When you're just starting out in Portuguese, 'custar' is one of those essential verbs you'll want to learn right away. It's super practical for asking about prices or talking about how much something costs.
Think of it like the English verb 'to cost'. So, if you're in a shop and want to know the price of something, 'custar' is your go-to word.
You'll often hear it in questions like 'Quanto custa?' (How much does it cost?) or in statements like 'Custa dez euros' (It costs ten euros).
Mastering 'custar' early on will really help you with basic shopping and transactional conversations in Portuguese.
When you're shopping or asking about prices in Portugal or Brazil, you'll hear the verb "custar" a lot. It's super practical! You use it to find out how much something costs.
For example, if you want to know the price of a coffee, you'd ask: "Quanto custa o café?" (How much does the coffee cost?).
Or, if you see a nice shirt and want to know its price, you could say: "Quanto custa esta camisa?" (How much does this shirt cost?).
It's also used to talk about how much something cost you in the past, like "Custou caro" (It was expensive).
When talking about the price of something, the verb to use in Portuguese is custar. This is similar to "to cost" in English. For example, to ask "How much does it cost?" you would say Quanto custa?
It can also be used to mean something is difficult or takes effort. For instance, if something is hard to do, you might say Custa a fazer (It's hard to do).
It's a regular -ar verb, so its conjugations follow a predictable pattern. Just remember that when talking about prices, you'll often use the third person singular or plural: custa (it costs) or custam (they cost).
Pay attention to the context to understand if you're talking about price or difficulty. Usually, it will be clear from the surrounding words.
When discussing the verb "custar," especially at a C1 level, it's important to move beyond its basic meaning of "to cost." While it certainly means that, at this advanced stage, we delve into its more nuanced and idiomatic uses.
For instance, "custar a fazer algo" means "to have difficulty doing something" or "to take a long time to do something." It implies an effort or a challenge. We also see it in expressions like "custe o que custar," which translates to "cost what it may" or "whatever it takes," emphasizing determination.
Furthermore, "custar" can be used impersonally to express regret or difficulty, similar to "it's hard for me" or "I find it difficult." For example, "Custa-me a acreditar" means "It's hard for me to believe." Understanding these varied applications is key to mastering "custar" at a C1 level.
§ Understanding 'Custar'
The Portuguese verb "custar" (pronounced: koo-STAR) is a very useful word to learn early on. At its core, "custar" means "to cost" or "to have a price." This is probably its most common use, and it's super straightforward, just like in English. If you want to ask about the price of something, or state how much something costs, "custar" is your go-to verb.
- Definition
- To cost; to have a price.
Think of it this way: when you go shopping, whether for groceries, clothes, or a souvenir, you'll hear and use "custar" a lot. It's essential for practical daily interactions in Portuguese-speaking countries. It's an A1 level verb, meaning it's one of the first verbs you should get comfortable with.
§ Common Uses of 'Custar'
The most frequent use of "custar" is, as mentioned, to talk about price. Here are some examples to make it clear:
- Asking about the price of something.
- Stating the price of an item.
- Discussing expenses in general.
Quanto custa este café? (How much does this coffee cost?)
This is a classic question you'll use constantly. The answer will also often use "custar":
O café custa dois euros. (The coffee costs two euros.)
You can also use it to talk about general expenses:
A viagem custou muito dinheiro. (The trip cost a lot of money.)
While its primary meaning is about money, in more advanced contexts, "custar" can also imply difficulty or effort, like "it costs me a lot of effort to do something." However, for A1 level, focus on its meaning related to price. Get comfortable with asking and answering questions about how much things cost, and you'll be well on your way to practical Portuguese conversations.
§ Custar: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even at an A1 level, "custar" can trip people up. It's a common verb, but its usage isn't always straightforward. Here are the most frequent mistakes English speakers make and how to fix them.
§ Mistake 1: Using 'ser' or 'estar' instead of 'custar' for price
This is perhaps the most common error. In English, we often say "How much is it?" using a form of "to be." In Portuguese, when asking about the price of something, you almost always use "custar."
- Wrong
- Quanto é isso? (How much is that? - grammatically okay, but less natural for price)
- Correct
- Quanto custa isso? (How much does that cost?)
Quanto custa este café? (How much costs this coffee? / How much is this coffee?)
Este carro custou muito dinheiro. (This car cost a lot of money.)
§ Mistake 2: Incorrect subject-verb agreement
The verb "custar" agrees with the *thing* that is costing, not with the person paying. This might seem obvious, but it can get confusing when the sentence structure changes.
- Wrong
- Eu custa dez euros. (I costs ten euros. - doesn't make sense)
- Correct
- Isso custa dez euros. (That costs ten euros.)
As passagens custam muito no verão. (The tickets cost a lot in the summer.)
Here, "as passagens" (the tickets) is plural, so "custar" is conjugated in the plural form: "custam." If it were a single ticket, it would be "a passagem custa."
§ Mistake 3: Overusing 'custar' for effort or difficulty (at A1)
While "custar" *can* be used to mean something is difficult or requires effort (e.g., "Custou-me a entender" - It was hard for me to understand), this usage is more advanced and often confusing for beginners. At A1, stick to its primary meaning of "to cost."
- Focus at A1
- Price/Cost
Trying to use "custar" for difficulty at this stage often leads to awkward or incorrect sentences. There are simpler ways to express difficulty, such as using "é difícil" (it is difficult).
Aprender português é difícil. (Learning Portuguese is difficult.)
This is much clearer and more appropriate for an A1 learner than trying to force "custar" into that context.
§ Mistake 4: Confusing 'custar' with 'pagar' (to pay)
These two verbs are related to money but have different roles. "Custar" is about the price of something, while "pagar" is about the action of giving money for something.
- Custar: What the item or service demands as payment.
- Pagar: The action a person takes to give money.
- Example 1
- A pizza custa vinte euros. (The pizza costs twenty euros.)
- Example 2
- Eu vou pagar a pizza. (I am going to pay for the pizza.)
You wouldn't say "Eu custa a pizza" (I cost the pizza) or "A pizza paga vinte euros" (The pizza pays twenty euros).
Ele pagou o que custou. (He paid what it cost.)
By keeping these common pitfalls in mind, you'll use "custar" correctly and sound much more natural in your Portuguese conversations, even at an early stage. Practice asking about prices often, and you'll master this verb quickly!
Alright, let's talk about "custar." This verb is super common, and you'll hear it all the time when discussing prices. At its core, "custar" means "to cost" or "to have a price." It's straightforward for basic transactions, but there are a few nuances and similar words to be aware of. Understanding these will make your Portuguese sound much more natural.
§ The Basics of "Custar"
You'll use "custar" whenever you're asking about or stating the price of something. It conjugates like a regular -ar verb. Remember, the subject of "custar" is often the item itself, not the person buying it.
Quanto custa esta camisa?
O bilhete custou vinte euros.
§ "Custar" Beyond Prices: Effort and Difficulty
Here's where it gets interesting. "Custar" isn't just about money. It can also imply effort, difficulty, or even suffering a consequence. This usage is very common and important to grasp.
- Definition
- To be difficult for; to require effort from (often used impersonally or with an indirect object pronoun).
Custou-me muito aprender português.
Here, "custou-me" means "it was difficult for me." You're not talking about money, but the effort involved.
Não te custa pedir desculpa?
This translates to something like "Does it not bother you to apologize?" or "Is it not difficult for you to apologize?" This is a more idiomatic use.
§ Similar Words and When to Choose "Custar"
While "custar" is your go-to for prices, let's look at some other verbs that might seem similar but are used in different contexts.
Pagar (To Pay): This is about the action of giving money for something.
Eu vou pagar a conta.
You pay the bill. The bill costs something.
Valer (To Be Worth): This verb focuses on the value or merit of something, not its direct price.
Este carro vale muito.
The car is worth a lot. Its price might be high, but "valer" speaks to its inherent value.
Ter o preço de (To Have the Price of): This is a more literal and less common way to state a price, but it's grammatically correct.
Este livro tem o preço de dez euros.
While correct, "Custa dez euros" is much more natural and frequently used.
§ Summary: When to Use "Custar"
Always use "custar" when you want to know or state the monetary price of an item or service. Also, remember its secondary meaning related to effort or difficulty, often with an indirect object pronoun. Don't mix it up with "pagar" (the act of paying) or "valer" (the inherent worth).
How Formal Is It?
"Quanto custa o serviço de consultoria?"
"Quanto custa este livro?"
"Quanto é que custa isso?"
"Quanto custa o sorvete?"
"Isso vai custar caro! (Meaning: That's going to be difficult/problematic, not just expensive)"
需要掌握的语法
When referring to the price of something, use 'custar'. It conjugates like a regular -ar verb. For example, 'Quanto custa?' means 'How much does it cost?'
Quanto custa esta camisa? (How much does this shirt cost?)
'Custar' can also be used impersonally with 'a' to mean 'to be difficult for someone to do something' or 'to take effort for someone'. The structure is 'custar a [infinitive]'.
Custa-me a levantar cedo. (It's difficult for me to wake up early. / It takes effort for me to wake up early.)
When talking about time or effort something takes, 'custar' can be followed by a quantity (of time or effort).
Isso vai custar-lhe muito tempo. (That will cost him/her a lot of time.)
In some contexts, 'custar' can mean 'to suffer' or 'to endure', especially in older or more formal usage. However, for A1, focus on 'cost' and 'difficulty'.
Ele custou para conseguir o trabalho. (He struggled to get the job.) - *More advanced usage, but good to be aware of.*
The past tense of 'custar' (custou) is commonly used to ask or state how much something cost.
Quanto custou o carro? (How much did the car cost?)
按水平分级的例句
Quanto custa esta camisa?
How much does this shirt cost?
Common question for prices.
Custa vinte euros.
It costs twenty euros.
Direct answer to a price question.
Este carro custou muito dinheiro.
This car cost a lot of money.
Past tense of 'custar'.
Não custa nada perguntar.
It costs nothing to ask.
Figurative use, meaning 'it doesn't hurt to ask'.
Quanto vai custar a viagem?
How much will the trip cost?
Future tense of 'custar'.
Para mim, custa mais que para você.
For me, it costs more than for you.
Comparing costs for different people.
Estes sapatos custam menos do que eu pensava.
These shoes cost less than I thought.
Comparing perceived vs. actual cost.
Custa muito tempo aprender uma nova língua.
It costs a lot of time to learn a new language.
Figurative use, referring to the time investment.
Quanto custa este livro?
How much does this book cost?
Simple present tense, question formation.
O voo para Lisboa custou-me muito caro.
The flight to Lisbon cost me a lot.
Preterite tense, 'custar' with an indirect object pronoun.
Vai custar-nos um esforço considerável para terminar o projeto a tempo.
It will cost us considerable effort to finish the project on time.
Future tense, 'custar' with an indirect object pronoun and infinitive.
Não sei quanto custaria renovar toda a casa.
I don't know how much it would cost to renovate the entire house.
Conditional tense, 'custar' with an infinitive.
Aquela decisão custou-lhe a carreira.
That decision cost him/her their career.
Preterite tense, 'custar' in a figurative sense.
Custa-me acreditar que ele faria algo assim.
It's hard for me to believe he would do something like that.
'Custar' meaning 'to be difficult' or 'to be hard' for someone.
Se eu fosse você, não deixaria de comprar, custe o que custar.
If I were you, I wouldn't fail to buy it, whatever the cost.
Subjunctive present, idiomatic expression 'custe o que custar'.
A viagem dos seus sonhos não precisa custar uma fortuna.
Your dream trip doesn't have to cost a fortune.
Infinitive after 'precisar', negative construction.
Custou-lhe muito superar a perda do seu melhor amigo.
It cost him a lot to overcome the loss of his best friend.
Here, 'custar' is used metaphorically to mean 'it was difficult for him'.
Custou-me acreditar na história que ele me contou, parecia irreal.
It was hard for me to believe the story he told me, it seemed unreal.
Similar to the previous example, 'custar' implies difficulty or effort.
A construção do novo hospital custará milhões de euros ao estado.
The construction of the new hospital will cost the state millions of euros.
This is a direct use of 'custar' in its financial sense.
Se não agirmos agora, a inação poderá custar-nos caro no futuro.
If we don't act now, inaction could cost us dearly in the future.
'Custar caro' is an idiom meaning 'to have severe consequences'.
Para se tornar um especialista na área, custa anos de estudo e dedicação.
To become an expert in the field, it takes years of study and dedication.
'Custar' here means 'to require' or 'to take' (time/effort).
Não me custa nada ajudar os meus vizinhos, quando posso.
It costs me nothing to help my neighbors when I can.
'Não me custa nada' means 'it's no trouble at all for me'.
O erro estratégico na batalha custou a vitória ao exército inimigo.
The strategic error in the battle cost the enemy army the victory.
'Custar' implies the loss of something valuable due to an action or oversight.
Custaria muito mais tempo e recursos refazer todo o projeto do zero.
It would cost much more time and resources to redo the entire project from scratch.
A conditional use of 'custar' indicating a hypothetical cost.
自我测试 54 个问题
Quanto ___ esta camisa?
We use 'custa' for a singular item like 'esta camisa'.
Este carro ___ muito dinheiro.
'Este carro' is singular, so 'custa' is the correct form.
As maçãs ___ 2 euros o quilo.
'As maçãs' is plural, so we use 'custam'.
Não sei quanto ___ para ir lá.
Here, 'quanto' refers to 'it' (the action of going), which is singular, so 'custa' is appropriate.
Quanto ___ os sapatos?
'Os sapatos' is plural, requiring 'custam'.
Um café ___ um euro.
'Um café' is singular, so 'custa' is the correct verb form.
Quanto ___ esta camisa?
For a singular item like 'camisa' (shirt), use the third-person singular form 'custa'.
Estes sapatos ___ muito caro.
For a plural item like 'sapatos' (shoes), use the third-person plural form 'custam'.
A viagem para o Brasil ___ mil euros.
The subject 'a viagem' (the trip) is singular, so 'custa' is the correct form.
Não sei quanto ___ para consertar o carro.
When referring to the general cost of an action ('to fix the car'), the singular 'custa' is used.
Aquele relógio ___ uma fortuna.
The subject 'aquele relógio' (that watch) is singular, so 'custa' is the correct form.
As passagens aéreas ___ mais que o hotel.
The subject 'as passagens aéreas' (the airplane tickets) is plural, so 'custam' is the correct form.
Listen to the price of the shirt.
Listen to how much the trip costs.
Listen to what the speaker finds hard to believe.
Read this aloud:
Quanto custam essas maçãs?
Focus: Quant-ow KOO-stam ESS-ass mah-SANS?
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Isso vai custar tempo e esforço.
Focus: EE-soo VAI koo-STAR TEM-poo ee ess-FOR-soo.
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Não custa tentar, certo?
Focus: NAHM KOO-stah ten-TAR, SERR-too?
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Choose the most appropriate synonym for "custar" in the context of price.
While 'pagar' is related, 'valer' directly relates to the value or price something has, similar to 'custar'.
In the sentence 'Quanto custa para chegar lá?', what does 'custa' refer to?
In this context, 'custar' is used to ask about the monetary cost of travel.
Which of the following sentences correctly uses 'custar' to express a high price?
'Custar os olhos da cara' is a common idiomatic expression meaning something is very expensive.
The phrase 'Custou-me a entender' means 'It was difficult for me to understand'.
When 'custar' is used with an indirect object pronoun and an infinitive, it often means 'to be difficult' or 'to take effort'.
In the sentence 'Quanto custa este livro?', 'custa' implies a physical weight.
In this sentence, 'custa' refers to the monetary price of the book, not its weight.
It is grammatically correct to say 'Eu custei para comprar o carro' to express that you spent a lot of money on a car.
While you spent a lot of money, the correct way to express the car being expensive using 'custar' would be 'O carro custou caro' (The car cost a lot). 'Eu custei' would imply you were difficult, not that you spent money.
Aquele projeto grandioso vai ___ muito dinheiro e esforço.
'Custar' is the correct verb here, meaning 'to cost' in terms of expenditure of money or effort. The other options don't fit the context.
Embora o erro tenha sido pequeno, ele vai ___ caro à reputação da empresa.
In this idiomatic expression, 'custar caro' means to have a high cost or negative consequence, which fits the context of a reputational damage.
Após a reestruturação, muitos funcionários aprenderam o que é ___ seu emprego por uma causa maior.
'Custar' in this context means to experience the difficulty or pain of losing something. The other options don't convey this specific meaning as effectively.
Para alcançar a excelência, os atletas precisam entender o que ___ cada gota de suor.
Here, 'custar' is used to express the effort or sacrifice required to achieve something, which is fitting for an athlete's dedication.
Não me ___ acreditar que, mesmo com todas as evidências, ele ainda negue a verdade.
The expression 'custar a' means to find something difficult or to struggle with something. 'Não me custa acreditar' means 'I find it hard to believe'.
A construção da nova ponte vai ___ uma fortuna aos cofres públicos.
'Custar' is the most appropriate verb to indicate the expenditure of a large sum of money from public funds for a project.
This sentence discusses the rising cost of living in Portuguese cities.
The speaker mentions that despite the high cost, the quality of artisanal products makes the investment worthwhile.
The question is about whether implementing new sustainability measures would take a lot of time and effort.
Read this aloud:
Custou-me muito aceitar que nem todos os meus planos se concretizariam.
Focus: Custou-me muito aceitar
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Qual seria o custo de oportunidade de investir em tecnologias mais ecológicas neste momento?
Focus: Custo de oportunidade
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Sei que custa, mas é imperativo que enfrentemos a verdade sobre o impacto ambiental.
Focus: Sei que custa, mas é imperativo
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'Achieving goals can cost a lot of effort.' The verb 'custar' is used to express the 'cost' in terms of effort or sacrifice.
This sentence translates to 'The company's decision cost them a fortune.' Here, 'custar' implies a financial cost or a significant loss.
The sentence means 'Understanding the nuance of the language can cost time.' 'Custar' is used to indicate the investment of time required.
Após a fusão das empresas, a integração dos sistemas de informação ___ um esforço colossal e recursos consideráveis.
A frase descreve um evento passado e concluído (a fusão e o esforço de integração). O pretérito perfeito simples 'custou' é o tempo verbal mais apropriado para indicar uma ação pontual e finalizada no passado, especialmente quando o custo é uma consequência direta da fusão. As outras opções indicam ações contínuas no passado, condicionais ou um passado mais distante, que não se encaixam no contexto de um custo direto e concluído de um evento.
A implementação das novas políticas ambientais, embora necessária, ___ um preço alto em termos de adaptação industrial e competitividade inicial.
A frase "embora necessária" sugere uma ação futura com consequências esperadas. O futuro simples 'custará' é o tempo verbal correto para expressar uma previsão ou uma expectativa de custo no futuro. 'Custava' refere-se a um passado contínuo, 'teria custado' é um condicional passado, e 'custasse' é um subjuntivo, nenhum dos quais se adequa ao contexto de uma projeção futura.
A decisão de abandonar o projeto, por mais dolorosa que fosse, ___ à empresa milhões em perdas potenciais e salvou sua reputação no mercado.
A frase descreve uma decisão passada com resultados também passados e concluídos ("salvou sua reputação"). O pretérito perfeito simples 'custou' é o tempo verbal adequado para expressar um custo direto e pontual associado a uma ação finalizada no passado. As outras opções indicam ações futuras, passados compostos ou ações contínuas no presente, que não se encaixam no contexto.
A manutenção contínua de infraestruturas obsoletas sempre custa mais do que a sua modernização a longo prazo.
Esta afirmação é geralmente considerada verdadeira em contextos de gestão e economia, onde a modernização frequentemente resulta em eficiências e redução de custos operacionais a longo prazo, superando o investimento inicial.
Em um cenário de hiperinflação, o custo de vida para a maioria da população tende a diminuir devido à desvalorização da moeda.
Em um cenário de hiperinflação, o custo de vida tende a aumentar drasticamente, pois a desvalorização da moeda faz com que os preços dos bens e serviços subam rapidamente, tornando-os mais caros para a população.
A perda de talentos numa organização pode custar não apenas financeiramente, mas também em termos de inovação e moral da equipa.
A perda de talentos tem um custo multifacetado, que inclui despesas de recrutamento e treinamento para substituição, perda de conhecimento institucional e impacto negativo na cultura organizacional e na motivação dos restantes funcionários, afetando a inovação e o moral.
Focus on the nuance of 'custou' in this context.
Consider the figurative meaning of 'custou-lhe caro'.
Pay attention to the expression 'não me custa nada'.
Read this aloud:
Articule a frase: 'Aquela iniciativa custará muito ao erário público, mas os benefícios sociais são inegáveis.'
Focus: custará, erário, inegáveis
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Repita: 'O sucesso, muitas vezes, custa sacrifícios que poucos estão dispostos a fazer.'
Focus: sucesso, sacrifícios, dispostos
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Diga em voz alta: 'A liberdade de expressão custou a vida a muitos defensores dos direitos humanos ao longo da história.'
Focus: liberdade, expressão, defensores
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
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