What to say in Portuguese when talking to a craft seller

Introduction

Visiting a craft market or small artisanal shop in Brazil is a delightful way to practice Portuguese and buy unique souvenirs. This article teaches beginner-friendly phrases, vocabulary, and short dialogues you can use when talking to a craft seller. Learn how to ask about price, materials, sizes, payment, and small talk to make shopping smooth and friendly.

Why learning these phrases helps

Simple, polite phrases build rapport with sellers and make transactions faster. Knowing basic vocabulary for materials, measurements, and payment keeps misunderstandings to a minimum. For tourists and anyone new to Brazilian Portuguese, friendly greetings and clear questions are essential.

Basic greetings and polite openers

Start every interaction with a greeting and a polite phrase. These set a positive tone and are easy to remember.

Oi — Hello (informal)

Bom dia — Good morning

Boa tarde — Good afternoon

Boa noite — Good evening / good night

Com licença — Excuse me (to get attention)

Posso ver? — Can I see?

Essential phrases to start shopping

Use these to show interest and ask simple questions about the items.

Quanto custa? — How much does it cost?

Tem desconto? — Is there a discount?

É artesanal? — Is it handmade?

De que material é? — What material is it made of?

Tem em outra cor? — Do you have it in another color?

Tem deste tamanho? — Do you have this size?

Words for materials and common craft types

Knowing material names helps when asking about quality, care, and price.

Madeira — Wood

Cerâmica — Ceramic

Tecido — Fabric

Couro — Leather

Vidro — Glass

Metal — Metal

Asking about size, weight, and measurements

Many handmade items vary by size. These phrases help you check dimensions.

Qual o tamanho? — What is the size?

É grande ou pequeno? — Is it big or small?

Quanto pesa? — How much does it weigh?

As medidas são? — What are the measurements?

Payment and transaction phrases

Sellers at craft markets accept different payment methods. Use these phrases to confirm how to pay.

Aceita cartão? — Do you accept card?

Posso pagar com dinheiro? — Can I pay with cash?

Tem máquina de cartão? — Do you have a card machine?

Parcelado? — Can I pay in installments?

Tá bom — Okay / That works (colloquial)

Asking about care and origin

For fragile or valuable crafts, ask how to care for them and where they were made.

Como eu cuido disso? — How do I take care of this?

É resistente à água? — Is it water resistant?

Foi feito aqui? — Was it made here?

Quem fez? — Who made it?

Common seller replies and how to understand them

Recognizing typical responses makes conversation smoother. Below are short seller replies with English explanations.

Custa cinquenta reais — It costs fifty reais (Brazilian currency). Reais is the plural of real.

Posso dar um desconto — I can give a discount.

Foi feito à mão — It was handmade.

Temos só nessa cor — We only have it in this color.

Aceito cartão e dinheiro — I accept card and cash.

Short beginner-friendly dialogues

Dialogues show how phrases flow naturally. Read them aloud to practice rhythm and intonation.

Seller: Oi, posso ajudar?
Buyer: Oi, quero ver esta bolsa. Quanto custa?
Seller: Custa cem reais.
Buyer: Tem desconto se eu levar duas?
Seller: Posso fazer dez por cento de desconto.

Seller: Bom dia, quer olhar os vasos?
Buyer: Sim, são de cerâmica?
Seller: Sim, todos são de cerâmica e pintados à mão.
Buyer: Como eu cuido deles?
Seller: É melhor lavar com água e sabão neutro.

Polite responses and closing the sale

After questions and bargaining, use polite closers and confirm details of payment or pickup.

Eu levo — I’ll take it

Vou pensar — I’ll think about it

Posso reservar? — Can you reserve it?

Quando eu volto eu pago — When I come back I’ll pay

Obrigado (if you are male) — Thank you
Obrigada (if you are female) — Thank you

Beginner tips for sounding natural

Small habits make your Portuguese sound friendlier and more natural.

Use por favor and obrigado/obrigada often to be polite.

Listen for numbers: zero, um, dois, três, quatro, cinco, dez, vinte, cinquenta, cem.

Speak slowly and repeat words if needed: posso repetir por favor?

Smile and use body language to show interest when you can’t find the exact word.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Beginners often mix up gender and verb forms. Here are easy fixes.

Match the adjective to the gender: uma bolsa bonita (bolsa is feminine), um vaso bonito (vaso is masculine).

Use obrigado if you are male and obrigada if you are female; sellers will not correct you, but Brazilians notice and appreciate the effort.

When asking price, say Quanto custa? for one item and Quanto custam? for plural items.

Practical phrases for special situations

If the seller is busy, interrupted, or speaks quickly, these phrases help manage the interaction.

Um minuto, por favor — One minute, please

Pode esperar? — Can you wait?

Fala mais devagar, por favor — Speak more slowly, please

Não entendi — I did not understand

Examples of short messages and notes

If you need to leave a note or request, use these simple messages.

Reservado até as 17h — Reserved until 5 pm

Favor ligar para confirmar — Please call to confirm

Vou voltar amanhã — I will return tomorrow

Shopping etiquette and cultural tips

Brazilians are warm and often chatty. A little small talk can make the sale more enjoyable, but respect the seller’s time in busy markets.

Begin with a greeting, ask questions about the item, and if bargaining, be friendly. In many artisanal markets, some negotiation is normal, but always stay polite and reasonable.

Conclusion

With these beginner-friendly Brazilian Portuguese phrases and examples, you can confidently speak to craft sellers, ask about prices and materials, and complete purchases politely. Practice the short dialogues and key vocabulary, and you will enjoy smoother, more enjoyable market conversations on your next visit to a craft fair or artisanal shop.