Meaning
To request a taxi service.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, taxis are usually yellow (Rio) or white (São Paulo). Drivers are known as 'taxistas' and are often very social. Using apps like '99' or 'Uber' is now more common than calling a central, but the phrase 'chamar um táxi' is still used for all car services. Portuguese taxis are traditionally black with a green roof or beige. In Lisbon, you can find them at 'praças de táxis'. It is common to call a 'Rádio Táxi' central. In Luanda, while official taxis exist, the 'candongueiro' (blue and white vans) is the most common form of 'taxi'. However, for private service, 'chamar um táxi' refers to a private car. Similar to Angola, 'chapas' are the public transport, but 'táxis' are private. In Maputo, calling a taxi is often done through personal contacts of trusted drivers.
Use Apps
In Brazil, use apps like 99 or Uber. In Portugal, use FreeNow or Bolt. You still 'chama' the ride.
Check the Meter
Always ensure the driver turns on the 'taxímetro' when you enter.
Meaning
To request a taxi service.
Use Apps
In Brazil, use apps like 99 or Uber. In Portugal, use FreeNow or Bolt. You still 'chama' the ride.
Check the Meter
Always ensure the driver turns on the 'taxímetro' when you enter.
Rounding Up
In Portugal, it's polite to round up the fare to the nearest Euro as a small tip.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'chamar'.
Eu ______ um táxi para o aeroporto agora.
The subject is 'Eu' (I), so the verb 'chamar' must be conjugated in the first person singular present: 'chamo'.
Which of these is the most natural way to ask for a taxi in a hotel?
Como se pede um táxi no hotel?
'Pode chamar um táxi' is the standard polite request.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Está muito tarde para ir a pé. B: Concordo. Vou _________ pelo aplicativo.
Taxis are the logical choice for late-night transport when walking is not an option.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a taxi stand (ponto de táxi).
If you are at a 'ponto de táxi', the cars are already waiting for you.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to Get a Taxi
On the Street
- • Hailing
- • Taxi Stand
- • Whistling
Digital
- • App
- • Website
Voice
- • Phone Call
- • Receptionist
- • Concierge
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu ______ um táxi para o aeroporto agora.
The subject is 'Eu' (I), so the verb 'chamar' must be conjugated in the first person singular present: 'chamo'.
Como se pede um táxi no hotel?
'Pode chamar um táxi' is the standard polite request.
A: Está muito tarde para ir a pé. B: Concordo. Vou _________ pelo aplicativo.
Taxis are the logical choice for late-night transport when walking is not an option.
Situation: You are at a taxi stand (ponto de táxi).
If you are at a 'ponto de táxi', the cars are already waiting for you.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'pedir' is very common and perfectly natural, especially in Brazil.
It's not mandatory, but rounding up the change is a common courtesy in both Brazil and Portugal.
It is masculine: 'o táxi' or 'um táxi'.
Simply raise your arm when you see a taxi with a green light (Portugal) or a 'Livre' sign (Brazil).
Yes, you can say 'chamar um Uber'.
The plural is 'táxis'.
Yes, if you are referring to a specific taxi you already ordered or that is waiting for you.
In major cities, it's generally safer to use an app or have a hotel/restaurant call one for you.
It is the noun for the taxi driver.
Most modern taxis in big cities do, but it's always best to ask 'Aceita cartão?' before starting the trip.
Related Phrases
Pedir um táxi
synonymTo ask for a taxi
Pegar um táxi
similarTo take/catch a taxi
Ponto de táxi
builds onTaxi stand
Motorista de táxi
builds onTaxi driver
Ir de táxi
similarTo go by taxi
