Meaning
A question to ask about the price of something.
Cultural Background
In Brazilian 'feiras', prices are often shouted out by sellers. If you ask 'Quanto custa?', be prepared for a fast, rhythmic answer and a potential offer for a 'desconto' (discount). In Portugal, it is common to use 'Quanto é?' for small items like coffee or a newspaper. 'Quanto custa?' is used for more significant purchases. In Luanda's markets, the currency is the Kwanza. Asking 'Quanto custa?' is often followed by a negotiation process called 'mamanas'. In Mozambique, you might hear 'Quanto custa?' mixed with local languages. It's polite to use 'por favor' at the end of the question.
The Plural Rule
Always check if you are asking about one thing (custa) or many (custam). It's the most common mistake for beginners!
Politeness First
Never just bark 'Quanto custa?' at a seller. Always start with 'Bom dia' or 'Com licença'.
Meaning
A question to ask about the price of something.
The Plural Rule
Always check if you are asking about one thing (custa) or many (custam). It's the most common mistake for beginners!
Politeness First
Never just bark 'Quanto custa?' at a seller. Always start with 'Bom dia' or 'Com licença'.
The 'Quanto é' Shortcut
If you forget the verb 'custar', just use 'Quanto é?' (How much is it?). It works in 99% of situations.
Haggling Etiquette
In Brazil, if you ask the price and then start to walk away, the seller will often shout a lower price. This is your cue to negotiate!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'custar'.
Quanto ______ (custar) estas laranjas?
Since 'laranjas' is plural, the verb must be 'custam'.
Which is the most natural way to ask for the price of a single book?
Asking for the price of a book:
'Quanto' is for price, and 'custa' is singular for one book.
Complete the dialogue at the market.
Cliente: Bom dia! ______ ______ o melão? Vendedor: Custa cinco reais.
The seller answers with 'Custa...', so the question should use 'Quanto custa'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a high-end jewelry store and want to be very polite.
'Qual o valor' is more formal and appropriate for expensive items.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'Quanto custa?'
Shopping
- • Roupas
- • Sapatos
- • Eletrônicos
Food
- • Frutas
- • Pão
- • Café
Travel
- • Passagens
- • Hotéis
- • Museus
Practice Bank
4 exercisesQuanto ______ (custar) estas laranjas?
Since 'laranjas' is plural, the verb must be 'custam'.
Asking for the price of a book:
'Quanto' is for price, and 'custa' is singular for one book.
Cliente: Bom dia! ______ ______ o melão? Vendedor: Custa cinco reais.
The seller answers with 'Custa...', so the question should use 'Quanto custa'.
You are in a high-end jewelry store and want to be very polite.
'Qual o valor' is more formal and appropriate for expensive items.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth are grammatically correct. 'Quanto custa?' is more standard/formal, while 'Custa quanto?' is very common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.
Only metaphorically. If you say 'Quanto você custa?', it sounds like you are trying to buy the person, which is offensive!
Use 'A conta, por favor' or 'Quanto deu tudo?'. 'Quanto custa?' is for individual items.
'Preço' is the tag on the item. 'Valor' is more formal and can also mean 'value' or 'worth'.
You can say 'Quanto custa isto?' (this) or just 'Quanto custa?' while pointing. Both are fine.
Since 'sapatos' is plural, use 'Quanto custam os sapatos?'.
Use 'Quanto custa' + infinitive verb. Example: 'Quanto custa viajar?'
Not at all! It's very common and perfectly polite for daily transactions.
It means 'It costs a lot' or 'It's expensive'.
No, for time use 'Quanto tempo leva?' (How much time does it take?).
Related Phrases
Quanto é?
synonymHow much is it?
Qual o preço?
similarWhat is the price?
Está caro
contrastIt is expensive
Está barato
contrastIt is cheap
Pechinchar
builds onTo haggle
Valor de mercado
specialized formMarket value
