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How to Say ‘I'll stay at the counter, it's quicker.’ in Portuguese

Fico ao balcão, que é mais rápido.

FEE-koo ow bahl-KOWNG keh eh mysh RAH-pee-doo

[FEE-koo ow bahl-KOWNG keh eh mysh RAH-pee-doo]

💬 Usage Tip: que here works like a casual "since" or "because", tacked on to explain a choice. It's very common in speech: vou já, que está tarde "I'm off, since it's late".

Phrase Breakdown

Fico ao balcão,

FEE-koo ow bahl-KOWNG

I'll stay at the counter,

This is the decision. Pause briefly at the comma.

Example

Fico ao balcão, obrigado.

I'll stay at the counter, thanks.

Words in this phrase

Fico

[FEE-koo]

I stay

First person of 'ficar', to stay or remain.

Example

Hoje fico em casa.

Today I'm staying home.

[ow]

to the / at the

Contraction of 'a' + 'o'; common in location expressions.

Example

O elevador fica Mesmo ao lado do restaurante, ao lado da receção.

The lift is right next to the restaurant, next to the reception.

balcão

[bahl-KOWNG]

counter / bar

Masculine noun for the bar or shop counter.

Example

Paga-se ao balcão.

You pay at the counter.

que é mais rápido.

keh eh mysh RAH-pee-doo

since it's quicker.

'Que' here means 'because/since', which is very common in speech. 'Que é' blends into 'kyeh'.

Example

Vou a pé, que é mais rápido.

I'll walk, since it's quicker.

Words in this phrase

que

[keh]

since / because

Here 'que' introduces a reason, like 'as'.

Example

Vou a pé, que é perto.

I'll walk, as it's close.

[eh]

Form of the verb 'ser' used to identify or state something.

Example

É meu interesse conhecer melhor a empresa.

It is my interest to get to know the company better.

mais

[mysh]

Used to ask for additional information or greater quantity.

Example

Quero saber mais antes de me candidatar.

I want to know more before applying.

rápido

[RAH-pee-doo]

quick / fast

Used when you need speedy service.

Example

Se tenho pouco tempo, peço algo "rápido".

If I have little time, I ask for something "quick."

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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