40 Portuguese phrases for everyday errands

Introduction

Running errands in Brazil means using straightforward Portuguese that gets you in and out of shops, banks, pharmacies, and post offices. This article gives 40 practical Brazilian Portuguese phrases for everyday errands, with explanations, examples, and usage notes to help beginner to intermediate learners speak naturally and confidently.

Essential greetings and polite phrases

Politeness goes a long way in service situations. Start interactions with friendly greetings and closing phrases that Brazilians expect.

Key phrases

Bom dia — Good morning. Use until midday.
Boa tarde — Good afternoon. Use from midday until evening.
Boa noite — Good evening / Good night. Use in the evening or when leaving.

Por favor — Please. Use when asking for help or requesting items.
Obrigado / Obrigada — Thank you (male speaker uses obrigado, female speaker uses obrigada).
De nada — You’re welcome. A casual reply to thanks.

Usage notes

Start with Bom dia or Boa tarde when entering a shop. Add por favor for requests and respond with de nada when someone thanks you. In formal settings, you can add Com licença — Excuse me — to get attention or pass through a crowded place.

At the store or supermarket

Supermarkets and small shops use simple words. These phrases will help you find products, ask about prices, and handle payment.

Shopping phrases

Quanto custa? — How much does it cost?
Onde fica + item/location — Where is …? For example: Onde fica o pão? — Where is the bread?
Você tem + item? — Do you have …? For example: Você tem leite sem lactose?

Posso pagar com cartão? — Can I pay with a card?
Fica quanto no total? — How much is the total?
Preciso de uma sacola — I need a bag.

Examples and tips

When asking for a product location, say Onde fica o arroz? The clerk might answer with aisle numbers or point. For prices, say Quanto custa essa maçã? In many small stores, cash is still common, so always check Posso pagar com cartão?

At the bakery and café

Brazilians visit bakeries daily. These phrases cover ordering, asking for recommendations, and handling take-away or dine-in situations.

Bakery and café phrases

Eu gostaria de + item — I would like … For example: Eu gostaria de um pão francês e um café.
Pra viagem — To take away.
Para comer aqui — To eat here / dine in.

Qual é a especialidade de hoje? — What is the specialty today?
Com leite / sem leite — With milk / without milk.
Só um minuto — Just a minute (useful while waiting).

Usage notes

Use Eu gostaria de for polite ordering. When choosing between to-go or dine-in, say pra viagem or para comer aqui. If you need a recommendation, ask Qual é a especialidade de hoje?

At the bank and ATM

Banks require specific vocabulary for transactions. Learn how to ask about services, withdraw cash, and open accounts.

Bank phrases

Quero sacar — I want to withdraw. For example: Quero sacar trezentos reais.
Qual é o saldo? — What is the balance?
Posso fazer um depósito? — Can I make a deposit?

Onde tem um caixa eletrônico? — Where is an ATM?
Como abro uma conta? — How do I open an account?
Preciso de atendimento — I need service / assistance.

Examples and tips

At ATMs, choose language options if available. For in-person service, say Preciso de atendimento to enter the queue. For withdrawals, specify the amount: Quero sacar quinhentos reais.

At the pharmacy

Pharmacies in Brazil are often open late and staff can advise on basic remedies. Use clear phrases to describe symptoms and request over-the-counter medicines.

Pharmacy phrases

Tenho dor de cabeça — I have a headache.
Preciso de um remédio para + symptom — I need medicine for … For example: Preciso de um remédio para dor de garganta.
Isso precisa de receita? — Does this need a prescription?

Onde fica a seção de vitaminas? — Where is the vitamins section?
Tem genérico? — Do you have a generic?
Quanto tempo dura o tratamento? — How long does the treatment last?

Usage notes

Explain symptoms briefly: Tenho dor de estômago for stomach ache. Pharmacists can suggest OTC options; if a prescription is needed they will say precisa de receita. Use tem genérico? when asking about cheaper alternatives.

At the post office and courier services

Sending mail and parcels requires specific verbs and measurements. These phrases will help you declare contents, choose services, and track shipments.

Postal phrases

Quero enviar — I want to send. For example: Quero enviar este pacote para São Paulo.
Qual é o prazo de entrega? — What is the delivery time?
Quanto custa o envio? — How much does shipping cost?

Posso rastrear? — Can I track it?
Preciso declarar o conteúdo — I need to declare the contents.
Tem seguro? — Is there insurance?

Examples and tips

When sending a package, mention weight: O pacote tem dois quilos. For tracking, ask for a tracking number: Qual é o código de rastreamento? If you need fast service, say envio expresso or sedex (common courier term).

At the market and feira

Brazilian open-air markets, or feiras, are social and negotiable. Use friendly phrases to buy produce, ask about freshness, or request amounts.

Market phrases

Quanto está + item? — How much is …? For example: Quanto está a manga?
Me vê + quantity — Give me … For example: Me vê meio quilo de tomate, por favor.
Está fresco? — Is it fresh?

Pode me dar desconto? — Can you give me a discount?
Só levado / Para hoje — Only to take / For today (useful for small portions).
Posso provar? — Can I taste?

Usage notes

Feira vendors often expect friendly banter. Start with a greeting, ask Quanto está, and specify weight using me vê meio quilo. Asking pode me dar desconto? is common but be polite.

At the gas station and car services

Refueling and minor car services use direct phrases. Learn how to specify fuel type, amount, and request basic services.

Car-related phrases

Gasolina — Gasoline.
Etanol — Ethanol (common in Brazil).
Completo o tanque — Fill the tank, please.

Ar no pneu — Tire air.
Troca de óleo — Oil change.
Quanto ficou? — What is the total cost?

Examples and tips

At self-service stations, specify the fuel: Etanol, por favor. For full tank service, say Complete o tanque. For car shops, ask Quanto ficou? after the service is done to confirm the price.

At the electronics or phone store

Phones and tech accessories require clarity about models, compatibility, and plans. These phrases help you ask about features and payment options.

Electronics phrases

Tem compatível com + model? — Is it compatible with …?
Qual é o plano? — What is the plan? (for phone plans)
Tem garantia? — Does it have a warranty?

Posso parcelar? — Can I pay in installments?
Qual é a memória? — What is the memory capacity?
Preciso de suporte técnico — I need technical support.

Usage notes

Ask about compatibility: Tem carregador compatível com Samsung? For phone plans, say Qual é o plano? If you want to pay over time, ask Posso parcelar?

Asking for directions and transport

Errands often require transportation. These phrases will help you ask directions, buy tickets, and use public transport.

Transport phrases

Onde fica a estação de metrô? — Where is the subway station?
Quanto custa a passagem? — How much is the fare?
Qual ônibus vai para + place? — Which bus goes to …?

Tem aplicativo de transporte? — Is there a ride-hailing app?
Quanto tempo leva? — How long does it take?
Preciso de uma passagem só de ida — I need a one-way ticket.

Examples and tips

When using buses, ask Qual ônibus vai para o centro? For taxis and apps, say Tem aplicativo de transporte? and check the estimated time with Quanto tempo leva?

Small talk and confirmation phrases

Short confirmations and small talk make errands smoother and friendlier. Use these to confirm details or end interactions politely.

Useful phrases

Está certo? — Is that correct?
Mais alguma coisa? — Anything else?
É urgente? — Is it urgent?

Posso ajudar em mais alguma coisa? — Can I help with anything else?
Até logo — See you later.
Tudo bem — All good / Okay.

Usage notes

Use Está certo? to confirm sums or choices. Clerks often ask Mais alguma coisa? before finalizing transactions. Close with Até logo or Tudo bem to leave a positive impression.

Short dialogues for errands

Short dialogues help you hear how phrases connect in real situations. Read these aloud to practice rhythm and tone.

Buying bread

Cliente: Bom dia, eu gostaria de um pão francês e um café, pra viagem, por favor.
Atendente: Bom dia. Quer mais alguma coisa?
Cliente: Não, quanto fica no total?

At the pharmacy

Cliente: Boa tarde, tenho dor de cabeça. Preciso de um remédio para dor.
Farmacêutico: Tem paracetamol ou dipirona.
Cliente: Isso precisa de receita?
Farmacêutico: Não, esse não.

Sending a parcel

Cliente: Quero enviar este pacote para Salvador. Quanto custa o envio?
Atendente: Depende do peso. Quantos quilos?
Cliente: Dois quilos.
Atendente: Para duas telas, o prazo é três dias.

Pronunciation and listening tips

Brazilian Portuguese has distinct vowel sounds and a musical intonation. Focus on nasal vowels like in pão and reduced vowels in unstressed syllables. Shadow native speakers by repeating short phrases and record yourself to compare. Pay attention to common contractions like tá for está in casual speech.

Common cultural notes

Brazilians are generally friendly and conversational. Small talk about the weather or local football is common while running errands. Service interactions may be slower in smaller towns; patience and a smile help. In busy cities, efficiency is more valued—have your documents and payment method ready.

Conclusion

With these 40 practical phrases for everyday errands, you can handle shops, banks, pharmacies, bakeries, and transport with more confidence. Practice the dialogues, listen to native speakers, and use polite phrases to make errands smooth and pleasant in Brazil.