Portuguese Money Phrases for Shopping

Introduction

Learning how to handle money conversations is essential for anyone studying Portuguese, especially if you plan to travel to Brazil or Portuguese-speaking countries. Shopping situations require specific vocabulary and phrases that differ from textbook Portuguese. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the practical expressions you need to confidently navigate markets, stores, and shopping centers while speaking Portuguese like a native.

Essential Money Vocabulary for Shopping

Before diving into full phrases, you need to understand the basic money-related vocabulary that forms the foundation of shopping conversations in Portuguese. The currency used in Brazil is called the real (plural: reais), and understanding how to discuss prices and payments starts with knowing these fundamental terms.

The word dinheiro means money in general. When you want to ask if a store accepts cash, you would say dinheiro in your question. The related term troco refers to change that you receive back after a purchase, which is crucial vocabulary for cash transactions.

Payment methods have their own specific terms. A credit card is called cartão de crédito, while a debit card is cartão de débito. Many Brazilians simply say cartão when referring to cards in general. The act of paying is expressed with the verb pagar, which you’ll use constantly while shopping.

When discussing prices, you’ll encounter preço (price), desconto (discount), and promoção (sale or promotion). These words appear on signs throughout stores and in conversations with salespeople. Understanding them helps you identify good deals and ask relevant questions about pricing.

Asking About Prices

One of the most fundamental skills in shopping is asking how much something costs. In Portuguese, the most common way to ask this is Quanto custa? This phrase literally translates to how much does it cost, and works in virtually any shopping situation.

For a more specific inquiry, you can point to an item and ask Quanto custa isso? or Quanto custa este/esta? depending on the gender of the noun. The demonstrative pronouns este (masculine) and esta (feminine) help you specify exactly which item you’re asking about.

When you want to know the price of multiple items, use Quanto custam? with the plural verb form. For example, if you’re holding several shirts, you might ask Quanto custam estas camisas? to find out the total cost.

In markets and informal settings, you might hear the shorter version Quanto é? This casual phrase means how much is it and is perfectly acceptable in most shopping contexts. Street vendors and market sellers frequently use this expression, and you can too.

Another useful variation is Qual é o preço?, which directly translates to what is the price. This sounds slightly more formal than quanto custa but works well in any store environment. You can follow it with deste produto or desta item to specify what you’re asking about.

Understanding Price Responses

When a salesperson answers your price question, they’ll typically respond with Custa followed by the amount. For example, Custa vinte reais means it costs twenty reais. Learning to understand these responses quickly helps you make purchasing decisions on the spot.

Sometimes you’ll hear São plus the price for plural items, as in São cinquenta reais (they are fifty reais). The verb changes to match whether the salesperson is talking about one item or multiple items.

In casual conversation, especially in markets, you might simply hear the number without any verb: Dez reais or Quinze e cinquenta for fifteen reais and fifty centavos. The currency is often implied rather than stated explicitly.

Negotiating and Asking for Discounts

In Brazilian markets, street fairs, and some smaller shops, negotiating prices is culturally acceptable and even expected. The phrase Tem desconto? asks whether there’s a discount available. This simple question can sometimes lead to a better price, especially if you’re buying multiple items.

A more direct approach is Você pode fazer um desconto?, which means can you give me a discount. This phrasing is polite yet clear about your intention to negotiate. Adding por favor at the end makes it even more courteous.

When you want to propose a specific price, use Posso pagar followed by your offer. For instance, Posso pagar trinta reais? suggests you’d like to pay thirty reais instead of the asking price. This works best when you have a reasonable counteroffer based on the original price.

If you’re buying in bulk, ask Tem desconto para quantidade? or Tem desconto se eu levar mais? These phrases inquire about quantity discounts, which are common in Brazilian shopping culture. Vendors often reduce per-item prices when you purchase several of the same product.

Another useful negotiation phrase is É o melhor preço?, asking if this is the best price. This indirect approach invites the seller to offer you a better deal without you having to explicitly ask for a discount. It’s a softer way to begin negotiations.

Responding to Price Offers

When a vendor offers you a discount or new price, you need phrases to accept or decline. Está bom or Tudo bem both mean okay or that’s fine, signaling your acceptance of the price. These are among the most common responses you’ll use.

If the price is still too high, you can politely decline with Está muito caro (it’s too expensive) or É muito caro para mim (it’s too expensive for me). The addition of para mim personalizes the statement and sounds less confrontational.

To continue negotiating, try Não pode ser mais barato?, which asks can’t it be cheaper. This keeps the conversation open and shows you’re still interested in buying if the price improves. Maintaining a friendly tone during negotiation is important in Brazilian culture.

Payment Method Phrases

Once you’ve agreed on a price, you need to discuss how you’ll pay. The question Como você quer pagar? means how do you want to pay, though you’re more likely to hear Vai ser dinheiro ou cartão? (will it be cash or card). This is the standard question cashiers ask.

To specify your payment method, simply state Vou pagar em dinheiro (I’ll pay in cash) or Vou pagar no cartão (I’ll pay by card). The prepositions em and no are both used with payment methods, though no is more common for cards.

If you want to use a credit card specifically, say Aceita cartão de crédito? before making your purchase. For debit cards, ask Aceita débito? Not all small vendors accept cards, so confirming beforehand prevents awkward situations at checkout.

Many Brazilian stores offer installment payments for larger purchases. You might hear Quer parcelar?, which asks if you want to split the payment into installments. If interested, you can ask Posso parcelar em quantas vezes? to find out how many installments are available.

For installment payments, you’ll encounter phrases like Em três vezes sem juros (in three installments without interest) or em seis vezes com juros (in six installments with interest). Understanding these terms helps you make informed decisions about payment plans.

Cash Transaction Phrases

When paying with cash, you need to know how to handle change. If you’re giving a large bill, you might ask Você tem troco? to verify the vendor can make change. This is especially important in markets where sellers might not have enough smaller bills.

Sometimes you’ll need to ask for change by saying Pode trocar? followed by the bill amount. For example, Pode trocar cinquenta reais? asks if they can break a fifty-real note. This is useful before making small purchases with large bills.

When receiving your change, the cashier might say Aqui está seu troco (here is your change). Count it quickly and if there’s an error, politely say O troco não está certo (the change isn’t correct). Most mistakes are honest errors and easily fixed.

Asking for Receipts and Invoices

In Brazil, requesting a receipt is common practice and sometimes legally required. The phrase Posso pedir a nota? or simply A nota, por favor requests your receipt. The word nota can refer to both receipts and invoices in shopping contexts.

More formally, you might ask Pode me dar a nota fiscal? The term nota fiscal specifically refers to an official tax receipt or invoice. This is particularly important for business purchases or when you might need to return an item.

If you need a receipt for tax purposes, specify Preciso da nota fiscal com CPF. The CPF is the Brazilian tax identification number, and including it on receipts allows you to claim certain tax benefits or participate in consumer reward programs.

Discussing Product Availability

When shopping, you often need to ask if items are in stock. The phrase Tem followed by the product name is the simplest way: Tem camisetas? (do you have t-shirts) or Tem sapatos? (do you have shoes). This casual construction is very common in Brazilian Portuguese.

For a slightly more formal approach, use Vocês têm instead of just tem. This explicitly addresses the store or vendor in the plural form, which sounds more polite in some situations. For example, Vocês têm esse modelo em azul? asks if they have this model in blue.

If something is out of stock, you’ll hear Não tem or Está em falta (it’s out of stock). To ask when it will be available, say Quando vai chegar? (when will it arrive) or Quando terá novamente? (when will you have it again).

When looking for different sizes, ask Tem em outro tamanho? For colors, use Tem em outras cores? These flexible phrases work for clothing, shoes, and many other products where variations exist.

Asking to See or Try Products

Before buying, you often want to examine items closely. Posso ver? (can I see it) is a polite way to ask to look at something behind a counter or in a display case. Vendors expect this question and will happily show you products.

For clothing, Posso experimentar? asks if you can try something on. The verb experimentar specifically means to try on or test out clothing and accessories. Dressing rooms are called provador, so you might ask Onde fica o provador? to locate them.

When examining a product, you might want to say Só estou olhando (I’m just looking) if a salesperson approaches. This phrase politely indicates you’re browsing and don’t need immediate assistance. It’s a useful way to maintain your shopping space.

Making Comparisons and Decisions

Shopping often involves comparing options before deciding. Qual é mais barato? asks which is cheaper when comparing two items. This helps you identify the better deal without having to ask individual prices for each option.

To compare quality, use Qual é melhor? (which is better). Salespeople can provide opinions, though remember they’re motivated to sell. Combining price and quality questions helps you make informed choices.

When you’re undecided between options, Estou em dúvida (I’m in doubt) expresses your uncertainty. This often prompts salespeople to explain differences or advantages of each product. You can add entre este e aquele to specify which items you’re comparing.

If you need time to think, say Vou pensar (I’m going to think about it) or Deixa eu ver (let me see). These phrases politely indicate you’re not ready to buy immediately. Brazilian salespeople generally respect this and give you space.

Finalizing Your Purchase

When you’re ready to buy, Vou levar (I’ll take it) or Vou comprar (I’m going to buy it) signals your decision. For multiple items, use Vou levar estes or Vou levar todos (I’ll take all of them).

If you want something wrapped, ask Pode embrulhar? or Pode fazer um pacote? The verb embrulhar means to wrap, while fazer um pacote refers to making a package. Gift wrapping is embrulho para presente.

For bags, you might hear Quer sacola? (do you want a bag). Many Brazilian cities now charge for plastic bags, so you might need to pay extra. Bringing your own reusable bag is sacola reutilizável, which is increasingly common and environmentally conscious.

Post-Purchase Phrases

After completing your transaction, Obrigado/Obrigada (thank you) is essential, with the gender matching the speaker. The cashier will likely respond with De nada (you’re welcome) or Às ordens (at your service), a formal but friendly closing phrase.

If you need to return something later, remember Posso trocar? (can I exchange it) or Posso devolver? (can I return it). Return policies are política de troca, and you should ask about them for important purchases: Qual é a política de troca?

Market and Street Vendor Expressions

Shopping at markets and with street vendors involves slightly different vocabulary than formal stores. Vendors often call out O que vai querer? (what will you have) or O que vai levar hoje? (what will you take today). These are friendly, informal greetings that invite you to browse their wares.

In produce markets, you’ll hear Quanto quer? asking how much quantity you want. You can respond with Me dá um quilo (give me a kilo) or Meio quilo, por favor (half a kilo, please). Weight-based purchasing is standard for fruits, vegetables, and bulk items.

When vendors are measuring or bagging your items, they might ask Mais alguma coisa? (anything else). This is your opportunity to add more items. When you’re finished, simply say Só isso (just that) or É isso (that’s it).

Market vendors often offer samples, saying Quer provar? (want to try it). Accepting samples is normal and doesn’t obligate you to buy. You can say Posso provar? if you want to taste something before purchasing, especially with unfamiliar fruits or prepared foods.

Haggling Culture in Brazilian Markets

Brazilian market culture often includes friendly banter about prices. Vendors might initially quote a high price, expecting negotiation. Starting with Nossa, está caro! (wow, that’s expensive) can begin the negotiation dance in a culturally appropriate way.

Experienced shoppers sometimes use Não dá para fazer por menos? (can’t you do it for less) as a negotiation tactic. This phrasing assumes there’s room for price reduction and invites the vendor to offer their best price.

Building relationships with regular vendors can lead to better prices over time. Phrases like Eu sempre compro aqui (I always buy here) or Sou cliente antigo (I’m a long-time customer) remind vendors of your loyalty and may encourage them to offer you better deals.

Department Store and Mall Expressions

Shopping in department stores and malls involves different interactions than markets. When entering some stores, greeters say Bem-vindo (welcome) or Em que posso ajudar? (how can I help you). You can respond with what you’re looking for or say só estou olhando if you’re browsing.

To ask where specific departments are located, use Onde fica followed by the department name. For example, Onde fica a seção de calçados? (where is the shoe section) or Onde ficam as roupas masculinas? (where is the men’s clothing).

If you need assistance finding something specific, Estou procurando (I’m looking for) followed by the item is the standard phrase. For instance, Estou procurando uma jaqueta de couro tells the salesperson you’re looking for a leather jacket.

Many larger stores have customer service desks called atendimento ao cliente. You can ask Onde é o atendimento ao cliente? if you need to make returns, file complaints, or ask general questions about store policies.

Understanding Sales and Promotions

Brazilian stores advertise sales with signs saying Promoção or Liquidação (clearance sale). When you see these, you can expect discounted prices. The phrase Está em promoção means something is on sale, while está na liquidação indicates it’s part of a clearance.

Percentage discounts are expressed as Por cento de desconto. For example, cinquenta por cento de desconto means 50% off. You might see signs reading Até 70% de desconto, meaning up to 70% off, which is common during major sales events.

The phrase Leve 3, pague 2 (buy 3, pay for 2) describes a common promotion type. Understanding these structures helps you identify good deals. Similarly, Na compra de um, leve o segundo pela metade do preço means when buying one, take the second for half price.

Seasonal sales have specific names: Queima de estoque refers to inventory clearance sales, while Black Friday has become popular in Brazil, though it’s pronounced with a Portuguese accent. Post-holiday sales are called liquidação pós followed by the holiday name.

Handling Problems and Complaints

If you discover a defect after purchasing, Isso está com defeito (this is defective) or Isso está quebrado (this is broken) states the problem clearly. Show the item to customer service along with your receipt for the best resolution.

When prices don’t match what you expected, O preço na etiqueta é diferente (the price on the tag is different) alerts the cashier to check. Price discrepancies must be honored in Brazil if the lower price is marked on the item.

If you receive poor service, you can ask to speak with a manager using Posso falar com o gerente? Remain polite but firm when addressing issues, as Brazilian customer service culture responds well to respectful but direct communication.

For more serious complaints, knowing Vou fazer uma reclamação (I’m going to file a complaint) signals you’re prepared to escalate the issue. Consumer rights are taken seriously in Brazil, and stores generally try to resolve problems before formal complaints are filed.

Special Shopping Situations

When shopping for gifts, you might need É para presente (it’s for a gift) to explain why you want special packaging. This also helps if you don’t know exact sizes or preferences, as salespeople can suggest popular gift items.

If shopping with someone else and asking their opinion, use O que você acha? (what do you think). This invites feedback on your potential purchase. Friends might respond with Ficou bem (it looks good) or Não combinou muito (it doesn’t really suit you).

When budgeting, Tenho um orçamento de (I have a budget of) followed by an amount helps salespeople show you appropriate options. This prevents time wasted looking at items you can’t afford and helps focus the shopping experience.

For special orders or custom items, Vocês fazem sob encomenda? asks if they make things to order. Custom work is trabalho personalizado, and you’ll need to discuss timelines using phrases like Quanto tempo leva? (how long does it take).

Online Shopping Vocabulary

While this guide focuses on in-person shopping, knowing online shopping terms helps in modern Brazil. Frete means shipping cost, and you’ll see Frete grátis (free shipping) advertised frequently. The phrase Prazo de entrega refers to delivery time.

Payment terms online include Pagamento na entrega (payment on delivery), though most transactions happen via card or bank transfer called transferência bancária. The banking system PIX has revolutionized quick payments, and you’ll often see Aceitamos PIX even in physical stores.

Cultural Shopping Etiquette

Brazilian shopping culture values personal interaction and relationship building. Taking time to chat with vendors, especially in smaller shops and markets, is normal and appreciated. Rushing transactions can seem rude, though this varies between big cities and smaller towns.

Greeting shopkeepers when entering small stores with Bom dia (good morning), Boa tarde (good afternoon), or Boa noite (good evening) is considered polite. The same applies when leaving, saying Tchau (bye) or Até logo (see you later).

In markets, touching and examining produce is generally acceptable, but ask permission first in unfamiliar situations. Some vendors prefer to select items for you, ensuring quality and freshness. Respecting their expertise builds goodwill.

Brazilian shoppers often engage in friendly small talk before getting to business. Comments about the weather, compliments on products, or casual questions create a pleasant shopping atmosphere. This social aspect is part of the cultural experience and shouldn’t be rushed.

Conclusion

Mastering these Portuguese money phrases transforms shopping from a stressful challenge into an enjoyable cultural experience. Whether you’re negotiating at a street market, making purchases in a department store, or simply asking about prices, these expressions give you the confidence to navigate any shopping situation. Remember that Brazilians appreciate when foreigners make the effort to speak Portuguese, even imperfectly. Practice these phrases regularly, don’t fear making mistakes, and soon you’ll be shopping in Portuguese as naturally as in your native language. The key is starting conversations, listening carefully to responses, and immersing yourself in real shopping experiences where these phrases come alive.