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B1 noun 16 min read

reembolso

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips reembolso in 30 Seconds

Explanation reembolso in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that 'reembolso' means getting your money back. Think of it as 'money back'. While you might not use the long word 'reembolso' yet, you will see it in shops or on websites. It is a masculine word: 'o reembolso'. If you buy a shirt and it is too big, you might ask for the money back. In very simple Portuguese, you could say 'Quero meu dinheiro de volta', but 'reembolso' is the official word. It is important for shopping. Imagine you are at a store in Brazil or Portugal. You see a sign that says 'Não fazemos reembolso'. This means 'No refunds'. Knowing this word helps you avoid losing money. You should learn to pair it with the verb 'querer' (to want). For example: 'Eu quero o reembolso'. Even at this early stage, recognizing this word on a receipt (recibo) is very helpful for your daily life in a Portuguese-speaking country.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'reembolso' in simple sentences about travel and shopping. You should understand that it is used when you spend money and then get it back. For example, if a train is cancelled, you ask for a 'reembolso'. You can use the verb 'pedir' (to ask for). 'Eu vou pedir o reembolso da passagem'. You also start to see it in phrases like 'reembolso total' (full refund). At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'troca' (exchange) and 'reembolso'. If you go to a store, the clerk might ask: 'Você quer trocar ou quer o reembolso?'. You should be able to answer according to what you need. You might also encounter this word in simple emails from online stores like Amazon. It's a key word for basic consumer transactions and for explaining simple problems you had with a service or product.

At the B1 level, 'reembolso' becomes a tool for more complex interactions, especially in professional and formal settings. You should be comfortable using it to discuss business expenses ('reembolso de despesas'). You should know how to use it with more formal verbs like 'solicitar' (to request) or 'processar' (to process). For example: 'Como posso solicitar o reembolso das minhas despesas de viagem?'. You also learn about 'reembolso de saúde' (health insurance reimbursement), which is common in private healthcare. You understand that 'reembolso' follows certain rules or a 'política' (policy). You can explain why you deserve a refund using 'porque' and other connectors. You start to notice the difference between 'reembolso' and 'estorno' (the technical banking term). This word is essential for B1 learners who are working or living in a Lusophone country, as it appears in almost every contract and official communication regarding money.

At the B2 level, you use 'reembolso' with nuance and precision. You understand the legal implications of the word in the context of consumer rights. You can discuss 'reembolso integral' versus 'reembolso parcial' and the conditions under which each applies. You are familiar with the 'Código de Defesa do Consumidor' in Brazil or similar laws in Portugal. You can write a formal letter or email to a company demanding a 'reembolso' based on a breach of contract. You also understand related terms like 'ressarcimento' (compensation for damages) and can choose the most appropriate word for the situation. Your vocabulary includes phrases like 'sujeito a reembolso' (subject to refund) and 'prazo de reembolso' (refund period). You can handle a phone call with customer service where the agent tries to offer a voucher instead of a 'reembolso', and you can firmly insist on the latter using appropriate formal language.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of 'reembolso' within financial, legal, and administrative frameworks. You can use it in discussions about corporate auditing, tax law, and complex insurance claims. You understand the etymology and how it differs from 'restituição' in high-level government contexts. You can analyze a 'política de reembolso' for potential legal loopholes. You use the word in the passive voice effortlessly: 'O montante será reembolsado assim que a auditoria for concluída'. You are aware of the cultural differences in how refunds are handled in different Portuguese-speaking countries. You can discuss the economic impact of mass refunds in industries like tourism. For C1 learners, 'reembolso' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a concept used to navigate complex organizational structures and legal systems with the same ease as a native speaker.

At the C2 level, you use 'reembolso' with absolute native-like fluency, including its use in highly specialized fields like international finance, legislative drafting, or academic economic papers. You can discuss the philosophical aspects of 'reembolso' as a form of justice or restitution. You understand the subtle connotations it carries in political discourse, such as 'reembolso de verbas' and the ethical implications thereof. You can use the word in creative writing to describe a restoration of balance in a metaphorical sense, although it remains primarily a financial term. You can effortlessly switch between 'reembolso', 'estorno', 'restituição', and 'ressarcimento' to convey exact legal or technical meanings. You are capable of drafting the 'Termos de Reembolso' for a multinational corporation, ensuring that the language is both legally sound and culturally appropriate for the specific Lusophone market.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

reembolso in 30 Seconds

Reembolso means refund or reimbursement in Portuguese.
It is a masculine noun used in shopping and business.
Common verbs: pedir, solicitar, receber, processar, efetuar.
Key phrases: reembolso de despesas, reembolso integral, política de reembolso.

The Portuguese word reembolso is a masculine noun that translates directly to 'reimbursement' or 'refund' in English. At its core, it represents the act of returning money to someone who has previously spent it or lost it. This term is vital for navigating the modern world, whether you are dealing with corporate expenses, returning a faulty product at a store, or seeking a medical claim from an insurance provider. Linguistically, it comes from the combination of the prefix 're-' (meaning again) and 'embolsar' (to put into a pocket or purse), which itself comes from 'bolso' (pocket). Therefore, the literal imagery is the act of putting money back into a person's pocket.

Financial Context: In business, a 'reembolso' occurs when an employee pays for a meal or travel out of their own pocket and the company pays them back later. This is often part of a 'política de reembolso' (reimbursement policy).

Solicitei o reembolso total da minha passagem aérea após o cancelamento do voo.

In a consumer context, 'reembolso' is what you ask for when a service is not provided or a product is defective. It is synonymous with 'devolução do dinheiro' (return of money), though 'reembolso' sounds more formal and administrative. In Brazil, consumer rights (Código de Defesa do Consumidor) strictly regulate when a client is entitled to a 'reembolso integral' (full refund). Understanding this word helps learners assert their rights in Lusophone countries. It is not just about the money; it is about the administrative process of restitution. You will see this word on websites under 'Termos e Condições' or 'Política de Privacidade'.

Medical Context: In many private healthcare systems in Portugal and Brazil, you might pay for a consultation upfront and then send the invoice to your 'plano de saúde' (health insurance) for 'reembolso'. This is a very common use case.

O cliente tem direito ao reembolso se o produto apresentar defeito de fabricação.

Beyond the physical return of cash, 'reembolso' can also refer to the repayment of a loan or credit. However, 'pagamento' or 'quitação' are more common for loans. 'Reembolso' specifically implies that the money is returning to its rightful owner after an interim period where it was spent on someone else's behalf or for a failed service. It carries a sense of restoration of the financial balance. In the digital age, 'reembolso' is often processed as an 'estorno' (chargeback) on a credit card statement. While 'estorno' is the technical banking operation, 'reembolso' is the general concept of getting the money back.

A empresa prometeu o reembolso em até dez dias úteis.

Formal Usage: In formal documents, you might see 'ressarcimento' used as a synonym, which implies compensation for a loss or damage, whereas 'reembolso' is strictly about the expenditure.

Não recebi o reembolso das despesas de viagem ainda.

Finally, it's important to note that 'reembolso' is almost exclusively financial. Unlike the English word 'repayment' which can sometimes be metaphorical (repaying a favor), 'reembolso' stays in the realm of currency and accounting. If you do a favor for someone and they help you back, you wouldn't call it a 'reembolso'. You would call it 'retribuição'. This specificity makes it a powerful word for learners to master for professional and consumer interactions. By using 'reembolso', you signal that you understand the formal mechanisms of money exchange in Portuguese-speaking cultures, which often value bureaucratic precision in financial matters.

O formulário de reembolso deve ser preenchido com cuidado.

Using reembolso correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and the verbs it typically pairs with. Because it is a masculine noun, it always takes masculine articles: 'o reembolso' (the refund) or 'um reembolso' (a refund). In plural form, it becomes 'reembolsos'. The most common verbs used with this noun are 'pedir' (to ask for), 'solicitar' (to request - more formal), 'receber' (to receive), 'obter' (to obtain), and 'processar' (to process). For example, if you are at a hotel and they overcharged you, you would say: 'Eu gostaria de solicitar o reembolso da diferença'. This level of precision is expected in formal Portuguese environments.

Verb Collocations: Common combinations include 'efetuar o reembolso' (to carry out the refund) and 'garantir o reembolso' (to guarantee the refund).

A loja efetuou o reembolso diretamente no meu cartão de crédito.

When discussing the 'type' of refund, we use adjectives or prepositional phrases. 'Reembolso integral' means a 100% refund, while 'reembolso parcial' means only a portion of the money is returned. If you are talking about business expenses, the phrase is 'reembolso de despesas'. This is a very common phrase in corporate settings in São Paulo or Lisbon. You might hear a manager say, 'Envie os recibos para o reembolso de despesas até sexta-feira'. Here, the word acts as a category of financial transaction. It is also common to see it in the context of 'política de reembolso', which refers to the rules a company has regarding returns.

Prepositional Use: We often use 'de' or 'do/da' after 'reembolso' to specify what is being refunded: 'reembolso do valor', 'reembolso da taxa', 'reembolso de custos'.

O reembolso de despesas médicas é um benefício comum em grandes empresas.

In more complex sentences, 'reembolso' can be the subject or the object. As a subject: 'O reembolso será processado em breve' (The refund will be processed soon). As an object: 'Nós não autorizamos o reembolso' (We do not authorize the refund). For B1 learners, mastering the passive voice with this word is useful: 'O valor foi reembolsado' (The amount was refunded). Notice how the past participle 'reembolsado' agrees with the masculine noun 'valor'. If you were talking about 'a quantia' (the amount - feminine), it would be 'a quantia foi reembolsada'. This flexibility allows for precise communication in administrative disputes or customer service interactions.

Se você cancelar com antecedência, terá direito ao reembolso total.

Common Clauses: 'Sujeito a reembolso' (Subject to refund) or 'Sem direito a reembolso' (No right to refund/Non-refundable).

O prazo para o reembolso expirou ontem, infelizmente.

Another advanced usage involves the concept of 'reembolso antecipado', which means getting a refund or repayment before the expected date. This is common in financial investments or tax returns. Speaking of taxes, in Brazil, the 'restituição do Imposto de Renda' is essentially a 'reembolso' from the government, though the specific term 'restituição' is preferred in legal tax contexts. However, in casual conversation, someone might say 'Vou usar meu reembolso do governo para viajar'. This shows how the word permeates various levels of life, from the mundane task of returning a shirt to the high-stakes world of national taxation and corporate finance. Practice using it with different tenses to become comfortable with the flow of financial transactions in Portuguese.

A política de reembolso daquela loja é muito rígida e burocrática.

In a Portuguese-speaking environment, you will encounter the word reembolso in several distinct settings. The most common is likely the retail sector. If you go to a shopping mall in Lisbon or a 'camelódromo' in Rio (though less likely there), and you have an issue with a purchase, 'reembolso' is the technical term for getting your money back. Sales assistants will often clarify: 'Você quer a troca ou o reembolso?' (Do you want an exchange or a refund?). This distinction is crucial. A 'troca' means you take another product, while a 'reembolso' means you leave with your money. Understanding this choice is the first step to successful consumer navigation.

Corporate Offices: In offices, the 'departamento financeiro' handles 'reembolsos'. Employees often discuss 'pedir reembolso de quilometragem' (asking for mileage reimbursement) or 'reembolso de almoço com cliente'.

O RH enviou um e-mail sobre as novas regras para o reembolso de cursos.

Another frequent place you'll hear this is in the travel industry. When flights are delayed or cancelled, the airport counters become hubs for 'reembolso' requests. Airlines like TAP, LATAM, or Azul have specific 'balcões' (counters) where you can 'solicitar o reembolso'. During the pandemic, this word was in the news daily as travel agencies struggled to process thousands of 'reembolsos'. You might also hear it in the context of events; if a concert is cancelled, the organizers will announce the 'procedimentos para o reembolso dos ingressos'. It is a word associated with both frustration (something went wrong) and relief (at least I'm getting my money back).

Healthcare System: In the 'saúde suplementar' (private health sector), 'reembolso' is a standard feature of many insurance plans. Patients choose their own doctors and then ask the insurer for a 'reembolso'.

Muitos pacientes preferem pagar a consulta e depois pedir o reembolso.

In the digital world, 'reembolso' is ubiquitous on platforms like Mercado Livre, Amazon Brasil, or Shopee. The 'botão de reembolso' is a safety net for online shoppers. You will see phrases like 'Garantia de Reembolso' (Money Back Guarantee). This has made the word very familiar even to younger generations who might not deal with corporate expenses yet. In Portugal, the term is equally common in 'serviços públicos'. For example, if you overpay a state fee, you can apply for a 'reembolso do Estado'. It is a word that bridges the gap between the private individual and large institutions (companies, insurance, government). Hearing it usually implies a formal, documented process is taking place.

A plataforma digital garante o reembolso caso o produto não seja entregue.

Legal and News: News reports often mention 'reembolso de verbas parlamentares' (reimbursement of parliamentary funds), a frequent topic in Brazilian political scandals involving 'corrupção' or 'mau uso do dinheiro público'.

O jornal noticiou o reembolso indevido de milhões de reais por parte dos políticos.

Lastly, in educational settings, students might hear about 'reembolso de propinas' (reimbursement of tuition fees) in Portugal or 'reembolso de mensalidades' in Brazil if a course is cancelled or if they overpaid. It is a universal word for the correction of a financial error or the fulfillment of a financial promise. Whether you are at a doctor's office in Porto, a tech startup in Florianópolis, or a department store in Luanda, 'reembolso' is the key that unlocks the door to getting your money back. Pay attention to the tone used; it is usually polite but firm, as it involves personal finances and institutional obligations.

Devido à greve dos professores, os alunos pediram o reembolso da taxa de inscrição.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using reembolso is confusing it with the English word 'refund' in all contexts. While 'reembolso' is the correct translation for 'refund', learners often forget that Portuguese has other specific words for related actions. For instance, 'devolução' is used for the act of returning the physical item, while 'reembolso' is the act of returning the money. If you tell a clerk 'Eu quero uma devolução', they might think you just want to give the item back, not necessarily get money (perhaps you want store credit). To be clear about the money, use 'reembolso'.

Reembolso vs. Troca: Mistaking 'reembolso' for 'troca' (exchange). A 'troca' is replacing one item for another. Never use 'reembolso' if you just want a different size of the same shirt.

Não confunda reembolso com troca; um devolve dinheiro, o outro substitui o produto.

Another error involves the gender of the word. Because many Portuguese words ending in 'o' are masculine, this one follows the rule, but learners sometimes treat it as feminine because 'reimbursement' might feel like an abstract concept (which are often feminine in Portuguese, like 'restituição'). Always say 'o reembolso', never 'a reembolso'. Also, be careful with the verb 'reembolsar'. English speakers sometimes try to use 'pagar de volta' (a literal translation of 'pay back'). While 'me pague de volta' is understandable in casual speech, in any official or commercial setting, 'me reembolse' or 'faça o reembolso' is the standard and correct way to express this.

Technical Confusion: Using 'reembolso' when you mean 'estorno'. An 'estorno' is the specific reversal of a credit card charge. While the result is a refund, the process is an 'estorno'.

O erro comum é dizer 'fazer um reembolso' quando se quer dizer 'devolver um item'.

Prepositional errors are also common. Learners often say 'reembolso para despesas' instead of the correct 'reembolso de despesas'. In Portuguese, the 'de' indicates the source or the nature of the refund. Similarly, don't say 'reembolso em dinheiro' if you mean 'refund by cash' unless you are specifying the method. The most natural way is 'reembolso em espécie' (formal) or 'reembolso no cartão'. Finally, some learners confuse 'reembolso' with 'recompensa' (reward). If you find a lost dog and get money, that is a 'recompensa', not a 'reembolso'. A 'reembolso' implies you spent the money first. Keeping these distinctions in mind will prevent awkward misunderstandings in financial transactions.

Ele pediu uma recompensa, mas o que ele realmente queria era o reembolso do que gastou procurando o cão.

Spelling and Pronunciation: Avoid the double 'e' error in writing. It is 'reembolso', not 'rembolso'. The double 'e' is pronounced clearly in Portugal, while in Brazil it often blends into a nasalized 'e'.

Muitos alunos escrevem 'rembolso' com apenas um 'e', o que é um erro ortográfico.

Lastly, be careful with the term 'restituição'. While it is a synonym, it is mostly used for taxes (restituição de imposto) or legal recovery of property. Using it in a clothing store would sound overly dramatic and legalistic. Stick to 'reembolso' for general commercial needs. Also, avoid the English-influenced 'refundar' - this verb does not exist in Portuguese. The verb is always 'reembolsar'. By avoiding these common pitfalls, your Portuguese will sound more natural, professional, and precise, especially in the high-stakes environment of financial negotiations.

O cliente exigiu o reembolso imediato, citando seus direitos legais.

To truly master the semantic field of reembolso, it is helpful to look at its synonyms and related terms. While 'reembolso' is the most common word for a refund, several alternatives exist depending on the formality and the specific context of the transaction. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation, whether you're at a bank, a lawyer's office, or a casual market.

Restituição: More formal than 'reembolso'. It is used extensively in legal contexts and for tax returns ('restituição do imposto de renda'). It implies the restoration of something to its original owner.
Estorno: Specific to banking and credit cards. It refers to the reversal of a transaction. If you see a credit on your statement after a refund, that is an 'estorno'.
Ressarcimento: Used when there is damage or loss involved. It's like 'indemnity' or 'compensation'. If a company breaks your window, they owe you a 'ressarcimento' for the repair costs.

O banco processou o estorno, mas o reembolso ainda não apareceu na minha conta.

In more casual settings, you might hear people use 'devolução do dinheiro'. This is perfectly acceptable and very clear. 'Eu quero a devolução do meu dinheiro' is a strong way to demand a refund. Another term is 'compensação', though this often implies getting something else (like a discount or a gift card) instead of cash. For example, 'A empresa ofereceu uma compensação pelo atraso do voo'. This might not be a 'reembolso' of the ticket price, but rather a voucher for a future flight. Knowing the difference prevents you from accepting a voucher when you actually want your money back.

Indenização: This goes beyond 'reembolso'. It is 'indemnity' or 'damages'. If a product causes you injury, you seek an 'indenização', which covers the cost of the product (reembolso) plus pain and suffering.

A restituição de impostos é aguardada ansiosamente por milhões de brasileiros todos os anos.

When dealing with corporate travel, you might see 'prestação de contas'. This is the 'expense report' process that leads to the 'reembolso'. You 'presta contas' (account for) your spending to get the 'reembolso'. Another related term is 'adiantamento' (advance). This is the opposite of 'reembolso'; it's when the company gives you money *before* you spend it. If the 'adiantamento' was too much, you might have to 'devolver o saldo' (return the balance). These terms form a web of financial vocabulary that is essential for anyone working in a Portuguese-speaking country or doing business with one.

O funcionário recebeu um adiantamento, então não precisou solicitar o reembolso depois.

Pagamento: The most general term. Every 'reembolso' is a 'pagamento', but not every 'pagamento' is a 'reembolso'.

O ressarcimento pelos danos causados foi maior do que o simples reembolso do valor pago.

In summary, while 'reembolso' is your 'go-to' word for getting money back, being aware of 'restituição' (taxes/legal), 'estorno' (banking), 'ressarcimento' (damages), and 'compensação' (non-cash) will make your Portuguese significantly more sophisticated. It allows you to navigate the bureaucracies of Lusophone countries with confidence, ensuring you use the same terminology as the officials and clerks you are dealing with. This precision is often the difference between a quick resolution and a long, drawn-out administrative headache.

A política de reembolso e compensação deve estar clara no contrato de prestação de serviços.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The word 'bolso' (pocket) shares the same root as 'bolsa' (purse/stock market). So, 'reembolso' is literally 're-pocketing'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ʁe.ẽˈbow.su/

US /ʁe.ẽˈbow.su/

The stress is on the second-to-last syllable: 'bol'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'reimbursement'.

Writing 3/5

The double 'e' can be tricky for beginners.

Speaking 3/5

Nasal vowels and the 'l' sound require practice.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation in most dialects.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Dinheiro Pagar Loja Comprar Bolso

Learn Next

Restituição Estorno Fatura Recibo Orçamento

Advanced

Indenização Ressarcimento Quitação Liquidação Amortização

Grammar to Know

Nasal Vowels (em)

The 'em' in 'reembolso' is nasal, like in 'tempo'.

Masculine Nouns ending in 'o'

O reembolso, o bolso, o estorno.

Prefix 're-' for repetition

Reembolsar (pay back), refazer (redo), reler (reread).

Preposition 'de' for origin

Reembolso de custos, reembolso de despesas.

Passive Voice with 'ser'

O dinheiro foi reembolsado.

Examples by Level

Eu quero o reembolso.

I want the refund.

Simple subject + verb + object structure.

Onde está o meu reembolso?

Where is my refund?

Interrogative sentence using 'onde' (where).

Não há reembolso nesta loja.

There is no refund in this store.

Use of 'há' (there is) in a negative sentence.

O reembolso é em dinheiro.

The refund is in cash.

Predicate nominative with the verb 'ser'.

Eu preciso de um reembolso.

I need a refund.

The verb 'precisar' requires the preposition 'de'.

O reembolso é rápido.

The refund is fast.

Simple adjective 'rápido' modifying the noun.

Eles pagam o reembolso hoje.

They pay the refund today.

Present tense of the verb 'pagar'.

O reembolso da camisa, por favor.

The refund for the shirt, please.

Using 'de' to show what is being refunded (da = de + a).

Solicitei o reembolso da passagem de ônibus.

I requested a refund for the bus ticket.

Preterite tense of 'solicitar'.

Você recebeu o reembolso do hotel?

Did you receive the hotel refund?

Question in the past tense.

A loja não aceita pedidos de reembolso após sete dias.

The store doesn't accept refund requests after seven days.

Negative sentence with a time constraint.

O reembolso total foi depositado na minha conta.

The full refund was deposited into my account.

Passive voice: 'foi depositado'.

Vou pedir o reembolso porque o produto chegou quebrado.

I'm going to ask for a refund because the product arrived broken.

Using 'porque' to explain the reason.

Eles prometeram o reembolso em duas semanas.

They promised the refund in two weeks.

Preterite of 'prometer'.

O reembolso de despesas é feito pelo RH.

The reimbursement of expenses is done by HR.

Passive voice describing a process.

Não esqueça de assinar o formulário de reembolso.

Don't forget to sign the refund form.

Imperative negative.

Para obter o reembolso, você deve apresentar a nota fiscal original.

To obtain the refund, you must present the original invoice.

Infinitive 'obter' after 'para' to express purpose.

O seguro saúde processou o meu reembolso médico rapidamente.

The health insurance processed my medical reimbursement quickly.

Adverb 'rapidamente' modifying the verb 'processou'.

Temos uma política de reembolso clara para todos os clientes.

We have a clear refund policy for all customers.

Adjective 'clara' agreeing with the feminine noun 'política'.

Se o voo for cancelado, o reembolso é obrigatório por lei.

If the flight is cancelled, the refund is mandatory by law.

Conditional 'se' with the future subjunctive 'for'.

O reembolso de quilometragem deve ser solicitado mensalmente.

Mileage reimbursement must be requested monthly.

Passive structure with the modal verb 'deve'.

Ainda estou aguardando o reembolso do valor que paguei a mais.

I am still waiting for the refund of the amount I overpaid.

Present continuous 'estou aguardando'.

O reembolso será efetuado através de estorno no cartão.

The refund will be carried out via a credit card chargeback.

Future tense 'será' and the preposition 'através de'.

Muitas empresas oferecem o reembolso de cursos de idiomas.

Many companies offer reimbursement for language courses.

Plural subject and verb agreement.

O cliente tem direito ao reembolso integral caso o serviço não seja prestado.

The customer is entitled to a full refund if the service is not provided.

Phrase 'ter direito a' (to have the right to).

A burocracia para conseguir o reembolso de impostos é exaustiva.

The bureaucracy to get the tax refund is exhaustive.

Subject 'A burocracia' with a descriptive adjective.

O reembolso parcial foi aceito como uma solução de compromisso.

The partial refund was accepted as a compromise solution.

Compound noun 'solução de compromisso'.

A empresa se recusa a fazer o reembolso, alegando mau uso do produto.

The company refuses to give a refund, claiming misuse of the product.

Gerund 'alegando' indicating the reason.

O prazo legal para o reembolso é de trinta dias úteis.

The legal deadline for the refund is thirty business days.

Adjective 'úteis' modifying 'dias'.

Solicitamos o reembolso das taxas aeroportuárias indevidamente cobradas.

We requested a refund of the airport taxes improperly charged.

Adverb 'indevidamente' (improperly).

O reembolso automático facilita a vida dos usuários da plataforma.

Automatic refund makes life easier for platform users.

Verb 'facilitar' in the third person singular.

Verifique os termos e condições para saber se você é elegível ao reembolso.

Check the terms and conditions to see if you are eligible for a refund.

Adjective 'elegível' followed by the preposition 'a'.

A auditoria identificou diversas irregularidades no reembolso de verbas.

The audit identified several irregularities in the reimbursement of funds.

Formal vocabulary: 'auditoria', 'irregularidades', 'verbas'.

O reembolso de custos operacionais é vital para a saúde financeira da startup.

The reimbursement of operational costs is vital for the startup's financial health.

Abstract concept 'saúde financeira'.

Houve uma controvérsia sobre o reembolso das despesas de representação.

There was a controversy regarding the reimbursement of representation expenses.

Use of 'houve' (there was) for historical events/facts.

O sistema de reembolso foi automatizado para reduzir erros humanos.

The reimbursement system was automated to reduce human errors.

Passive voice with a purpose clause 'para reduzir'.

A legislação vigente garante o reembolso em caso de propaganda enganosa.

Current legislation guarantees a refund in case of misleading advertising.

Phrase 'legislação vigente' (current legislation).

O reembolso retroativo de benefícios foi aprovado pelo conselho.

The retroactive reimbursement of benefits was approved by the board.

Adjective 'retroativo' and noun 'conselho'.

A falta de comprovantes impediu o reembolso imediato dos valores.

The lack of vouchers prevented the immediate refund of the amounts.

Verb 'impedir' (to prevent/block).

O montante do reembolso excedeu as expectativas iniciais do projeto.

The refund amount exceeded the project's initial expectations.

Verb 'exceder' (to exceed).

A política de reembolso deve ser pautada pelos princípios da transparência e equidade.

The refund policy must be guided by the principles of transparency and equity.

Passive voice with 'ser pautada' (to be guided/based).

O reembolso de créditos tributários é um processo complexo e moroso.

The reimbursement of tax credits is a complex and time-consuming process.

Adjective 'moroso' (slow/time-consuming).

A empresa contestou o pedido de reembolso judicialmente.

The company contested the refund request legally.

Adverb 'judicialmente' (legally/through the courts).

O reembolso serve como um mecanismo de mitigação de riscos para o investidor.

The refund serves as a risk mitigation mechanism for the investor.

Technical phrase 'mitigação de riscos'.

Observou-se um aumento nos pedidos de reembolso após a mudança na diretoria.

An increase in refund requests was observed following the change in management.

Impersonal reflexive 'observou-se'.

A cláusula de reembolso integral é irrevogável e irretratável.

The full refund clause is irrevocable and unretractable.

Legalistic adjectives 'irrevogável' and 'irretratável'.

O reembolso de fundos desviados foi a principal exigência do acordo.

The reimbursement of embezzled funds was the primary requirement of the agreement.

Participle 'desviados' (diverted/embezzled).

A complexidade do reembolso reside na multiplicidade de jurisdições envolvidas.

The complexity of the refund lies in the multiplicity of jurisdictions involved.

Verb 'residir' used metaphorically (to lie in/consist of).

Common Collocations

Reembolso integral

Reembolso parcial

Reembolso de despesas

Solicitar reembolso

Processar reembolso

Prazo de reembolso

Direito ao reembolso

Reembolso médico

Formulário de reembolso

Política de reembolso

Common Phrases

Garantia de reembolso

— A promise that money will be returned if unsatisfied.

O curso tem uma garantia de reembolso de 30 dias.

Sem direito a reembolso

— Non-refundable; no money will be returned.

Esta tarifa promocional é sem direito a reembolso.

Reembolso em espécie

— Refund paid in cash.

O reembolso em espécie só é feito na loja física.

Pedir o reembolso

— To ask for a refund.

Vou pedir o reembolso porque o show foi cancelado.

Receber o reembolso

— To get the refund.

Finalmente recebi o reembolso da minha viagem.

Sujeito a reembolso

— Eligible for or dependent on a refund process.

O valor pago está sujeito a reembolso após análise.

Taxa de reembolso

— A fee sometimes charged to process a refund.

A companhia cobra uma taxa de reembolso de 50 reais.

Reembolso automático

— A refund that happens without user intervention.

O reembolso automático foi feito após o erro no site.

Reembolso por atraso

— Refund due to a delay in service.

Solicitei o reembolso por atraso na entrega.

Negar o reembolso

— To refuse to give a refund.

Eles negaram o reembolso porque o prazo expirou.

Often Confused With

reembolso vs Troca

Troca is an exchange of items. Reembolso is a return of money.

reembolso vs Recompensa

Recompensa is a reward for a good deed. Reembolso is repayment for an expense.

reembolso vs Pagamento

Pagamento is any payment. Reembolso is specifically a repayment.

Idioms & Expressions

"Meter a mão no bolso"

— To spend money (not an idiom with 'reembolso', but related to the root 'bolso').

Tive que meter a mão no bolso para pagar a conta.

Informal

"Sair do próprio bolso"

— To pay for something personally, usually expecting reimbursement later.

A viagem saiu do meu próprio bolso.

Neutral

"Dinheiro de volta"

— The colloquial equivalent of a refund.

Quero meu dinheiro de volta!

Informal

"Ficar no prejuízo"

— To end up with a loss (when a refund is denied).

Se eles não pagarem, vou ficar no prejuízo.

Informal

"Lavar as mãos"

— To ignore responsibility (related to companies refusing refunds).

A empresa lavou as mãos sobre o reembolso.

Neutral

"Cair na conta"

— To be deposited (commonly used for when the refund arrives).

O reembolso deve cair na conta na segunda-feira.

Informal

"A preço de banana"

— Very cheap (unrelated to refund, but financial).

Comprei a preço de banana e ainda pedi reembolso.

Slang

"Dar o braço a torcer"

— To admit defeat (related to a company finally agreeing to a refund).

Eles deram o braço a torcer e fizeram o reembolso.

Informal

"Pagar o pato"

— To pay for someone else's mistake (the opposite of a fair refund).

Eu paguei o pato e não tive reembolso.

Slang

"Estar com a corda no pescoço"

— To be in financial trouble (needing a refund urgently).

Preciso do reembolso logo, estou com a corda no pescoço.

Informal

Easily Confused

reembolso vs Estorno

Both result in money back.

Estorno is the technical reversal of a credit card charge. Reembolso is the general concept.

O reembolso foi feito via estorno.

reembolso vs Restituição

Both mean returning money.

Restituição is used for taxes and legal matters. Reembolso is for commercial and business expenses.

Recebi a restituição do imposto.

reembolso vs Ressarcimento

Both involve repayment.

Ressarcimento implies compensation for a loss or damage. Reembolso is for a specific cost incurred.

Pedi ressarcimento pelo vidro quebrado.

reembolso vs Compensação

Both are forms of restitution.

Compensação often involves vouchers or other benefits, not just cash.

A mala sumiu e ganhei uma compensação.

reembolso vs Devolução

Often used interchangeably.

Devolução refers to the act of giving back the object. Reembolso refers to the money.

Fiz a devolução do livro e ganhei o reembolso.

Sentence Patterns

Eu quero [reembolso].

Eu quero o reembolso.

Vou pedir o reembolso de [noun].

Vou pedir o reembolso da passagem.

Como posso solicitar o reembolso de [noun]?

Como posso solicitar o reembolso de despesas?

O cliente tem direito ao reembolso se [condition].

O cliente tem direito ao reembolso se o produto estiver quebrado.

A política de reembolso prevê que [clause].

A política de reembolso prevê que os valores sejam devolvidos em 30 dias.

Dada a natureza do contrato, o reembolso torna-se [adjective].

Dada a natureza do contrato, o reembolso torna-se imperativo.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in daily life and business.

Common Mistakes

Eu quero uma reembolso. → Eu quero um reembolso.
'Reembolso' is a masculine noun. It must take the masculine article 'um' or 'o'.
Vou reembolsar o dinheiro. → Vou pedir o reembolso do dinheiro.
If you are the customer, you *receive* the refund. The store *reimburses* you. Don't use the verb 'reembolsar' for your own action of asking.
Reembolso para despesas. → Reembolso de despesas.
In Portuguese, we use the preposition 'de' to link the refund to the category of expense.
Eu quero troca meu dinheiro. → Eu quero o reembolso do meu dinheiro.
'Troca' means exchange (item for item). Use 'reembolso' for money.
Rembolso → Reembolso
Spelling mistake. The prefix 're-' and the root 'embolso' require two 'e's.

Tips

Double E

Don't forget the second 'e'. It's 'reembolso'. Many learners write 'rembolso' by mistake because of the pronunciation.

Verb vs Noun

Remember: 'Reembolso' is the thing (noun), 'Reembolsar' is the action (verb). Use 'Eu quero o reembolso' or 'Você pode me reembolsar?'.

Nota Fiscal

In Brazil, always ask for the 'Nota Fiscal'. Without it, getting a 'reembolso' is much harder and sometimes impossible.

Check the Policy

Before buying, look for the 'Política de Reembolso'. In Portugal, stores aren't always forced to give cash back for simple changes of mind.

Receipts

For business 'reembolso', take photos of your receipts immediately. Paper receipts often fade or get lost.

Estorno

If a shop says they did the 'reembolso' but you don't see it, ask for the 'comprovante de estorno' to check with your bank.

7 Days Rule

In Brazil, for internet purchases, you have 7 days to cancel and get a full 'reembolso' for any reason.

Be Formal

When asking for money back, being formal and polite ('Gostaria de solicitar...') usually gets faster results than being aggressive.

Airport Fees

Even if your ticket is non-refundable, you can often get a 'reembolso' of the airport taxes if you don't fly.

Health Plans

Check your health plan's 'tabela de reembolso' before seeing a private doctor to know how much you will get back.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'RE' (again) + 'EM' (in) + 'BOLSO' (pocket). You are putting the money 'again in the pocket'.

Visual Association

Imagine a hand putting a coin back into a pocket that was empty.

Word Web

Dinheiro Loja Recibo Cartão Banco Despesa Viagem Direito

Challenge

Try to use 'reembolso' in a sentence about a bad restaurant experience.

Word Origin

From the prefix 're-' (again) + 'embolsar' (to put in a purse).

Original meaning: To return money to the pocket or purse.

Romance (Latin root 'borsa' for purse).

Cultural Context

Be polite but firm when asking for a 'reembolso'. Bureaucracy can be slow, so patience is key.

English speakers might use 'refund' and 'reimbursement' interchangeably, but in Portuguese 'reembolso' covers both, while 'estorno' is the specific banking term.

Consumer protection ads in Brazil frequently mention 'Direito ao Reembolso'. News reports on 'reembolso de passagens' during airline strikes. Financial literacy blogs discussing 'restituição de imposto'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Shopping

Quero o reembolso.
Qual a política de reembolso?
O produto está com defeito.
Tenho a nota fiscal.

Business Travel

Reembolso de despesas.
Preciso do recibo do táxi.
Vou prestar contas.
Onde anexo os comprovantes?

Healthcare

O plano cobre o reembolso?
Solicitar reembolso médico.
Tabela de reembolso.
Enviei a fatura para reembolso.

Banking

Quando cai o reembolso?
O estorno foi feito?
Não recebi o valor.
Verificar o extrato.

Legal/Consumer Rights

Direito ao reembolso integral.
Vou reclamar no Procon.
Prazo legal de sete dias.
Propaganda enganosa.

Conversation Starters

"Você já teve problemas para conseguir um reembolso de uma companhia aérea?"

"Quanto tempo demora o reembolso de despesas na sua empresa?"

"Você prefere o reembolso em dinheiro ou um vale-troca na loja?"

"O seu plano de saúde oferece um bom sistema de reembolso médico?"

"O que você faz quando uma loja se recusa a fazer o reembolso?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação em que você teve que lutar para conseguir um reembolso.

Escreva sobre a importância de ter uma política de reembolso clara em um negócio.

Como você se sente quando recebe um reembolso inesperado?

Compare o processo de reembolso em seu país com o de um país lusófono.

Imagine que você é um gerente de loja: como você lidaria com um pedido de reembolso difícil?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Reembolso é a devolução de um valor pago anteriormente. Por exemplo, se você compra algo e devolve, a loja te dá o reembolso. Também é usado quando uma empresa paga de volta o que o funcionário gastou em uma viagem de trabalho.

Reembolso é o termo geral para receber dinheiro de volta. Estorno é o termo técnico bancário usado para cancelar uma transação no cartão de crédito. Se você pede um reembolso, a loja pode fazer um estorno no seu cartão.

No Brasil, para compras online, você tem o 'direito de arrependimento' de 7 dias para pedir o reembolso total. Em lojas físicas, o reembolso por arrependimento depende da política da própria loja, a menos que o produto tenha defeito.

Para pedir reembolso médico, você deve pagar a consulta, pegar o recibo ou nota fiscal e enviar para o seu plano de saúde através do site ou aplicativo deles. Eles vão analisar e depositar o valor na sua conta.

É quando uma empresa paga ao funcionário os valores que ele gastou do próprio bolso para realizar atividades do trabalho, como táxis, passagens aéreas ou almoços com clientes.

O tempo varia. Reembolsos em dinheiro são imediatos. No cartão de crédito, pode demorar de 30 a 60 dias (uma ou duas faturas). Transferências bancárias geralmente levam de 2 a 10 dias úteis.

Sim, mas depende da tarifa que você comprou. Tarifas promocionais muitas vezes não permitem reembolso ou cobram taxas altas. Se a companhia cancelar o voo, o reembolso integral é obrigatório.

Significa que, se você cancelar o serviço ou devolver o produto, não receberá seu dinheiro de volta. É muito comum em ingressos de shows e passagens aéreas baratas.

Reembolso integral é a devolução de 100% do valor pago, sem descontos de taxas ou multas. Geralmente acontece quando o erro é da empresa ou em casos previstos por lei.

Você deve ser formal. Use: 'Prezados, gostaria de solicitar o reembolso do pedido [número] devido a [motivo]. Segue em anexo a nota fiscal. Atenciosamente, [Seu nome]'.