Meaning
Indicates that one will pay for something or take responsibility.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, the phrase is often part of a social ritual called 'fazer um agrado' (doing a favor/pleasing someone). Offering to pay 'por minha conta' is a high sign of status and generosity. In Portugal, 'trabalhar por conta própria' is a very common way to describe the self-employed. It carries a sense of pride in one's independence and 'desenrascanço'. In Angolan Portuguese, the phrase is used similarly to Brazil but can also imply a sense of 'taking care of business' in a more rugged, self-reliant way. In Lusophone business, 'correr por conta de' is the standard legal jargon for allocating costs or risks in contracts, showing the phrase's formal utility.
The 'Risco' Combo
To sound like a native C1 speaker, use 'por minha conta e risco'. It's a powerful way to show you are brave and accountable.
Don't pluralize 'conta'
When offering to pay, never say 'por minhas contas'. It sounds like you are paying with multiple bank accounts.
Meaning
Indicates that one will pay for something or take responsibility.
The 'Risco' Combo
To sound like a native C1 speaker, use 'por minha conta e risco'. It's a powerful way to show you are brave and accountable.
Don't pluralize 'conta'
When offering to pay, never say 'por minhas contas'. It sounds like you are paying with multiple bank accounts.
The Bill Battle
In Brazil, if you say 'é por minha conta', be prepared for a polite argument. It's common for others to try to pay too!
Verb Choice
Use 'fica por conta de' for ongoing duties and 'é por minha conta' for one-time payments.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Não se preocupe com o valor do conserto, isso fica ______.
'Por minha conta' is the standard expression for assuming a cost.
Which sentence expresses that someone learned a skill without a teacher?
Como ela aprendeu a falar francês?
'Por sua conta própria' emphasizes self-teaching and initiative.
Fill in the missing line in this formal business dialogue.
Diretor: 'Quem assumirá o risco desta operação?' Gerente: '_________________.'
'Por minha conta e risco' is the formal way to accept full responsibility for a risky decision.
Match the phrase variation to the correct context.
1. Por conta da casa | 2. Por conta própria | 3. Por minha conta
'Por conta da casa' is for businesses, 'Por conta própria' is for independence, and 'Por minha conta' is for personal treating.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Por minha conta vs. Por minha causa
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNão se preocupe com o valor do conserto, isso fica ______.
'Por minha conta' is the standard expression for assuming a cost.
Como ela aprendeu a falar francês?
'Por sua conta própria' emphasizes self-teaching and initiative.
Diretor: 'Quem assumirá o risco desta operação?' Gerente: '_________________.'
'Por minha conta e risco' is the formal way to accept full responsibility for a risky decision.
1. Por conta da casa | 2. Por conta própria | 3. Por minha conta
'Por conta da casa' is for businesses, 'Por conta própria' is for independence, and 'Por minha conta' is for personal treating.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's neutral. You can use it with friends at a bar or in a legal contract. The context and the verb you use with it determine the formality.
No, that's not idiomatic. Use 'por minha conta' or 'à minha custa'.
It means 'on the house'. It's when a restaurant or shop gives you something for free.
You say 'Eu trabalho por conta própria'.
The meaning is the same, but Brazilians use it more frequently in casual social offers to pay.
Yes. 'O prejuízo ficou por minha conta' means 'I had to cover the loss'.
No, it can mean responsibility or initiative, like 'decidi por minha conta'.
'Por mim' means 'as far as I'm concerned' or 'fine by me'. 'Por minha conta' means 'I'll handle it/pay for it'.
Yes! Use it when you and a partner or group are paying for someone else.
Yes, very often to describe who pays for shipping, insurance, or taxes.
Related Phrases
Por conta própria
specialized formIndependently or self-employed.
Por conta de
similarBecause of / Due to.
À custa de
synonymAt the expense of.
Bancar
informal alternativeTo fund or to pay for.
