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A1 adjective #3,500 most common 11 min read

Barato

Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Barato in 30 Seconds

Explanation Barato in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'barato' is one of the essential adjectives for survival. Learners focus on the literal meaning: price. You use it to describe everyday items like food, clothes, and transport. The primary goal is to understand that 'barato' means 'cheap' and 'caro' means 'expensive'. At this stage, you must learn the basic gender agreement: 'o pão é barato' (masculine) and 'a maçã é barata' (feminine). You will mostly use it with the verb 'ser' or 'estar' in simple present tense. It is vital for shopping and basic interactions where you need to express if you can afford something or if you think a price is good. You don't need to worry about complex idioms yet, just the basic utility of the word in a market or store context. Focus on the contrast between high and low prices.

In A2, you begin to use 'barato' in comparisons. This is where you learn the structure 'mais barato que' (cheaper than). You start comparing products, services, and even cities. For example, 'Viver em Braga é mais barato que em Lisboa'. You also learn the plural forms 'baratos' and 'baratas' to describe multiple items. At this level, you might encounter the word in simple past tense stories, such as 'Ontem comprei uma camisa barata'. You also start to recognize the difference between 'ser barato' (generally cheap) and 'estar barato' (cheap right now because of a sale). Your vocabulary expands to include basic intensifiers like 'muito barato' or 'bastante barato'. You are becoming more comfortable using the word in full sentences rather than just isolated fragments.

At the B1 level, you move beyond simple shopping and start using 'barato' in more abstract and social contexts. You can discuss the 'cost of living' (custo de vida) and use 'barato' to describe economic trends in a basic way. You begin to understand that 'barato' can sometimes imply lower quality, and you start using alternatives like 'em conta' or 'acessível' to sound more varied. You also learn common idioms like 'sair barato', which means a situation ended with fewer negative consequences than expected. Your grammatical control improves, and you can use 'barato' in complex sentences with relative clauses, like 'Eu procuro um lugar que seja barato e perto do centro'. You also start to encounter the word in news articles or more detailed advertisements.

By B2, you are expected to understand the nuances of 'barato' in different Portuguese-speaking regions. You become aware of the Brazilian slang usage where 'um barato' means 'a cool experience' or 'a trip'. You can use the word in debates about economy, sustainability, and consumerism. You understand the pejorative sense of the word better and know when to avoid it to remain polite. You can handle the word in all verb tenses, including the subjunctive and conditional. For example, 'Se fosse mais barato, eu compraria'. You also start using more sophisticated synonyms like 'módico' or 'econômico' in professional or academic settings. Your use of 'barato' is now fluid and integrated into a broader understanding of Portuguese semantics and social registers.

At the C1 level, you have a deep, intuitive grasp of 'barato'. You can use it ironically, sarcastically, or metaphorically with ease. You understand the historical and cultural weight of the word in different contexts. You can analyze texts where 'barato' is used to critique social classes or economic policies. You are comfortable with all idiomatic expressions, such as 'o barato sai caro' (the cheap comes out expensive/you get what you pay for), and can explain their cultural significance. Your vocabulary is so rich that you only use 'barato' when it is the most precise word for the situation, often choosing more specific alternatives for better stylistic effect. You can also navigate the insect homonym ('barata') without a second thought, even in puns or wordplay.

At the C2 level, 'barato' is just one tiny thread in a vast linguistic tapestry. You can discuss the etymology of the word, its evolution from the Latin 'barattare', and its relationship with other Romance languages. You can appreciate and produce literary works where 'barato' might be used to evoke a specific atmosphere of poverty, simplicity, or street life. You understand the most obscure regionalisms and can switch between the literal adjective and the Brazilian slang noun effortlessly in a single conversation. Your mastery is such that you can use the word to convey subtle social cues or complex emotional states. You are a master of the register, knowing exactly when 'barato' is too informal and when it is the only word that truly captures the essence of a situation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Barato in 30 Seconds

Barato is the essential Portuguese adjective for 'cheap' or 'inexpensive', used in every daily transaction and conversation about money and value.
It must agree in gender (barato/barata) and number (baratos/baratas) with the noun it describes, usually appearing after the noun in a sentence.
Beyond price, it can imply low quality or, in Brazilian slang, a 'cool experience' or a 'high', showing its deep cultural versatility.
Common idioms like 'sair barato' or 'o barato sai caro' highlight its importance in expressing wisdom, consequences, and life lessons in Portuguese.

The Portuguese word barato is a fundamental adjective that every beginner learner must master early in their journey. At its core, it translates to 'cheap' or 'inexpensive' in English. However, its usage spans a wide spectrum of social and economic contexts, from the literal price of a loaf of bread to the metaphorical value of an experience. In a literal sense, it describes any commodity, service, or product that has a low monetary cost relative to its perceived value or compared to other similar items. When you are walking through a feira (open-air market) in Lisbon or a camelô (street vendor) in Rio de Janeiro, you will hear this word constantly as vendors try to attract customers by highlighting their low prices.

Literal Price: Used to describe items that cost very little money, such as street food or public transport.
Relative Value: Used when comparing two items, where one is significantly more affordable than the other.

Beyond the financial aspect, barato can also carry a slightly pejorative nuance, similar to the English 'cheap' when it implies low quality or lack of sophistication. If someone describes a piece of furniture as 'barato', they might be suggesting that the materials are flimsy or the craftsmanship is poor. However, in Brazil specifically, the word underwent a fascinating semantic shift in the mid-20th century. In informal Brazilian Portuguese, 'um barato' can mean something very cool, an 'awesome trip', or an intense, pleasurable experience. This slang usage is quite distinct from the adjective's primary meaning and is usually used as a noun.

Este relógio foi muito barato, mas funciona perfeitamente bem.

It is essential to remember that since it is an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Thus, you have 'um carro barato' (a cheap car) but 'uma blusa barata' (a cheap blouse). This distinction is vital because 'barata' as a noun also means 'cockroach' in Portuguese, leading to many humorous misunderstandings for students. In European Portuguese, the word is almost exclusively used for price, whereas in Brazil, the 'cool' slang is very common. The word is ubiquitous in daily life, appearing in advertisements, news reports about the economy, and casual conversations about shopping. It is a word that builds bridges between the functional need to discuss money and the cultural nuances of value and quality. Understanding barato is not just about knowing a price tag; it is about understanding the Portuguese-speaking world's relationship with economy and satisfaction. Whether you are bargaining at a market or complimenting a friend's new find, this word will be your constant companion. It represents the accessibility of life's pleasures and the practicalities of daily survival.

Using barato correctly requires a basic understanding of Portuguese adjective placement and agreement. In most cases, the adjective follows the noun it describes. For example, 'um livro barato' (a cheap book). If you place it before the noun, which is less common for this specific word, it might sound more poetic or emphatic, but for general communication, stick to placing it after.

Gender Agreement: Masculine: barato; Feminine: barata. Example: 'O sapato é barato' vs 'A sandália é barata'.
Number Agreement: Singular: barato/barata; Plural: baratos/baratas. Example: 'Os ovos estão baratos hoje'.

When using the verb 'ser' (to be) with barato, you are usually describing an inherent quality or a fixed state of the item's price. 'Este restaurante é barato' implies that it is known for its low prices generally. Conversely, using 'estar' suggests a temporary condition, such as a sale or a seasonal price drop. 'As maçãs estão baratas esta semana' means they are currently cheap, perhaps due to a promotion.

Eu comprei estas passagens aéreas por um preço muito barato durante a promoção.

Comparative and superlative forms are also very frequent. To say something is 'cheaper', you use 'mais barato'. 'Este hotel é mais barato que o outro'. To say it is the 'cheapest', you use 'o mais barato'. 'Este é o mercado mais barato da cidade'. Note that there is no single-word equivalent like 'cheaper' in English; the 'mais' is mandatory. Another common construction is the adverbial use. While 'barato' is primarily an adjective, it can function as an adverb modifying a verb, especially with verbs related to commerce like 'vender' (to sell) or 'comprar' (to buy). 'Eles vendem barato' (They sell cheaply). In this case, it often remains in the masculine singular form 'barato' regardless of the subject, although some regional variations might apply. Furthermore, the word appears in several fixed expressions. 'Sair barato' is a common idiom meaning that a situation turned out better than expected or the consequences were less severe than feared. 'A multa saiu barata' (The fine was cheaper/less than expected). This metaphorical use is very common in adult conversation.

Intensifiers: Use 'muito', 'bastante', or 'extremamente' before 'barato' to add emphasis. 'É muito barato!'

Finally, consider the social context. In a formal business negotiation, you might prefer the word 'econômico' or 'acessível' over 'barato', as 'barato' can sometimes imply 'low quality'. However, in casual talk with friends or at the grocery store, 'barato' is the perfect, most natural choice. It is a versatile tool that allows you to navigate the economic realities of daily life in any Portuguese-speaking country.

The word barato is ingrained in the auditory landscape of Portuguese-speaking cultures. If you spend a morning at a traditional Portuguese mercado municipal, you will hear vendors shouting 'Olha o peixe barato!' (Look at the cheap fish!) as they try to clear their stock before closing. It is the language of the street, the language of the bargain hunter. In shopping malls, or shoppings in Brazil, neon signs scream 'Tudo barato!' during seasonal sales like Black Friday or after-Christmas clearances.

Não acredite nela, esse perfume não é barato em lugar nenhum.

You will also hear it in domestic settings. Families discussing their monthly budget will use barato to compare supermarkets. 'Onde o arroz está mais barato?' (Where is the rice cheaper?) is a question that resonates in households across Portugal, Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique. It is a word that connects the private sphere of home management with the public sphere of the economy. In Brazil, the word takes on a rhythmic, slangy life in the music and youth culture of previous decades, though it persists today. A famous song might describe a feeling as 'um barato total'. Here, it isn't about money at all; it's about a 'high' or a wonderful sensation. You might hear a surfer in Rio say 'Pegar essa onda foi o maior barato!' (Catching that wave was the best thing ever!). This specific usage is a hallmark of Carioca (Rio) slang but is understood nationwide. In the news, economists use the word to discuss the 'cesta básica' (the basic basket of essential goods). They might report that 'O transporte público está mais barato este mês' (Public transport is cheaper this month). It is also common in the travel industry. Hostels and budget airlines frequently use barato in their slogans to appeal to backpackers and cost-conscious travelers.

Commercial Ads: Used to create a sense of urgency and value. 'Preço baixo e tudo barato!'
Casual Gossip: Friends sharing tips on where to find the best deals. 'Aquela loja é muito barata!'

Even in literature and film, barato is used to ground characters in their social reality. A character's preference for 'vinhos baratos' (cheap wines) can be a character-building detail suggesting their financial status or their lack of pretension. From the high-stakes world of finance to the simple joy of finding a discount, barato is a word that vibrates through every level of Portuguese-speaking society. It is the sound of the market, the pulse of the street, and the logic of the wallet.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using barato is forgetting the gender and number agreement. Since 'cheap' in English is immutable, learners often say 'as roupas é barato' instead of the correct 'as roupas são baratas'. This error is immediately noticeable to native speakers and can disrupt the flow of conversation. Always pair the ending of the adjective with the gender and number of the noun it modifies.

The 'Cockroach' Confusion: The feminine form 'barata' is identical to the word for cockroach. Saying 'Eu vi uma barata' can mean 'I saw a cheap (thing)' or 'I saw a cockroach'. Context is king!

Another common pitfall is the confusion between 'barato' and 'econômico'. While they are often interchangeable, 'econômico' is more formal and usually refers to something that saves money over time (like an 'econômico' car that uses less fuel), whereas 'barato' focuses on the initial purchase price. Using 'barato' to describe a high-end luxury item that happens to be on sale might sound slightly off; in those cases, 'em conta' or 'com um bom preço' is more sophisticated.

Incorrect: Esta casa é muito barato. (Should be: barata)

Furthermore, English speakers often try to use 'barato' for 'low quality' without realizing that it can be offensive depending on the context. If you tell a host that their food is 'barato', they might take it as an insult to the quality rather than a compliment on the value. If you want to say something is a good deal, 'um bom custo-benefício' is a much safer and more professional phrase. In Brazil, the slang 'que barato' should only be used in very informal settings. Using it in a business meeting to mean 'how interesting' might confuse older or more formal colleagues. Also, be careful with the placement. While 'um barato carro' isn't grammatically 'wrong' in a strict sense, it sounds incredibly archaic or non-native. The natural position is after the noun.

Comparison Errors: Learners sometimes say 'mais melhor barato'. This is redundant. Just use 'mais barato'.

Lastly, watch out for the pronunciation of the 'r'. In many Portuguese dialects, the 'r' in barato is a single flap (like the 'tt' in 'better' in American English). If you use a hard English 'r' or a French-style guttural 'r', it might be harder for locals to understand you quickly in a noisy market. Mastering the 'r' is key to sounding natural when hunting for those 'preços baratos'.

While barato is the most common way to say 'cheap', Portuguese offers a rich palette of alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey. If you want to sound more formal or focus on the wisdom of the purchase, econômico is your best friend. It suggests efficiency and smart spending. In a business report, you would see 'soluções econômicas' rather than 'soluções baratas'.

Em Conta: Literally 'in account', this is a very common idiomatic way to say something is affordable or reasonably priced without the potential negative connotation of 'cheap'.
Acessível: Meaning 'accessible', this is often used for services, housing, or education to indicate that the price is within reach for most people.

If you are looking for something that is a real steal, you might use uma pechincha. This is a noun meaning 'a bargain'. 'Este casaco foi uma pechincha!' (This coat was a bargain!). It implies you got a much better price than usual. On the other end of the spectrum, if something is cheap because it is of poor quality, you might hear the slang word fuleiro (especially in Brazil) or rasca (in Portugal). These are much more negative than 'barato'.

Não é apenas barato, é um excelente investimento para o futuro.

For prices that are extremely low, almost negligible, you can use de graça (for free) or a preço de banana (at the price of a banana). The latter is a very common idiom across the Lusophone world to describe something incredibly cheap. In technical or academic contexts, you might encounter módico. It is a formal way to describe a small or moderate price. 'Uma quantia módica' (A modest amount). Understanding these synonyms allows you to tailor your speech to your audience. You wouldn't use 'pechincha' in a legal contract, and you wouldn't use 'módico' when haggling for a souvenir at the beach.

Popular vs. Baixo Custo: 'Popular' often refers to things aimed at the mass market (cheap but decent), while 'baixo custo' is the literal translation of 'low cost'.

By expanding your vocabulary beyond just barato, you gain the ability to express subtle differences in value, quality, and economic status, making your Portuguese sound much more natural and nuanced.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The English word 'barter' shares the same linguistic ancestor as 'barato'. In the past, 'barato' also meant confusion or disorder, a meaning that survived in some dialects.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /bɐ.ˈɾa.tu/

US /ba.ˈɾa.tu/

The stress is on the second syllable: ba-RA-to.

Rhymes With

Prato (plate) Gato (cat) Rato (mouse/rat) Fato (fact/suit) Sapato (shoe) Contato (contact) Ato (act) Exato (exact)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' as a hard English 'r'.
Making the final 'o' a strong 'oh' sound instead of 'u'.
Stress on the first syllable.
Nasalizing the 'a' sounds unnecessarily.
Failing to flap the 'r' correctly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it is a common word with a stable meaning.

Writing 2/5

Requires attention to gender and number agreement.

Speaking 2/5

The flapped 'r' and final 'u' sound need practice.

Listening 2/5

Must distinguish between the adjective and the noun 'cockroach'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Caro (expensive) Preço (price) Dinheiro (money) Comprar (to buy) Muito (very)

Learn Next

Econômico (economic) Pechincha (bargain) Desconto (discount) Custo-benefício (cost-benefit) Grátis (free)

Advanced

Módico Acessível Irrisório Baratear Deflação

Grammar to Know

Adjective-Noun Agreement

O livro barato / A revista barata.

Comparative of Superiority

Este é mais barato que aquele.

Relative Superlative

Este é o mais barato da loja.

Use of 'Estar' for temporary prices

A carne está barata hoje (promoção).

Adverbial use of adjectives

Eles vendem barato (no change to gender/number).

Examples by Level

O café é muito barato aqui.

The coffee is very cheap here.

Simple adjective use with 'ser'.

Eu quero um livro barato.

I want a cheap book.

Adjective follows the noun 'livro'.

Esta blusa é barata.

This blouse is cheap.

Feminine singular agreement.

Os sapatos não são baratos.

The shoes are not cheap.

Masculine plural agreement.

Onde tem pão barato?

Where is there cheap bread?

Interrogative sentence.

Tudo está barato hoje.

Everything is cheap today.

Use of 'estar' for temporary state.

É um carro barato.

It is a cheap car.

Adjective with indefinite article.

A água é barata.

The water is cheap.

Feminine singular agreement.

Este mercado é mais barato que o outro.

This market is cheaper than the other one.

Comparative 'mais... que'.

Comprei estas frutas baratas na feira.

I bought these cheap fruits at the market.

Feminine plural agreement.

Viajar de ônibus é mais barato.

Traveling by bus is cheaper.

Comparative used as an adverbial phrase.

Ela sempre procura o hotel mais barato.

She always looks for the cheapest hotel.

Superlative construction.

Antigamente, o cinema era muito barato.

In the past, the cinema was very cheap.

Imperfect tense for past states.

As passagens estão mais baratas agora.

The tickets are cheaper now.

Plural agreement with 'estar'.

Não é o mais barato, mas é bom.

It's not the cheapest, but it's good.

Negation of superlative.

Você conhece algum restaurante barato por aqui?

Do you know any cheap restaurant around here?

Adjective modifying an indefinite noun.

Às vezes, o barato sai caro no final.

Sometimes, the cheap (option) ends up being expensive in the end.

Common proverb using 'barato' as a noun.

A multa saiu barata considerando a velocidade.

The fine was cheap considering the speed.

Idiom 'sair barato' meaning 'less than expected'.

Eu prefiro morar num bairro mais barato.

I prefer to live in a cheaper neighborhood.

Comparative modifying a noun in a prepositional phrase.

Eles vendem roupas baratas, mas de má qualidade.

They sell cheap clothes, but of poor quality.

Contrast between price and quality.

O custo de vida aqui já não é tão barato.

The cost of living here is no longer so cheap.

Adjective used to describe a complex concept (cost of living).

Espero que as aulas de português sejam baratas.

I hope the Portuguese classes are cheap.

Subjunctive mood after 'espero que'.

O governo quer tornar os remédios mais baratos.

The government wants to make medicines cheaper.

Verb 'tornar' (to make/become) with adjective.

Foi o maior barato viajar com vocês!

It was so cool traveling with you! (Brazilian slang)

Brazilian slang usage as a noun.

Embora seja barato, o serviço deixa a desejar.

Although it is cheap, the service leaves much to be desired.

Concessive clause with 'embora' and subjunctive.

A empresa busca mão de obra barata no exterior.

The company seeks cheap labor abroad.

Economic terminology 'mão de obra barata'.

Não se deixe enganar por promessas baratas.

Don't be fooled by cheap promises.

Metaphorical use for something of low value or insincere.

O preço da eletricidade nunca esteve tão barato.

The price of electricity has never been so cheap.

Present perfect tense with 'estar'.

Eles conseguiram um terreno barato no interior.

They managed to get a cheap piece of land in the countryside.

Adjective modifying a specific real estate term.

A produção em massa torna os produtos mais baratos.

Mass production makes products cheaper.

Causal relationship expressed with 'tornar'.

Achei um barato aquele filme que você recomendou.

I thought that movie you recommended was really cool. (Brazilian slang)

Slang noun usage in an informal opinion.

O projeto saiu mais barato do que o previsto no orçamento.

The project came out cheaper than predicted in the budget.

Comparative with 'do que o previsto'.

A política de preços baratos pode canibalizar a marca.

The policy of cheap prices can cannibalize the brand.

Business context with abstract noun 'política'.

Ele tem um humor barato que não me agrada.

He has a cheap sense of humor that doesn't please me.

Pejorative metaphorical use describing personality.

A vida humana parece ser barata em zonas de conflito.

Human life seems to be cheap in conflict zones.

Philosophical/Ethical use of the adjective.

O autor utiliza um estilo barato para atrair as massas.

The author uses a cheap style to attract the masses.

Literary criticism context.

Seria barato demais ignorar as consequências ambientais.

It would be too cheap (easy/simplistic) to ignore the environmental consequences.

Conditional mood with 'demais' for emphasis.

O espetáculo foi um barato, uma experiência psicodélica.

The show was a trip, a psychedelic experience.

Advanced slang usage implying a sensory 'high'.

Não compreendo essa sua mania de comprar tudo o que é barato.

I don't understand this obsession of yours to buy everything that is cheap.

Substantive use with 'o que é'.

A vitória saiu barata, pois o adversário estava lesionado.

The victory was cheap (easy), as the opponent was injured.

Idiomatic use in sports context.

A onipresença de produtos baratos reflete a nossa era descartável.

The omnipresence of cheap products reflects our disposable era.

Sociological commentary.

O populismo muitas vezes se baseia em retórica barata.

Populism often relies on cheap rhetoric.

Political science context.

Aquele 'barato' dos anos 70 já não ressoa com a juventude atual.

That 'cool vibe' of the 70s no longer resonates with today's youth.

Historical linguistic analysis of slang.

Venderam a alma por um preço muito barato.

They sold their soul for a very cheap price.

Literary/Metaphorical expression.

A sofreguidão pelo barato obscurece a ética da produção.

The greed for the cheap obscures the ethics of production.

High-level vocabulary ('sofreguidão') with 'barato'.

O filme evita os sustos baratos do gênero de terror clássico.

The movie avoids the cheap scares of the classic horror genre.

Technical film criticism.

Nada é mais barato do que o conselho de quem não corre riscos.

Nothing is cheaper than the advice of those who take no risks.

Philosophical maxim.

O 'barato' da questão reside na sua simplicidade enganosa.

The 'beauty/trick' of the matter lies in its deceptive simplicity.

Abstract usage of 'barato' as the core essence.

Common Collocations

Preço barato

Mão de obra barata

Passagem barata

Comida barata

Aluguel barato

Roupa barata

Vinho barato

Hotel barato

Carro barato

Tudo barato

Common Phrases

A preço de banana

— Extremely cheap, almost free. It comes from the abundance of bananas in tropical regions.

Comprei esta TV a preço de banana no leilão.

O barato sai caro

— If you buy something cheap and low quality, you will spend more fixing or replacing it later.

Não compre ferramentas ruins; lembre-se que o barato sai caro.

Sair barato

— To have a better outcome than expected, especially regarding costs or punishments.

A batida do carro saiu barata, só quebrou o farol.

Pagar barato

— To pay a low price for something.

Eu paguei muito barato por este celular novo.

Vender barato

— To sell items at a low price, often to clear stock.

Eles estão vendendo tudo barato para fechar a loja.

Achar barato

— To consider a price to be low or reasonable.

Eu achei barato o ingresso para o show.

Mais barato do que

— The standard comparative structure for 'cheaper than'.

Este pão é mais barato do que o de ontem.

O mais barato de todos

— The cheapest of them all.

Este modelo é o mais barato de todos na loja.

Nada barato

— Actually expensive; used for emphasis.

Aquele restaurante não é nada barato.

Um precinho barato

— A cute way to say a very low price, often used by sellers.

Vou fazer um precinho barato para você levar hoje.

Often Confused With

Barato vs Barata

As a noun, it means cockroach. As an adjective, it's the feminine of cheap.

Barato vs Econômico

Focuses on saving resources, while barato focuses on the low price tag.

Barato vs Grátis

Means free (zero cost), while barato means low cost.

Idioms & Expressions

"Que barato!"

— How cool! / How awesome! (Used specifically in Brazil).

Você ganhou o prêmio? Que barato!

Informal (Brazil)

"Estar no maior barato"

— To be having a great time or feeling a pleasant sensation.

Ele está no maior barato ouvindo aquela música.

Informal (Brazil)

"O barato da vida"

— The best part of life or the core essence of joy.

O barato da vida é viajar com os amigos.

Informal/Poetic

"Sair no barato"

— To escape a bad situation with minimal damage.

Ele saiu no barato depois daquela discussão.

Informal

"Barato total"

— Complete bliss or an amazing situation.

A festa foi um barato total.

Slang (Brazil)

"Dar um barato"

— To give someone a 'high' or a strong pleasurable feeling.

Aquela montanha-russa dá um barato danado.

Slang (Brazil)

"Comprar barato"

— Often used metaphorically to mean accepting an easy but wrong explanation.

Não compre barato essa desculpa dele.

Metaphorical

"Barato de feira"

— Something very common or of low distinction.

Isso que ele disse é argumento barato de feira.

Pejorative

"Levar no barato"

— To take something lightly or without much seriousness.

Ele leva a vida no barato, sem se preocupar.

Informal

"Barato que sai caro"

— A warning against false economy.

Cuidado com esse serviço, é o tipo de barato que sai caro.

Proverbial

Easily Confused

Barato vs Barata

Identical spelling and pronunciation in the feminine form.

Barata (insect) is a noun. Barata (cheap) is an adjective agreeing with a feminine noun.

A barata (insect) entrou na casa barata (cheap house).

Barato vs Caro

Opposite meaning, but often discussed together.

Caro is expensive; Barato is cheap.

O relógio é caro, mas a pulseira é barata.

Barato vs Econômico

Similar semantic field.

Econômico is about efficiency/saving; Barato is about the price tag.

Um carro barato pode não ser econômico no combustível.

Barato vs Acessível

Used for affordable things.

Acessível sounds more positive and formal than barato.

O preço é acessível para todos os estudantes.

Barato vs Pechincha

Both relate to low prices.

Pechincha is a noun (a bargain); Barato is an adjective (cheap).

Essa pechincha foi muito barata!

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] é barato.

O café é barato.

[Noun] é mais barato que [Noun].

O pão é mais barato que o leite.

Eu comprei [Noun] por um preço barato.

Eu comprei a camisa por um preço barato.

Sair barato para [Person].

A multa saiu barata para ele.

O [Noun] de [Verb] é o que é barato.

O prazer de ler é o que é barato.

A despeito de ser barato, [Clause].

A despeito de ser barato, o produto é durável.

Mixed

O mais barato de [Category].

O mais barato de todos os carros.

Mixed

[Noun] está barato hoje.

O tomate está barato hoje.

Word Family

Nouns

Barateamento (the act of making something cheaper)

Barateza (the quality of being cheap - rare)

Barateiro (someone who sells cheap)

Verbs

Baratear (to lower the price/make cheaper)

Adjectives

Barato (cheap)

Barateiro (habitually cheap)

Pechincha (bargain)

Desconto (discount)

Promoção (sale/promotion)

Economia (economy)

Custo (cost)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily speech.

Common Mistakes

As blusas são barato. → As blusas são baratas.
The adjective must agree in gender (feminine) and number (plural) with the noun 'blusas'.
Eu comprei um barato livro. → Eu comprei um livro barato.
In Portuguese, descriptive adjectives like 'barato' usually follow the noun.
Este é mais melhor barato. → Este é mais barato.
You cannot combine 'mais' and 'melhor' in this way. 'Mais barato' is the correct comparative.
Eu vi uma barata (meaning a cheap thing). → Eu vi algo barato. / Eu vi uma oferta barata.
Using 'uma barata' alone often sounds like you are talking about a cockroach. Be specific.
O serviço é barato (meaning it saves money). → O serviço é econômico.
Use 'econômico' for things that are cost-effective or save resources over time.

Tips

Agreement is Key

Always match the ending. 'Os livros são baratos' (plural masculine). 'As casas são baratas' (plural feminine). This is the most common mistake for beginners.

Use 'Em Conta'

If you want to say something is cheap but don't want to sound like you're insulting the quality, use the phrase 'em conta'. It sounds more sophisticated.

Bargaining

In Brazilian street markets, use 'Faz mais barato?' to ask for a discount. It's a standard part of the shopping experience there.

The Flapped R

The 'r' in barato is not like the English 'r'. It's a quick tap of the tongue against the roof of the mouth. Practice it to sound more native.

Brazilian Cool

Use 'Que barato!' when a friend tells you something exciting. It shows you know the informal side of the language.

The Banana Price

When something is incredibly cheap, say it is 'a preço de banana'. It's a colorful way to express a great bargain.

Watch for the Bug

If someone screams 'Uma barata!', they probably saw a cockroach, not a cheap item. Context usually makes this clear.

Adjective Placement

Keep 'barato' after the noun in 99% of cases. 'Um carro barato' is natural; 'Um barato carro' is not.

Compare Everything

Practice 'mais barato que' with everything you see. It's a great way to master both the adjective and the comparative structure.

Avoid Redundancy

Never say 'mais melhor barato'. 'Mais barato' is already the correct way to say 'cheaper'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'BAR' where everything is 'AT' a 'O' (zero) price. BAR-AT-O. It's cheap!

Visual Association

Imagine a bright yellow price tag with a very low number written on it, attached to a common object like a shoe (sapato).

Word Web

Dinheiro Mercado Compras Desconto Pobre Rico Preço Venda

Challenge

Go to a local store and try to find five items that are 'baratos' and five that are 'caros'. Say the sentences out loud.

Word Origin

From the Portuguese verb 'baratar' (to exchange, to barter), which comes from the Old French 'barater' (to deceive, to exchange). This ultimately traces back to the Vulgar Latin 'barattare'.

Original meaning: Originally, it related to the act of bartering or trading. Over time, it shifted to describe the result of a good trade—a low price.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Cultural Context

Be careful using 'barato' to describe someone's appearance or gifts, as it can sound insulting regarding their taste.

Unlike the English 'cheap', which is almost always negative for quality, 'barato' can be purely neutral about price.

Song: 'Um Barato Total' by Gal Costa (famous Brazilian singer). Book: 'O Cortiço' often describes the 'barato' lifestyle of the working class. Movie: 'Cidade de Deus' uses the slang 'barato' in its period-accurate dialogue.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Supermarket

Onde está o arroz mais barato?
Este leite está muito barato.
Eu só compro o que é barato.
As frutas estão baratas hoje.

Clothing Store

Você tem uma blusa mais barata?
Esta marca não é barata.
Achei estes sapatos bem baratos.
É barato mas a qualidade é ruim.

Travel

Quero um voo barato para o Porto.
O hotel é barato e limpo.
Viajar de trem é mais barato?
O transporte público aqui é barato.

Socializing (Brazil)

Que barato esse lugar!
Foi um barato te conhecer.
A festa foi o maior barato.
Curti o maior barato na praia.

Business

Precisamos de uma solução barata.
O projeto não saiu barato.
A mão de obra é barata lá.
O custo de produção é barato.

Conversation Starters

"Você acha que morar nesta cidade é barato ou caro?"

"Qual foi a coisa mais barata que você já comprou e amou?"

"Onde você costuma encontrar roupas baratas e boas?"

"Você prefere comprar algo barato ou algo de marca?"

"Você conhece algum restaurante barato para almoçarmos hoje?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma vez que você comprou algo muito barato e se arrependeu depois.

Escreva sobre as coisas que são baratas no seu país mas caras no exterior.

Como você economiza dinheiro? Você sempre procura o preço mais barato?

Explique o significado da frase 'o barato sai caro' com um exemplo da sua vida.

Se você tivesse muito dinheiro, você ainda compraria coisas baratas? Por quê?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not necessarily. While it can imply low quality, it often simply describes a low price or a good deal. Context and tone of voice help distinguish the intent.

Generally, no. Describing a person as 'barato' is confusing. If you mean they are stingy, use 'pão-duro'. In Brazil, 'um cara barato' might mean a 'cool guy', but it's dated slang.

The feminine is 'barata'. Be careful, as this is also the word for cockroach. Example: 'A comida é barata'.

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries. However, the slang 'Que barato!' is almost exclusively Brazilian.

You say 'mais barato'. Portuguese doesn't have a single word for 'cheaper'; it uses the comparative structure. Example: 'Isto é mais barato'.

It is a proverb meaning 'you get what you pay for'. If you buy something because it's cheap, it might break and cost you more in the long run.

Yes, with verbs like 'comprar' or 'vender'. In this case, it usually stays in the masculine singular form: 'Eles vendem barato'.

The absolute superlative is 'baratíssimo' (extremely cheap). The relative superlative is 'o mais barato' (the cheapest).

It is neutral. It is perfectly fine for daily life, but in very formal business or academic writing, 'econômico' or 'módico' is preferred.

It's a slang term from the hippie era meaning a 'good trip' or 'cool sensation'. It is used as a noun in this context.