Share Fridge and Storage Space with Roommates in Portuguese
Ask which shelf is yours, where shared items belong, and how to label food and household supplies in a shared apartment.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Prateleira is shelf and espaço is space. When you move in or buy groceries, ask which shelf or cabinet is available. It is easier to agree before the refrigerator fills up than after someone needs to move another person's things.
Ask where to put your things
For food that is for everyone, use compartilhado (shared). For an item that belongs to one resident, use pessoal (personal) or add a name label.
Qual prateleira posso usar?
Which shelf can I use?
Esta caixa é compartilhada ou pessoal?
Is this container shared or personal?
Make a practical space agreement
Ask whether large items, meal-prep containers, or household supplies need a particular place. Some roommates prefer separate shelves; others divide space by container. Choose an arrangement people can understand without a long explanation.
Use vamos deixar… aqui? to propose a location and check whether it works for everyone.
Vamos deixar os temperos nesta prateleira?
Shall we keep the spices on this shelf?
Onde guardamos os produtos de limpeza?
Where do we keep the cleaning supplies?
Check before throwing something away
An old container may belong to someone who plans to use it later. Ask whether it can be discarded and, if food is shared, check who will replace it. Clear labels with a name or date can help people make that decision themselves.
Use ainda está bom? to ask whether something is still good, but do not rely on another person's answer when food safety is uncertain. Follow appropriate storage guidance for food.
Esse pote é seu? Posso guardar ou descartar?
Is that container yours? Should I keep it or throw it away?
Você quer guardar esse alimento para depois?
Do you want to save that food for later?
Put it into practice
Agree on shelves and shared containers, label personal items, and ask before moving or discarding someone else's things.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Do you want to save that food for later”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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