Signification
Used to indicate that something is achieved by sacrificing something else.
Contexte culturel
In Brazil, the plural form 'às custas de' is the most common in daily speech. Using the singular 'à custa de' can sound very formal or even slightly 'Portugal-style' to some Brazilians, although it is the form required in the 'Vestibular' (university entrance exams). The Portuguese are generally more strict about the singular 'à custa de'. The plural 'às custas' is often seen as a 'Brazilianism' or a grammatical error in Lisbon. In African Lusophone countries, the phrase is frequently used in political rhetoric to describe the gap between the elite and the general population, emphasizing that wealth is often gained 'à custa' of the poor. The term 'custas' is still a very active legal term in all Portuguese-speaking countries, referring to court fees. This legal origin gives the idiom a sense of 'finality' and 'obligation'.
The Crase Rule
Always remember the grave accent (à). It's the most common mistake for native speakers too, so getting it right makes you look very educated.
Avoid for Neutral Costs
Don't use it for buying groceries. It sounds like you're saying the groceries suffered to be bought by you!
Signification
Used to indicate that something is achieved by sacrificing something else.
The Crase Rule
Always remember the grave accent (à). It's the most common mistake for native speakers too, so getting it right makes you look very educated.
Avoid for Neutral Costs
Don't use it for buying groceries. It sounds like you're saying the groceries suffered to be bought by you!
Brazilian Plural
If you are in Brazil, feel free to use 'às custas de'. It sounds more natural in a bar or at a family dinner.
Teste-toi
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta (não esqueça a crase).
Ele conseguiu a vitória _______ de muito suor e lágrimas.
A expressão exige a crase (à) e a forma singular é a preferida na norma culta.
Qual frase indica que alguém está sendo explorado?
Escolha a opção correta:
'À custa de' aqui indica que ele se beneficia sem contribuir, explorando o esforço dela.
Complete o diálogo de forma natural.
A: 'A empresa lucrou milhões este ano!' B: 'Pois é, mas foi _______ da redução dos salários.'
Como houve um sacrifício (redução de salários) para atingir o lucro, 'à custa de' é a expressão ideal.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesEle conseguiu a vitória _______ de muito suor e lágrimas.
A expressão exige a crase (à) e a forma singular é a preferida na norma culta.
Escolha a opção correta:
'À custa de' aqui indica que ele se beneficia sem contribuir, explorando o esforço dela.
A: 'A empresa lucrou milhões este ano!' B: 'Pois é, mas foi _______ da redução dos salários.'
Como houve um sacrifício (redução de salários) para atingir o lucro, 'à custa de' é a expressão ideal.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo. In Brazil, it is widely accepted in speech. However, in formal writing and in Portugal, the singular 'à custa de' is preferred.
Usually, it implies a negative sacrifice. For positive things, use 'graças a' (thanks to).
'Por causa de' is a neutral 'because of'. 'À custa de' implies that the cause was a sacrifice or a price paid.
Yes, when followed by a noun or verb. If you use a possessive pronoun, it becomes 'à minha custa', 'à tua custa', etc.
Yes, very often to describe trade-offs, like 'profit at the expense of quality'.
You say 'à minha custa' (singular) or 'às minhas custas' (plural, informal BR).
Yes, but the verb must be in the infinitive. Example: 'À custa de mentir' (At the cost of lying).
Yes, it is a top-500 expression in Portuguese, essential for C1 level fluency.
'Em detrimento de' is the most formal equivalent.
It can be, if you are accusing someone of living 'à custa' of others. Use with caution in social settings.
Expressions liées
Em detrimento de
synonymTo the detriment of
À força de
similarBy dint of / Through much...
Graças a
contrastThanks to
Por conta de
similarBecause of / On behalf of
À mercê de
builds onAt the mercy of
