Are you planning a trip to a Portuguese-speaking country or simply want to learn how to ask for prices in Portuguese? Knowing how to inquire about the cost of something is an essential skill while shopping or exploring local markets. In this guide, we will explore different ways to ask “How much does this cost?” in Portuguese, including both formal and informal expressions. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
If you find yourself in a formal setting or speaking to someone you don’t know very well, it’s important to use polite and respectful language. Here are a few phrases you can use to ask the price of an item formally:
- Quanto custa este/esta (item)? (How much does this (item) cost?)
- Poderia informar-me o preço deste/desta (item), por favor? (Could you tell me the price of this (item), please?)
- Qual é o valor deste/desta (item)? (What is the value of this (item)?)
- Gostaria de saber o preço desta loja/item, por favor. (I would like to know the price of this store/item, please.)
Informal Expressions:
If you are in a less formal setting or talking to someone you know well, you can use more casual language to inquire about the cost. Here are a few informal expressions:
- Quanto custa isso? (How much does this cost?)
- Qual é o preço disso? (What’s the price of this?)
- Me diz o valor desse/a (item), por favor. (Tell me the price of this (item), please.)
- Quanto é? (How much is it?)
Useful Tips:
Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind while asking for prices in Portuguese:
1. Non-specific items:
If you want to ask for the cost of an item without mentioning it directly, you can use the word “isso” (this/that) or “isto” (this).
Example:
Quanto custa isso? (How much does this cost?)
2. Currency:
Remember to specify the currency you want the price in. For the Brazilian Real, use “real” (singular) or “reais” (plural).
Example:
Quanto custa este produto em reais? (How much does this product cost in reais?)
3. Confidence:
When asking for prices, use a confident tone and make eye contact. It shows that you are genuinely interested in the item and helps you negotiate better.
4. Bargaining:
In some Portuguese-speaking countries, bargaining is common, especially in local markets. Don’t hesitate to negotiate the price if you feel it’s too high.
5. Politeness:
Always remember to add “por favor” (please) at the end of your questions to make them more polite.
Regional Variations:
The Portuguese language differs slightly across regions. Here are some variations you might encounter:
Brazilian Portuguese:
In Brazil, the phrases mentioned above are widely used. However, you may also hear locals asking “Quanto é?” (How much is it?) or using “aí” instead of “este” (this) when referring to an item.
European Portuguese:
In European Portuguese, you can replace “este” (this) with “isto” (this) or “esse” (that) when asking about the price of something. Additionally, “poderia” (would you) is commonly used instead of “poderia informar-me” (could you tell me) in formal expressions.
Remember, these regional variations are subtle, and using the phrases mentioned earlier will work perfectly fine in any Portuguese-speaking country.
Learning how to ask for prices in Portuguese will enhance your travel experience and help you interact more comfortably with locals. Practice these expressions during your next shopping excursion, and you’ll be communicating like a native in no time!
