👍🚕⏱️🏃

How to Say ‘I can, but the meter keeps running.’ in Portuguese

Posso, mas o taxímetro continua a contar.

POH-soo mahsh oo tak-SEE-meh-troo kohn-TEE-noo-ah ah kohn-TAR

[POH-soo mahsh oo tak-SEE-meh-troo kohn-TEE-noo-ah ah kohn-TAR]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: Waiting time is legitimately charged, so this is fair, not a trick. Decide quickly whether the ATM trip is worth it.

Phrase Breakdown

Posso, mas o taxímetro

POH-soo mahsh oo tak-SEE-meh-troo

I can, but the taxi meter

'Posso' means 'I can' (PO-su). 'Mas o' links as 'mazu'. Then say tak-SI-me-tru.

Example

Posso, mas só amanhã.

I can, but only tomorrow.

Words in this phrase

Posso

[POH-soo]

I can

Used to express ability or permission to do something.

Example

Posso fazer uma pergunta?

Can I ask a question?

mas

[mahsh]

but

Used to introduce a condition or playful twist, often teasing in a flirty way.

Example

Mas não penses que me convences assim tão facilmente.

But don’t think you can convince me that easily.

[oo]

the

A masculine singular definite article used before nouns.

Example

O prazer de participar foi grande.

The pleasure of taking part was great.

taxímetro

[tak-SEE-meh-troo]

taxi meter

Device that calculates a taxi fare.

Example

O taxímetro marca dez euros.

The meter shows ten euros.

continua a contar.

kohn-TEE-noo-ah ah kohn-TAR

keeps running.

This means the meter keeps counting the fare. Say con-ti-NU-a-con-TAR in one smooth flow.

Example

O relógio continua a contar.

The clock keeps counting.

Words in this phrase

continua

[kohn-TEE-noo-ah]

continues / keeps on

Form of 'continuar'; with 'a' + infinitive it means something keeps happening.

Example

A chuva continua a cair.

The rain keeps falling.

[ah]

In European Portuguese, this particle is used with an infinitive to show an ongoing action.

Example

Estou a aprender novas estratégias de networking.

I am learning new networking strategies.

contar

[kohn-TAR]

to count / running

Verb meaning to count; also to tell a story.

Example

Ele sabe contar até cem.

He can count to a hundred.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Moved to Lisbon with zero Portuguese and honestly thought I’d be pointing at menus forever. Three weeks in and I’m having real conversations with my landlord.”

Priya N., 35, Freelance Designer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer