Introduction
Shopping for furniture in Brazil can be an exciting experience, and knowing a few key phrases in Brazilian Portuguese will make it much easier. This article teaches beginner-friendly vocabulary, simple questions, polite replies, and short dialogues you can use in stores, markets, and delivery conversations. Learn what to say, how to ask about sizes, colors, prices, delivery, and returns, and avoid common beginner mistakes.
Why learning basic furniture-shopping phrases helps
When you can ask basic questions in Portuguese, store staff will respond more clearly and you will feel more confident. Simple vocabulary helps you compare items, understand measurements, and arrange delivery. Even a few phrases show politeness and make transactions smoother.
Key vocabulary for furniture shopping
Start with essential nouns for items and actions you will use most.
móvel — furniture, a general word for pieces like cabinets or shelves
sofá — sofa or couch
mesa — table
cadeira — chair
cama — bed
armário — wardrobe or cabinet
estante — bookcase or shelf unit
gaveta — drawer
colchão — mattress
entrega — delivery
montagem — assembly
troca — exchange
devolução — return
Useful adjectives and measurements
grande — large
pequeno — small
largo — wide
comprido — long
alto — tall/high
baixo — low
novo — new
usado — used
metro — meter (useful for dimensions)
centímetro — centimeter
Essential phrases: questions to ask in the store
Below are beginner-friendly questions to ask staff. These focus on availability, dimensions, price, and services like delivery and assembly.
Quanto custa este sofá? — How much does this sofa cost?
Este móvel está disponível em outra cor? — Is this furniture available in another color?
Qual é a garantia? — What is the warranty?
Vocês fazem entrega? — Do you do delivery?
Quanto custa a entrega? — How much is delivery?
Vocês montam o móvel? — Do you assemble the furniture?
Qual é o tamanho deste armário? — What are the dimensions of this wardrobe?
Tem em estoque? — Is it in stock?
Posso pagar no cartão? — Can I pay by card?
Tem desconto se eu levar dois? — Is there a discount if I buy two?
How to ask about size and fit
Asking about dimensions is crucial so furniture fits your space. Use simple structures and include numbers or show a tape measure.
Qual é a largura e a altura? — What is the width and height?
Ele cabe no meu corredor? — Will it fit in my hallway?
Quanto mede este colchão? — How big is this mattress?
Posso ver as medidas na etiqueta? — Can I see the measurements on the tag?
Polite replies and negotiation language
Politeness helps in any shopping situation. Here are common responses and phrases for simple negotiation or clarifying details. Learning yes/no and polite filler words is helpful.
Sim, temos este modelo em azul. — Yes, we have this model in blue.
Infelizmente, está esgotado. — Unfortunately, it is sold out.
Posso fazer um desconto de 10 por cento. — I can give a 10 percent discount.
Temos uma promoção até sábado. — We have a promotion until Saturday.
Você pode pagar em até 6 vezes no cartão. — You can pay in up to 6 installments on the card.
Podemos agendar a entrega para a próxima semana. — We can schedule delivery for next week.
Simple phrases for delivery and assembly
When arranging delivery and setup, use clear, short sentences to avoid confusion.
Quero entrega para o dia 15. — I want delivery for the 15th.
O endereço é Rua das Flores, número 30. — The address is Rua das Flores, number 30.
Preciso de montagem no local. — I need assembly on site.
O entregador pode subir pelo elevador? — Can the delivery person use the elevator?
É possível escolher o horário? — Is it possible to choose the time?
Short example dialogues for real situations
These short dialogues use common store scenarios. They are beginner-friendly and realistic for Brazilian furniture shops.
Customer: Olá, bom dia. Este sofá está à venda?
Staff: Bom dia! Sim, está. Quer ver o preço?
Customer: Quanto custa?
Staff: Custa mil e quinhentos reais e temos entrega por cento e cinquenta reais.
Customer: O armário entra no elevador do prédio?
Staff: Preciso das medidas. Qual é a largura do elevador?
Customer: Dois metros de largura.
Staff: Então cabe, sim.
Customer: Vocês montam a cama?
Staff: Sim, o serviço de montagem custa cem reais.
Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them
Beginners often mix informal and formal language, or forget key words like gender agreement and prepositions. Here are quick tips to avoid common errors.
1. Gender and articles: Match o or a with nouns. Example: o sofá (masculine) vs a mesa (feminine).
2. Singular vs plural: Use singular for one item and plural for multiples. Example: uma cadeira vs duas cadeiras.
3. Measurements: Say numbers clearly and include unidades (metros, centímetros). Example: um metro e cinquenta for 1.5 meters.
4. Politeness: Use bom dia, boa tarde, por favor, and obrigado/obrigada depending on your gender to be polite.
How to describe what you want
When you are specific, store staff can help faster. Learn to combine nouns and adjectives to describe color, material, and style.
Eu quero um sofá cinza de três lugares. — I want a gray three-seater sofa.
Procuro uma mesa de madeira clara. — I’m looking for a light wood table.
Quero uma cama com gavetas embaixo. — I want a bed with drawers underneath.
Preciso de uma estante para livros, alta e estreita. — I need a bookcase, tall and narrow.
Asking about returns, warranty, and exchanges
Returns and guarantees are important. Use brief, direct questions to understand store policies.
Qual é a política de devolução? — What is the return policy?
Quanto tempo dura a garantia? — How long does the warranty last?
Posso trocar se não servir? — Can I exchange it if it doesn’t fit?
O produto tem garantia contra defeito? — Does the product have a defect warranty?
Tips for shopping safely and smartly
Besides language, a few practical tips help beginners avoid surprises.
1. Take photos and measurements of your space. Bring them to the store so you can show staff the exact area.
2. Ask for a written invoice or receipt that shows price, delivery date, and warranty details.
3. Confirm delivery policies: who moves furniture inside your home, what happens if there is damage, and whether installation is included.
4. Use polite closing phrases: Obrigada if you are female, Obrigado if you are male, and add por favor and com licença to be courteous.
Quick reference phrase list
Onde estão os móveis de sala? — Where are the living room furniture?
Tem com desconto? — Is there a discount?
Posso ver o produto? — Can I see the product?
Vocês entregam neste bairro? — Do you deliver to this neighborhood?
Qual é o prazo de entrega? — What is the delivery time?
Preciso de uma nota fiscal, por favor. — I need an invoice, please.
Conclusion
With these beginner-friendly phrases and vocabulary, shopping for furniture in Brazilian Portuguese becomes more manageable and enjoyable. Practice short questions, remember key nouns like sofá and mesa, and use polite expressions. Carry measurements, ask clearly about delivery and assembly, and use the sample dialogues when you need a quick script in the store.
