If you’re planning to visit or live in a Portuguese-speaking country and want to know how to say “to rent” in Portuguese, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express this concept, providing you with tips, examples, and even exploring regional variations where necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “To Rent” in Portuguese
When using formal language to say “to rent” in Portuguese, you can employ the following expressions:
1. Alugar
The most common term used in Portugal and Brazil is “alugar.” It is a straightforward verb that can be used in various contexts and implies the act of renting something.
Example: Eu gostaria de alugar um apartamento no centro da cidade. (I would like to rent an apartment in the city center.)
2. Arrendar
This is another formal verb used mainly in Portugal, particularly when referring to long-term rentals like houses or land.
Example: Ele decidiu arrendar sua casa de campo. (He decided to rent out his country house.)
3. Locar
Although less commonly used than “alugar,” “locar” is still a formal way to express “to rent.” It is frequently employed in official contracts and legal contexts.
Example: É possível locar um carro no aeroporto? (Is it possible to rent a car at the airport?)
Informal Ways to Say “To Rent” in Portuguese
When speaking informally in Portuguese, you can use these expressions:
1. Pegar emprestado
Brazilian Portuguese often uses the expression “pegar emprestado” to mean “to borrow” or “to rent” something, particularly in everyday conversations.
Example: Posso pegar emprestado o seu carro por alguns dias? (Can I borrow your car for a few days?)
2. Alugar/pegar
Informally, Brazilians might use the verb “alugar” or the verb “pegar” (meaning “to take”) to indicate “to rent” something, even though their use is more common in the formal context.
Example: Vou alugar/pegar um vestido para a festa. (I’m going to rent/take a dress for the party.)
Regional Variations
While the terms discussed above are widely used across Portuguese-speaking countries, it’s important to recognize some regional variations:
1. Amatxiar
In some rural areas of Portugal, particularly in the north, the word “amatxiar” might be used as a colloquial regional variation of “alugar.” However, it is not widely known or used in other Portuguese-speaking regions.
Example: Vou amatxiar um quarto para a nossa estadia. (I’m going to rent a room for our stay.)
2. Alugar/Arrendar/Locar
Despite some slight regional differences in pronunciation or context, the formal terms “alugar,” “arrendar,” and “locar” remain practically the same across most Portuguese-speaking countries.
TIP: If you’re unsure about the local usage and context, it’s always best to use the more general and widely understood terms, such as “alugar” and “arrendar.”
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now have a comprehensive guide on how to say “to rent” in Portuguese. Whether you prefer using formal or informal language, you are now equipped with the right vocabulary to navigate rental situations in Portuguese-speaking countries. Remember to adapt your language based on the region you are visiting, and don’t hesitate to ask locals for clarification if needed. Boa sorte (good luck) with your rental endeavors!
