🚫🍟

How to Say ‘But don't steal my fries!’ in Portuguese

Mas não me roubes as batatas!

MAHS NOW mee ROH-bsh azh buh-TAH-tush

[MAHS NOW mee ROH-bsh azh buh-TAH-tush]

💬 Usage Tip: Portuguese often shows whose thing it is with me next to the verb rather than with "my". Compare roubaram-me a carteira "they stole my wallet".

Phrase Breakdown

Mas não me roubes

MAHS NOW mee ROH-bsh

But don't steal

'Mas' means 'but'. Join it smoothly to 'não me roubes'.

Example

Mas não me digas isso!

But don't tell me that!

Words in this phrase

Mas

[MAHS]

But

Used to introduce a phrase or clause contrasting with what has already been mentioned.

Example

Ela disse que viria, mas não apareceu.

She said she would come, but she didn't show up.

não

[NOW]

Not

A word used to form a negative clause or phrase.

Example

Você não pode sair.

You cannot leave.

[mee]

The objective case of the pronoun 'I'.

Example

Ele me escolheu para a tarefa.

He chose me for the task.

roubes

[ROH-bsh]

steal (you, negative command)

Informal 'tu' form of 'roubar' used in negative commands.

Example

Não roubes o meu lugar!

Don't steal my seat!

as batatas!

azh buh-TAH-tush

the fries / the potatoes

Here it means chips or fries. Say it as 'ach batátach'.

Example

As batatas estão quentes.

The fries are hot.

Words in this phrase

[azh]

the

Plural feminine definite article, used before feminine plural nouns.

Example

As pessoas parecem abertas a perguntas no evento.

The people seem open to questions at the event.

batatas

[buh-TAH-tush]

potatoes / fries

Plural of 'batata'; at a bar often means fries or chips.

Example

Quero batatas fritas.

I want fries.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Moved to Lisbon with zero Portuguese and honestly thought I’d be pointing at menus forever. Three weeks in and I’m having real conversations with my landlord.”

Priya N., 35, Freelance Designer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer