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How to Say ‘Sorry, today I only take cash.’ in Portuguese

Desculpe, hoje só aceito dinheiro.

desh-KOOL-puh o-zhe saw ah-SAY-too dee-NYAY-roo

[desh-KOOL-puh o-zhe saw ah-SAY-too dee-NYAY-roo]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: The word hoje hints at an excuse. You can politely push back: licensed taxis are expected to take the payment they advertise.

Phrase Breakdown

Desculpe,

desh-KOOL-puh

Sorry,

In Portugal this is said 'dish-KUL-p', with weak vowels.

Example

Desculpe, onde fica a estação?

Excuse me, where is the station?

Words in this phrase

Desculpe

[desh-KOOL-puh]

sorry / excuse me

A polite way to apologize or get someone's attention.

Example

Desculpe, onde fica a estação?

Excuse me, where is the station?

hoje só aceito dinheiro.

o-zhe saw ah-SAY-too dee-NYAY-roo

today I only accept cash.

'Hoje' is 'OH-zh'; the 'h' is silent and the 'j' sounds like the 's' in 'measure'.

Example

Hoje só aceito cartão.

Today I only accept card.

Words in this phrase

hoje

[o-zhe]

today

The current day, referring to the period from morning to night of the present day.

Example

Hoje é um bom dia para sair e conversar.

Today is a good day to go out and talk.

só

[saw]

only

Adds the sense of a limit or condition, useful in light teasing.

Example

Eu aceito, só se trouxeres mais dessas piadas.

I’ll accept, only if you bring more of those jokes.

aceito

[ah-SAY-too]

I accept

A positive response agreeing to an offer or proposal.

Example

Aceito a sua sugestão de irmos para outro lugar mais tranquilo.

I accept your suggestion to go to another quieter place.

dinheiro

[dee-NYAY-roo]

cash

Money in coins or banknotes, not card.

Example

Se não aceitam cartão, pergunto "Posso pagar em dinheiro?"

If they do not accept card, I ask "Can I pay in cash?"

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.

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