Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| toque | /ˈtɔ.ki/ (Brazil) /ˈtɔ.kɨ/ (Portugal) |
|
| dica | /ˈd͡ʒi.kɐ/ (Brazil) /ˈdi.kɐ/ (Portugal) |
feminine |
When you mean a helpful hint, a piece of advice or a clue, use dica. The standard way to say you are providing such information is to use the phrase dar uma dica (to give a tip). In Brazil, the slang term caixinha is also used to refer to a tip.
Which one should you use?
Dica is the common word used for a piece of advice, a hint or a clue. While toque can refer to a tip in the sense of a subtle touch, a stroke or a specific knack or style, it is not the standard word for a piece of advice.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, caixinha is a popular slang term for a tip.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine noun dica becomes dicas in its plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
The word toque is pronounced /ˈtɔ.ki/ and has 2 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use dica when referring to a monetary tip, such as the money you leave for a waiter. For a gratuity or monetary tip, you must use gorjeta or the verb dar gorjeta.
Did you know?
- The word dica is a uniquely Brazilian invention, having evolved from the verb indicar rather than being an ancient part of the Portuguese language.
- In some contexts, dar um toque can mean to secretly alert someone or give them a heads-up about a hidden danger.
- In Brazil, the slang caixinha literally translates to 'little box', which is a common way to refer to a monetary tip or a collection for a staff fund.
Examples in context
- Me dê uma dica.Give me a tip.This example shows how to ask someone to give you a dica.Tatoeba #12404337 by Advanced, translation #1336869 by Eldad
- Obrigado pela dica, Tom.Thanks for the tip, Tom.This sentence is used to thank someone for providing a dica.Tatoeba #5070585 by bill, translation #2645460 by CK
- Se alguém souber, por favor me dê uma dica.If someone knows, please gimme a tip.This is a way to politely ask if anyone can provide a dica.Tatoeba #8206726 by josivangoncalves, translation #8206727 by josivangoncalves
- Quanto você acha que devo dar de gorjeta para o garçom?How much do you think I should tip the waiter?
- Vamos juntar uma caixinha e dividir entre nós?Let's put together a tip and split it among ourselves?
- Preciso de uma pequena gorjeta para dar ao garçom.I need a small tip to give to the waiter.
- O serviço foi tão bom que deixei uma gratificação extra.The service was so good that I left an extra tip.
- Vamos juntar uma caixinha generosa para recompensar o atendimento.Let's pool together a generous tip to reward the service.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Felipe are talking about cooking a dinner.
- BeatrizVocê tem algum toque para o arroz?Do you have any tip for the rice?
- FelipeSim, use menos água do que o normal.Yes, use less water than usual.
- BeatrizEsse toque foi muito útil, Felipe!That tip was very useful, Felipe!
- FelipeDe nada, Beatriz. Vai ficar ótimo!You're welcome, Beatriz. It will be great!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tip” translations and entries toque, dica, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dica, toque, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
