes de começar o exercício.
Listen carefully to their instructions before you start the exercise.
Pode deixar, não quero errar.
Sure, I don’t want to make a mistake.
✕Common Mistakes
Escuta as instruções bem deles.
Placing *bem* after the noun changes the meaning; it must modify the verb.
Escuta bem as instruções seus.
Using *seus* can be ambiguous because it can refer to the listener’s own instructions; *deles* clearly points to ‘their’ instructions.
Escuta bem as instruções deles, senhor.
In formal contexts you should use *ouça* instead of the informal *escuta*.
↔Alternatives
Presta atenção nas instruções deles.
Pay attention to their instructions.
Ouça atentamente as instruções deles.
Listen attentively to their instructions.
Fica atento às instruções deles.
Stay alert to their instructions.
Cultural Tip
‘Escuta’ is informal; in a formal setting (e.g., with a boss or a stranger) you would use the formal imperative *ouça*: *Ouça bem as instruções deles.* Also, Portuguese speakers often add *por favor* for politeness: *Escuta bem as instruções deles, por favor.*