Learning Portuguese can be a thrilling adventure, especially if you plan to visit a Portuguese-speaking country. Whenever you travel, shopping is an inevitable part of the experience, whether you’re searching for souvenirs or just need to pick up a few essentials. Knowing some basic vocabulary for shopping can make the experience much more enjoyable and less stressful. Here are some essential terms and phrases to help you navigate a Portuguese-speaking marketplace or store.
Loja (Store)
A place where you can buy goods or services.
Vou passar na loja para comprar umas lembranças. (I’m going to stop by the store to buy some souvenirs.)
Preço (Price)
The amount of money required to purchase something.
Qual é o preço desta camisa? (What is the price of this shirt?)
Desconto (Discount)
A reduction from the usual cost, often used to encourage purchases.
Eles estão oferecendo um grande desconto nesta televisão. (They are offering a big discount on this television.)
Promocão (Promotion/Sale)
A marketing campaign offering special prices to stimulate sales of products or services.
Esta loja está com uma promoção de verão para sandálias. (This store has a summer sale on sandals.)
Caixa (Cashier/Checkout)
A place in a store where you pay for your purchases or the person who manages this area.
Você pode pagar no caixa ao lado para evitar a fila. (You can pay at the next cashier to avoid the queue.)
Provar (To Try On)
To wear something to check if it fits or looks good, especially clothes or shoes.
Posso provar este vestido no tamanho maior? (Can I try on this dress in a larger size?)
Troco (Change)
The money returned to someone who has paid more than the exact price of an item.
Você precisa de troco ou vai pagar com cartão? (Do you need change or are you going to pay with a card?)
Tamanho (Size)
The measurement or dimension of an article, especially in clothing and footwear.
Este sapato não está no meu tamanho. Você tem número 39? (This shoe is not in my size. Do you have size 39?)
Reembolso (Refund)
Money that is given back to you if you are not satisfied with a product or service you have paid for.
Se a camiseta estiver defeituosa, você pode solicitar um reembolso. (If the T-shirt is defective, you can ask for a refund.)
Cupom (Coupon)
A voucher entitling the holder to a discount for a particular product.
Tenho um cupom de 20% de desconto para a próxima compra. (I have a 20% discount coupon for the next purchase.)
Feira (Market/Fair)
A regular gathering of people for the purchase and sale of provisions, livestock, and other commodities.
Vamos à feira de domingo para comprar frutas e verduras frescas. (Let’s go to the Sunday market to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.)
Sacola (Bag)
A container made of thin material that opens at the top and is used for carrying goods.
Você pode me dar uma sacola extra para carregar tudo isto? (Can you give me an extra bag to carry all this?)
Atendimento (Service)
The action of helping or doing work for customers.
O atendimento neste restaurante é sempre muito bom. (The service at this restaurant is always very good.)
By incorporating these words into your vocabulary, you’ll be equipped to handle most basic interactions while shopping in Portuguese-speaking areas. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to use these words when you have the opportunity to speak or write in Portuguese. Happy shopping!