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A2 adjective 9 Min. Lesezeit

custoso

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custoso in 30 Sekunden

  • <strong>Custoso</strong>: costly, expensive, difficult, demanding.
  • Used for high prices and tasks requiring significant effort or time.
  • Remember gender and number agreement (custoso/a/os/as).
  • Context is key: money vs. effort.
The Portuguese word custoso primarily means 'costly' or 'expensive' when referring to money. It signifies that something requires a significant financial outlay. However, its meaning extends beyond just monetary cost. It can also describe something that is difficult, troublesome, or demanding of effort and time. Imagine planning a large party; it might be custoso in terms of both money spent on decorations and food, and the effort involved in organizing it. In Portugal and Brazil, you'll hear custoso used frequently in everyday conversations about shopping, travel, projects, and even personal challenges. For instance, if someone is considering buying a luxury car, they might remark, "É um carro muito custoso," meaning it's very expensive. On the other hand, if a friend is undertaking a complex DIY home renovation, you might say, "Esse projeto parece custoso em termos de tempo e trabalho," indicating it will be demanding in terms of time and labor. The context is key to understanding whether the speaker is referring to financial expense or the difficulty and effort involved. It's a versatile adjective that captures the essence of something that comes at a 'cost', whether that cost is measured in euros or in energy.
Financial Expense
When referring to prices, custoso is a direct synonym for 'expensive'. A meal at a fancy restaurant can be custoso, or a new smartphone might be described as custoso.
Effort and Difficulty
Beyond money, custoso implies something that requires a lot of effort, time, or is generally troublesome. Learning a new language, for example, can be a custoso endeavor, demanding consistent study and practice.

Comprar uma casa nova pode ser muito custoso.

Buying a new house can be very costly.
Using custoso correctly involves understanding its dual meaning. When referring to money, it's straightforward: it modifies nouns that represent things or services with a high price. For example, "O voo para a Europa foi bastante custoso" (The flight to Europe was quite costly). Here, custoso directly describes the expense of the flight. In situations where effort or difficulty is emphasized, custoso acts as an adjective describing the nature of a task or situation. Consider this: "Manter um jardim bonito é um trabalho custoso" (Keeping a beautiful garden is a demanding job). In this case, custoso doesn't refer to money but to the labor and time required. You can also use it with verbs like 'ser' (to be) or 'tornar-se' (to become). "Este processo tornou-se muito custoso para a empresa" (This process became very costly for the company), implying both financial strain and potential difficulties in execution. When talking about personal experiences, it can describe something that was hard to endure: "A recuperação da cirurgia foi custosa" (The recovery from the surgery was arduous/difficult). The flexibility of custoso allows it to fit into various grammatical structures, always conveying a sense of significant expenditure, whether of money, time, or energy.
Describing Prices
Use custoso directly before or after a noun to indicate a high price. Examples: "Este carro é muito custoso." (This car is very costly.) "A reparação foi custosa." (The repair was costly.)
Describing Effort/Difficulty
When the meaning shifts to effort or difficulty, custoso describes the nature of an activity or situation. Examples: "A viagem foi longa e custosa." (The journey was long and arduous.) "Aprender a tocar violino é um desafio custoso." (Learning to play the violin is a demanding challenge.)
With Verbs
It pairs well with verbs like 'ser' (to be) and 'tornar-se' (to become). Examples: "O projeto foi custoso em tempo e dinheiro." (The project was costly in time and money.) "Manter a paz pode ser custoso." (Maintaining peace can be difficult/costly.)

Estudar para este exame foi muito custoso.

Studying for this exam was very arduous/demanding.
You'll encounter custoso in a wide array of everyday situations across Portuguese-speaking countries. In shops, a salesperson might describe a product as custoso to indicate its high price, especially if it's a luxury item or a high-end appliance. "Este televisor é um pouco custoso, mas a qualidade é excelente." (This television is a bit costly, but the quality is excellent.) When discussing travel plans, people often use custoso to talk about the expense of flights, accommodation, or even entire vacations. "Fomos para o Brasil no ano passado, mas foi muito custoso." (We went to Brazil last year, but it was very costly.) In conversations about home improvement or renovations, custoso can refer to the financial investment required or the sheer amount of work involved. "A construção da piscina foi bastante custosa, tanto em dinheiro quanto em tempo." (The construction of the pool was quite costly, both in money and in time.) Even in casual chats about personal projects or challenges, custoso is used to describe something that demands significant effort. A student might say, "A tese de mestrado foi um trabalho muito custoso." (The master's thesis was a very demanding piece of work.) It's also common in discussions about healthcare, where treatments or medications can be described as custoso. "O tratamento médico é custoso, mas necessário." (The medical treatment is costly, but necessary.) In both Portugal and Brazil, the word is part of the common lexicon for expressing expense and difficulty.
Shopping
Used to describe items with a high price tag.
Travel
Common when discussing the expense of flights, hotels, and overall trips.
Home Projects
Refers to the financial or labor cost of renovations and repairs.
Personal Challenges
Describes tasks or situations that are difficult and require significant effort.

Essa reforma em casa está muito custosa.

This home renovation is very costly (financially and/or in effort).
Learners of Portuguese sometimes make mistakes with custoso, primarily by oversimplifying its meaning or misapplying its grammatical gender and number. One common error is to assume custoso *only* means 'expensive' in a financial sense. While that's its most frequent meaning, neglecting its connotation of 'difficult' or 'laborious' can lead to awkward phrasing or misunderstandings. For example, describing a challenging but financially inexpensive task as merely "custoso" might not fully convey the intended meaning of effort. Conversely, using it for something that is merely time-consuming but not particularly difficult could be inaccurate. Another frequent mistake is incorrect agreement. Since custoso is an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Forgetting this leads to errors like saying "a viagem foi custoso" instead of "a viagem foi custosa" (since 'viagem' is feminine). Similarly, using the singular form for plural nouns is common: "os livros são custoso" instead of "os livros são custosos". Learners might also confuse custoso with similar-sounding words or words with overlapping meanings but different nuances. For instance, 'caro' is a direct synonym for 'expensive', but 'custoso' can carry a broader implication of effort. Using 'caro' when the primary meaning is difficulty would be incorrect.
Confusing Financial Cost with Effort
Mistaking custoso to *only* mean 'expensive' financially, and not also 'difficult' or 'laborious'.
Incorrect Gender/Number Agreement
Forgetting to match custoso with the gender and number of the noun it describes (e.g., 'custosa' for feminine, 'custosos' for masculine plural).
Confusing with 'Caro'
Using 'caro' (expensive) when the primary nuance intended is difficulty or effort, for which 'custoso' is more appropriate.

O projeto foi custoso em tempo e dinheiro.

The project was costly in time and money.
When expressing the idea of 'costly' or 'difficult' in Portuguese, several words can be used, each with subtle differences from custoso. The most direct synonym for 'expensive' is caro. While custoso can mean expensive, caro almost exclusively refers to a high monetary price. For instance, "Este livro é muito caro" (This book is very expensive) is a standard way to talk about its price. You might use custoso if the book was also difficult to find or required significant effort to obtain, adding another layer to its 'cost'. When emphasizing difficulty or effort, words like difícil (difficult), árduo (arduous), or trabalhoso (laborious) are more specific. For example, "A escalada foi difícil" (The climb was difficult) focuses purely on the challenge. If the climb also involved a lot of physical exertion and took a long time, you could say, "A escalada foi árdua e custosa em termos de energia" (The climb was arduous and costly in terms of energy). Another related term is oneroso, which often implies a significant financial burden or something that is burdensome, especially in formal contexts. "O empréstimo bancário é oneroso" (The bank loan is burdensome/costly). While custoso can overlap with oneroso, oneroso often carries a stronger sense of financial strain or obligation. Understanding these nuances helps in choosing the most precise word for the intended meaning.
Caro
Primarily means 'expensive' in terms of money. Custoso can also mean expensive, but often carries a broader sense of cost (effort, time).
Difícil
Means 'difficult'. Use this when the primary emphasis is on the challenge or complexity, not necessarily the financial cost or extreme effort.
Trabalhoso
Means 'laborious' or 'time-consuming'. Use when the main point is the amount of work or time required.
Oneroso
Means 'burdensome' or 'costly', often implying a significant financial burden or obligation. It's more formal than custoso.

O serviço foi caro, mas o resultado foi custoso em termos de esforço.

The service was expensive, but the result was costly in terms of effort.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

Interestingly, the root 'costus' in Latin is also related to the English word 'cost', highlighting a shared linguistic ancestry. The expansion of meaning in Portuguese to include effort and difficulty is a common linguistic phenomenon where words for tangible expenses are extended to abstract ones.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /kuˈstozu/
US /kuˈstozu/
Second syllable: cus-TO-so
Reimt sich auf
gostoso precioso nervoso curioso poderoso luminoso laborioso famoso
Häufige Fehler
  • Misplacing the stress, for example, stressing the first syllable.
  • Pronouncing the 'u' too much like the 'u' in 'cut'.
  • Pronouncing the final 'o' as a weak schwa sound instead of a clear 'o'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Understanding 'custoso' requires recognizing its dual meaning of financial expense and effort/difficulty. Learners at this level should be able to infer the meaning from context, but might still confuse it with 'caro' or 'difícil' in ambiguous situations.

Schreiben 3/5

Accurate use of 'custoso' in writing involves correct grammatical agreement (gender/number) and choosing the right context to differentiate between financial cost and effort. Overuse or misapplication can occur.

Sprechen 3/5

Speaking requires quick contextual inference and correct agreement. Learners might hesitate or default to 'caro' or 'difícil' if unsure.

Hören 3/5

Distinguishing the intended meaning of 'custoso' based on spoken context is key. Learners need to train their ear to pick up on subtle cues.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

caro difícil custo tempo dinheiro esforço ser

Als Nächstes lernen

oneroso árduo trabalhoso dispensioso penoso exigente

Fortgeschritten

lidar com enfrentar empreendimento investimento sacrifício

Wichtige Grammatik

Adjective Agreement

The adjective 'custoso' must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Masculine singular: o carro custoso. Feminine singular: a casa custosa. Masculine plural: os sapatos custosos. Feminine plural: as flores custosas.

Use of 'Ser' with Adjectives

'Custoso' is often used with the verb 'ser' (to be) to describe the inherent quality of something. Ex: 'Este relógio é custoso.' (This watch is costly.)

Use of 'Ser/Tornar-se' with Adjectives

'Tornar-se' (to become) can be used to show a change in state. Ex: 'O reparo tornou-se custoso inesperadamente.' (The repair unexpectedly became costly.)

Prepositional Phrases with 'Custoso'

The phrase 'custoso em' is common to specify the type of cost. Ex: 'O projeto foi custoso em tempo e dinheiro.' (The project was costly in time and money.)

Impersonal Constructions

The impersonal form 'É custoso...' is used to make general statements. Ex: 'É custoso manter um jardim.' (It is costly to maintain a garden.)

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Beispiele nach Niveau

1

O brinquedo é custoso.

The toy is costly.

Basic use of 'custoso' with a singular masculine noun.

2

Esta fruta não é custosa.

This fruit is not costly.

Negation with 'custoso' and a singular feminine noun.

3

O carro é custoso.

The car is costly.

Common usage for expensive items.

4

A viagem foi custosa.

The trip was costly.

Use with feminine noun 'viagem'.

5

Os sapatos são custosos.

The shoes are costly.

Plural masculine noun 'sapatos'.

6

As flores são custosas.

The flowers are costly.

Plural feminine noun 'flores'.

7

É custoso comprar um.

It is costly to buy one.

Impersonal construction with 'é custoso'.

8

O bilhete é custoso.

The ticket is costly.

Singular masculine noun 'bilhete'.

1

Este restaurante é um pouco custoso, mas a comida é ótima.

This restaurant is a bit costly, but the food is great.

Using 'um pouco custoso' to soften the expense. Agreement with 'restaurante' (masculine singular).

2

A reparação do carro foi mais custosa do que esperávamos.

The car repair was more costly than we expected.

Comparative 'mais custosa'. Agreement with 'reparação' (feminine singular).

3

Construir uma casa assim é muito custoso em tempo e dinheiro.

Building a house like this is very costly in time and money.

Emphasizing both financial and time cost.

4

Aprender uma nova língua pode ser custoso.

Learning a new language can be costly (in effort).

Implied cost is effort and time, not just money.

5

Os bilhetes para o concerto eram bastante custosos.

The tickets for the concert were quite costly.

Plural masculine noun 'bilhetes' requires 'custosos'.

6

A manutenção desta máquina é custosa.

The maintenance of this machine is costly.

Agreement with 'manutenção' (feminine singular).

7

Não achei que seria tão custoso.

I didn't think it would be so costly.

Referring to an unstated noun or situation.

8

O projeto de restauração foi custoso, mas valeu a pena.

The restoration project was costly, but it was worth it.

Using 'custoso' for a project that required significant resources.

1

A decisão de investir naquela empresa provou ser extremamente custosa.

The decision to invest in that company proved to be extremely costly.

More formal usage, implying significant financial loss or negative consequences.

2

A organização do evento exigiu um esforço custoso, mas o resultado foi gratificante.

Organizing the event required a costly effort, but the result was rewarding.

Highlighting the 'effort' aspect of 'custoso'.

3

O processo de adaptação a um novo país pode ser bastante custoso emocionalmente.

The process of adapting to a new country can be quite emotionally taxing/costly.

Applying 'custoso' to emotional or psychological tolls.

4

A manutenção de um estilo de vida saudável é um compromisso custoso a longo prazo.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a costly commitment in the long term.

Referring to a continuous effort and commitment.

5

O desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias é um empreendimento custoso, mas essencial.

The development of new technologies is a costly venture, but essential.

Used in the context of business and innovation.

6

A reconstrução da cidade após o desastre foi um processo notoriamente custoso.

The reconstruction of the city after the disaster was a notoriously costly process.

Emphasizing the scale of the challenge and resources required.

7

Não subestime o quão custoso pode ser manter uma reputação impecável.

Do not underestimate how costly it can be to maintain an impeccable reputation.

Abstract concept of maintaining something valuable.

8

A pesquisa científica básica é frequentemente custosa e os resultados nem sempre são imediatos.

Basic scientific research is often costly, and the results are not always immediate.

Relating to research and development.

1

A implementação de políticas ambientais rigorosas pode ser fiscalmente custosa a curto prazo, mas benéfica a longo prazo.

The implementation of strict environmental policies can be fiscally costly in the short term, but beneficial in the long term.

Sophisticated use with financial and temporal context.

2

Enfrentar a burocracia para obter licenças foi um processo exasperantemente custoso em termos de tempo e paciência.

Dealing with bureaucracy to obtain permits was an exasperatingly costly process in terms of time and patience.

Describing a frustrating bureaucratic process.

3

A transição para fontes de energia renovável, embora necessária, representa um investimento substancialmente custoso.

The transition to renewable energy sources, although necessary, represents a substantially costly investment.

Economic context, 'substancialmente custoso' implies a large financial outlay.

4

A manutenção da paz em regiões instáveis é um empreendimento diplomático e financeiro imensamente custoso.

Maintaining peace in unstable regions is an immensely costly diplomatic and financial undertaking.

Complex geopolitical and financial context.

5

A recuperação de ecossistemas danificados pode ser um processo lento e custoso, exigindo intervenção contínua.

The recovery of damaged ecosystems can be a slow and costly process, requiring continuous intervention.

Environmental context, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the cost.

6

Ignorar os sinais de alerta sobre a saúde pode resultar em tratamentos futuros mais custosos e complexos.

Ignoring warning signs about health can result in more costly and complex future treatments.

Consequences of inaction, linking to future costs.

7

A elaboração de um plano de negócios detalhado é um passo custoso, mas fundamental para o sucesso de uma startup.

The creation of a detailed business plan is a costly step, but fundamental for the success of a startup.

Business context, highlighting the value of the effort.

8

O legado de um grande artista é frequentemente medido não apenas pelo seu valor monetário, mas pelo esforço custoso que ele investiu em sua obra.

The legacy of a great artist is often measured not only by their monetary value but by the costly effort they invested in their work.

Philosophical application, connecting effort to artistic value.

1

A proliferação de desinformação representa um desafio custoso para a coesão social e a confiança nas instituições.

The proliferation of disinformation represents a costly challenge for social cohesion and trust in institutions.

Abstract and societal implications of 'custoso'.

2

A busca pela perfeição artística pode ser uma jornada solitária e custosa, repleta de sacrifícios pessoais.

The pursuit of artistic perfection can be a solitary and costly journey, filled with personal sacrifices.

Figurative use, emphasizing personal sacrifice and emotional toll.

3

O desenvolvimento de infraestruturas resilientes a eventos climáticos extremos é um investimento custoso, mas indispensável para a sustentabilidade futura.

The development of infrastructure resilient to extreme climate events is a costly investment, but indispensable for future sustainability.

Focus on long-term strategic investment and foresight.

4

A preservação do patrimônio cultural em face da globalização é um esforço custoso que exige dedicação e recursos significativos.

The preservation of cultural heritage in the face of globalization is a costly effort that requires significant dedication and resources.

Cultural preservation context, highlighting resource intensity.

5

A negociação de acordos internacionais complexos é um processo intrinsecamente custoso, tanto em termos de tempo quanto de concessões políticas.

The negotiation of complex international agreements is an intrinsically costly process, both in terms of time and political concessions.

Diplomatic and political context, emphasizing concessions.

6

A superação de traumas históricos coletivos é uma tarefa custosa que demanda tempo, diálogo e reconciliação.

Overcoming collective historical traumas is a costly task that demands time, dialogue, and reconciliation.

Psychological and societal healing context.

7

A busca por autonomia energética, embora estrategicamente vital, acarreta um custo inicial custoso e de longa maturação.

The pursuit of energy autonomy, although strategically vital, entails an initially costly and long-maturing cost.

Strategic and long-term economic planning.

8

A erradicação de doenças negligenciadas é um empreendimento custoso, mas que rende dividendos imensuráveis em termos de saúde pública.

The eradication of neglected diseases is a costly undertaking, but one that yields immeasurable dividends in terms of public health.

Global health initiatives, emphasizing the return on investment.

1

A manutenção de um regime democrático robusto face às pressões autoritárias é um compromisso perene e inexoravelmente custoso.

Maintaining a robust democratic regime in the face of authoritarian pressures is a perennial and inexorably costly commitment.

Abstract political philosophy, 'inexorably costly' implies unavoidable difficulty.

2

O legado de um império desmoronado é frequentemente uma tapeçaria intrincada de glória e de um custo humano e material custoso.

The legacy of a crumbling empire is often an intricate tapestry of glory and a costly human and material cost.

Historical and philosophical reflection on empires.

3

A verdadeira iluminação espiritual, segundo algumas tradições, é alcançada através de um caminho ascético e custoso, despojado de vaidades mundanas.

True spiritual enlightenment, according to some traditions, is achieved through an ascetic and costly path, stripped of worldly vanities.

Spiritual and philosophical context, emphasizing self-denial.

4

A reconciliação pós-conflito exige um esforço monumentalmente custoso para desmantelar narrativas de ódio e reconstruir a confiança mútua.

Post-conflict reconciliation requires a monumentally costly effort to dismantle narratives of hate and rebuild mutual trust.

Deep psychological and societal healing.

5

A exploração espacial, com sua promessa de novas fronteiras, representa um dos empreendimentos mais custosos e tecnologicamente desafiadores já concebidos pela humanidade.

Space exploration, with its promise of new frontiers, represents one of the most costly and technologically challenging endeavors ever conceived by humanity.

Technological and existential ambition.

6

A erradicação da pobreza extrema é um objetivo global custoso, que exige uma abordagem multifacetada e sustentada.

The eradication of extreme poverty is a costly global objective, requiring a multifaceted and sustained approach.

Socio-economic and humanitarian context.

7

A criação de uma inteligência artificial verdadeiramente consciente seria, sem dúvida, um empreendimento de complexidade e custo custoso inimagináveis.

The creation of truly conscious artificial intelligence would undoubtedly be an undertaking of unimaginable complexity and costly cost.

Hypothetical and futuristic scenario.

8

A jornada para a autoconsciência, desprovida de artifícios e autoengano, é frequentemente a mais custosa de todas as viagens humanas.

The journey to self-awareness, devoid of artifice and self-deception, is often the most costly of all human journeys.

Introspective and psychological journey.

Häufige Kollokationen

muito custoso
bastante custoso
terrivelmente custoso
custoso em tempo
custoso em dinheiro
custoso em esforço
processo custoso
trabalho custoso
investimento custoso
decisão custosa

Häufige Phrasen

É custoso

— It is costly / It is difficult.

É custoso manter um carro em boas condições.

Ser custoso

— To be costly / To be difficult.

Construir uma carreira de sucesso pode ser custoso.

Tornar-se custoso

— To become costly / To become difficult.

O projeto tornou-se custoso devido a imprevistos.

Foi custoso

— It was costly / It was difficult.

Foi custoso para ele aceitar a derrota.

Não é custoso

— It is not costly / It is not difficult.

Não é custoso encontrar informações na internet.

Muito custoso

— Very costly / Very difficult.

A reparação foi muito custosa.

Um pouco custoso

— A bit costly / A bit difficult.

O bilhete de cinema estava um pouco custoso.

Custoso em tempo

— Costly in time / Time-consuming.

A pesquisa foi custosa em tempo.

Custoso em esforço

— Costly in effort / Requiring great effort.

A aprendizagem foi custosa em esforço.

Custoso em dinheiro

— Costly in money / Financially expensive.

O tratamento médico é custoso em dinheiro.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

custoso vs caro

'Caro' specifically means 'expensive' in terms of money. 'Custoso' can mean expensive, but also difficult or requiring effort. If something is just expensive, 'caro' is often preferred. If it's expensive AND difficult, 'custoso' is better.

custoso vs difícil

'Difícil' means 'difficult'. If a task is difficult but not necessarily expensive, use 'difícil'. 'Custoso' implies a cost, whether monetary or in terms of effort.

custoso vs oneroso

'Oneroso' is a more formal word for 'burdensome' or 'financially taxing'. It often implies a more significant financial strain or obligation than 'custoso'.

Leicht verwechselbar

custoso vs caro

Both 'custoso' and 'caro' translate to 'expensive' in English, leading to confusion.

'Caro' is exclusively about monetary price. 'Custoso' can refer to monetary price but also implies a significant investment of effort, time, or resources, making it 'costly' in a broader sense. For example, a simple but high-priced item is 'caro', while a complex, time-consuming, and expensive project is 'custoso'.

O relógio é caro (expensive price). O projeto de restauração foi custoso (expensive price + lots of effort).

custoso vs difícil

Both words can describe things that are not easy to obtain or accomplish.

'Difícil' focuses solely on the challenge or complexity of a task or situation. 'Custoso' implies a cost associated with that difficulty – either financial, temporal, or effort-based. Something can be difficult without being costly (e.g., a simple puzzle might be difficult for a child), and something can be costly without being inherently difficult (e.g., a luxury item that requires no effort to use).

A prova foi difícil (challenging). A recuperação da cirurgia foi custosa (painful and required significant effort/time, implying a cost beyond just pain).

custoso vs trabalhoso

Both 'custoso' and 'trabalhoso' can describe tasks requiring significant effort.

'Trabalhoso' specifically emphasizes the labor or work involved, the sheer amount of physical or mental exertion. 'Custoso' is broader; it can encompass laboriousness but also financial expense or emotional toll. A task can be 'trabalhoso' without being particularly expensive, and 'custoso' can refer to things that are expensive even if the labor isn't the primary factor.

Limpar a casa foi trabalhoso (a lot of work). A mudança para outra cidade foi custosa (expensive moving costs + effort).

custoso vs oneroso

Both 'custoso' and 'oneroso' relate to cost and burden.

'Oneroso' is generally more formal and implies a significant financial burden, obligation, or something that weighs heavily, often in a legal or economic context. 'Custoso' is more common in everyday speech and can refer to both financial cost and effort. 'Oneroso' often suggests a more profound and perhaps unavoidable financial imposition.

O contrato era oneroso (formal, financial burden). O conserto do carro foi custoso (expensive repair).

custoso vs barato

It's the direct antonym in terms of price.

'Barato' means 'cheap' or 'inexpensive' in terms of monetary cost. 'Custoso' means 'costly' or 'expensive'. They represent opposite ends of the price spectrum.

Este pão é barato. Aquele bolo é custoso.

Satzmuster

A2

O(A) [noun] é custoso(a).

O jogo é custoso.

A2

Foi custoso(a) [activity].

Foi custoso para mim estudar.

A2

[Noun] custoso(a) em [aspect].

O projeto custoso em tempo.

B1

Tornar-se custoso(a).

O reparo tornou-se custoso.

B1

Um(a) [noun] custoso(a).

Um processo custoso.

B2

Fiscalmente custoso.

A mudança é fiscalmente custosa.

B2

Extremamente custoso.

O seguro é extremamente custoso.

C1

Um desafio custoso para [someone/something].

A adaptação é um desafio custoso para os imigrantes.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

custo

Verben

custar

Adjektive

custoso
custosa
custosos
custosas

Verwandt

custo cost, expense
custar to cost, to be difficult
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So verwendest du es

frequency

Frequent

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 'custoso' for something that is only expensive, not difficult. → O relógio é caro.

    While 'custoso' can mean expensive, 'caro' is more precise when the cost is purely monetary and there's no implication of difficulty or effort. Using 'custoso' here might imply it was also hard to acquire.

  • Forgetting gender agreement: 'A viagem foi custoso.' → A viagem foi custosa.

    'Viagem' (trip) is a feminine noun, so the adjective 'custoso' must also be in its feminine form, 'custosa'.

  • Using 'custoso' when 'difícil' is more appropriate. → Resolver este problema de matemática é difícil.

    If the primary focus is on the challenge or complexity of a task, and there's no significant financial cost or extreme effort implied, 'difícil' is the better word. 'Custoso' implies a 'cost' beyond just difficulty.

  • Confusing plural forms: 'Os projetos são custoso.' → Os projetos são custosos.

    'Projetos' (projects) is masculine plural, so the adjective must also be in the masculine plural form, 'custosos'.

  • Using 'custoso' for something that is simply time-consuming but not necessarily hard. → A espera foi longa, mas não foi custosa.

    If something takes a long time but isn't difficult or expensive, 'custoso' might not be the best fit. Words like 'longo' (long) or 'demorado' (time-consuming) might be more accurate depending on the nuance.

Tipps

Agreement is Key

Remember that 'custoso' is an adjective and must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, 'o projeto' (masculine singular) is 'custoso', but 'a reforma' (feminine singular) is 'custosa'. For plural nouns, use 'custosos' (masculine) or 'custosas' (feminine).

Listen for Clues

When you hear 'custoso', pay attention to the surrounding words. If the conversation is about prices, shopping, or money, it means 'expensive'. If it's about tasks, challenges, or time, it means 'difficult' or 'laborious'.

Synonym Awareness

While 'caro' is a direct synonym for 'expensive', 'custoso' often carries an additional layer of effort or difficulty. Use 'custoso' when you want to convey both high price and significant effort.

Stress the 'TO'

The stress in 'custoso' falls on the second syllable: cus-TO-so. Practicing this stress pattern will help you pronounce the word naturally.

Use it in Sentences

Try creating your own sentences using 'custoso' in different contexts. Describe something expensive you saw, a difficult task you completed, or a project that required a lot of time and money.

Beyond Money

Don't limit 'custoso' to just financial cost. Think of it as anything that demands a significant 'cost' – be it money, time, energy, or emotional investment. This broader understanding will help you use it more accurately.

Custoso vs. Difícil

While 'difícil' means 'difficult', 'custoso' implies a cost associated with that difficulty. A task can be 'difícil' without being 'custoso' (e.g., a complex puzzle that's free), but a truly 'custoso' task often involves both difficulty and some form of expenditure.

Root of Cost

The word 'custoso' comes from the Latin 'costus', meaning 'cost'. This connection to 'cost' is a good reminder that it always implies some form of expense, whether tangible or intangible.

Formal vs. Informal

While 'custoso' is common in everyday speech, its related word 'oneroso' is more formal and typically used for significant financial burdens. 'Custoso' is versatile across registers but leans towards neutral to informal.

Real-World Use

You'll hear 'custoso' frequently when people discuss travel, renovations, major purchases, or challenging life events. Understanding its nuances will greatly improve your comprehension of everyday Portuguese.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a very expensive, beautifully decorated cake that took hours to bake and decorate. It's 'custoso' because it costs a lot of money and took a lot of effort (custo + so much effort).

Visuelle Assoziation

Picture a price tag with a very high number on a beautiful, but large and complex object, like a grand piano or a vintage car. Then, imagine someone looking exhausted after assembling a complex piece of furniture, linking the high price tag to the effort involved.

Word Web

Expensive Costly Difficult Laborious Price Effort Time Money

Herausforderung

Try to describe three things you bought recently. For each, say if it was 'custoso' in terms of money, effort, or both. Then, describe a task you did this week and explain if it was 'custoso'.

Wortherkunft

The word 'custoso' derives from the Latin word 'costosus', which itself comes from 'costus', meaning 'cost' or 'price'. The term has evolved to encompass not only monetary expense but also the effort and difficulty associated with acquiring or achieving something.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: Related to cost or price.

Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Portuguese

Kultureller Kontext

When using 'custoso' to describe effort or difficulty, ensure the context is appropriate. For example, describing someone's personal struggles as 'custoso' might be perceived as insensitive if not handled with care, as it could trivialize their experience. It's best used for tasks, projects, or general situations rather than deeply personal emotional burdens unless the speaker is clearly expressing empathy.

In English-speaking cultures, while 'costly' and 'expensive' are direct translations, the nuance of 'difficult' or 'laborious' might be expressed more commonly with words like 'arduous', 'demanding', or 'tough'. However, 'costly' in English can also imply a negative consequence or a price paid beyond money.

The phrase 'a todo custo' (at all costs) uses the noun form 'custo' and implies a willingness to pay any price or endure any difficulty to achieve something. Discussions about the 'custo Brasil' (Brazil cost) refer to the high expenses and difficulties associated with doing business in Brazil, encompassing taxes, bureaucracy, and infrastructure issues. In literature, descriptions of laborious journeys or challenging endeavors often employ words that align with the meaning of 'custoso'.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Shopping for expensive items

  • Este item é custoso.
  • É um pouco custoso para mim.
  • O preço é custoso.

Discussing travel expenses

  • A viagem foi custosa.
  • Os voos são custosos.
  • Um destino custoso.

Talking about difficult tasks or projects

  • O projeto é custoso em tempo.
  • Aprender isto é custoso.
  • Um trabalho custoso.

Describing financial burdens

  • Manter a casa é custoso.
  • O tratamento é custoso.
  • Um investimento custoso.

Referring to effort and dedication

  • É custoso em esforço.
  • Uma jornada custosa.
  • Requer esforço custoso.

Gesprächseinstiege

"O que você acha que é a coisa mais custosa que você já comprou?"

"Você já teve um projeto que foi custoso em tempo e esforço?"

"Quais são algumas coisas que você acha que são injustamente custosas?"

"Como você lida com algo que é muito custoso para você?"

"Existe algo que você acha que deveria ser menos custoso?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Descreva uma vez em que você teve que fazer algo que foi custoso, seja em dinheiro ou em esforço. Como você se sentiu?

Liste três coisas que você gostaria de comprar ou fazer, mas que são custosas. Como você planeja alcançá-las?

Pense em uma tarefa difícil que você completou recentemente. Use a palavra 'custoso' para descrever o quão desafiador foi.

Escreva sobre a diferença entre algo ser 'caro' e algo ser 'custoso' em sua opinião. Dê exemplos.

Reflita sobre um objetivo de longo prazo que você tem. De que maneiras ele pode ser considerado 'custoso'?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, 'custoso' has a dual meaning. While it frequently refers to a high monetary price ('expensive'), it also describes something that requires a lot of effort, time, or is generally difficult and demanding ('laborious', 'taxing'). The context will tell you which meaning is intended. For example, 'Aprender português é custoso' means it requires a lot of effort and time.

'Caro' almost exclusively means 'expensive' in terms of money. 'Custoso' can also mean expensive, but it often implies a greater cost, including effort, time, or resources. If something is just expensive, 'caro' is often the better choice. If it's expensive and also difficult or time-consuming, 'custoso' is more appropriate. For example, a luxury watch might be 'caro', but a complex project that costs a lot and takes months to complete would be 'custoso'.

Context is key! If people are talking about prices, budgets, or shopping, 'custoso' likely means expensive. If they are discussing tasks, challenges, or long processes, it probably refers to the effort, time, or difficulty involved. For instance, 'Comprar um carro é custoso' (Buying a car is costly) refers to money, while 'Construir uma casa é custoso' (Building a house is costly) implies both money and a lot of work.

Yes, as an adjective, 'custoso' must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. So, you'll see 'custoso' (masculine singular), 'custosa' (feminine singular), 'custosos' (masculine plural), and 'custosas' (feminine plural). For example: 'o livro custoso' (the costly book), 'a viagem custosa' (the costly trip), 'os sapatos custosos' (the costly shoes), 'as flores custosas' (the costly flowers).

Absolutely! While often used for tangible items or tasks, 'custoso' can describe abstract concepts that require significant effort, resources, or have negative consequences. For example, 'A recuperação de um trauma pode ser custosa' (Recovering from trauma can be costly/taxing) or 'Manter a paz é um esforço custoso' (Maintaining peace is a costly effort).

Yes, common phrases include 'muito custoso' (very costly/difficult), 'bastante custoso' (quite costly/difficult), and 'custoso em tempo/dinheiro/esforço' (costly in time/money/effort). You'll also hear 'É custoso...' (It is costly/difficult...) used impersonally.

'Custoso' generally implies a significant expenditure or effort, which can be perceived negatively if it's an unwanted expense or an overwhelming task. However, it can also be neutral, simply stating a fact about high cost or difficulty. Sometimes, it can even be used positively if the costly effort leads to a valuable outcome, acknowledging the investment made.

The related verb is 'custar'. It means 'to cost' (in money) or 'to be difficult/to take effort' (e.g., 'Isso me custou muito' - That cost me a lot / That was very difficult for me).

While less common, 'custoso' can sometimes describe a person who is difficult to deal with, demanding, or causes a lot of trouble or expense. In this case, it's similar to saying someone is 'difficult' or 'a handful'. However, it's more typically used for things, tasks, or situations.

While 'custoso' itself isn't typically part of a strong idiom, the related noun 'custo' appears in phrases like 'a todo custo' (at all costs), which means doing something no matter how expensive or difficult it becomes.

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