Order anything by pointing in Portuguese
I would like, this one, how much, the bill: survive any counter or menu. Play the ten Portuguese words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 11 Portuguese phrases in this lesson
- Queria...keh-REE-ah
- I would like...
- Este / EstaEH-steh / EH-stah
- This one
- Quanto é?KWAN-too eh
- How much is it?
- A conta, por favorah KON-tah por fah-VOR
- The bill, please
- Com cartãocom kar-TOWN
- By card
- Em dinheiroaym dee-NYAY-roo
- In cash
- ÁguaAH-gwah
- Water
- Cafékah-FEH
- Coffee
- Cháshah
- Tea
- Cervejaser-VAY-zhah
- Beer
- Sem...saym
- Without...
Literally "I wanted", the polite way to order: "queria um café".
"Este" for masculine items, "esta" for feminine. Pointing and saying this is a reliable way to specify exactly what you want.
The essential price check. Raise your eyebrows slightly and look expectant. Works in any shop, market or café.
Say this when you are ready to pay. Catching the server's eye and miming a writing gesture also works, but saying it is more polite.
Portugal has excellent card payment infrastructure. Contactless is widely accepted. You may be asked for your PIN even for small amounts.
Some small cafés and markets still prefer cash. Keeping a few coins and small notes handy is always sensible.
In restaurants you will be asked "com gás ou sem gás?" (sparkling or still?). Specify "sem gás" for still water if that is your preference.
A plain café is an espresso. In Lisbon it is also called "uma bica".
A small draft is "uma imperial" in Lisbon and "um fino" in Porto.
"Sem açúcar", without sugar.