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How to Say ‘You can, but it's more expensive.’ in Portuguese

Pode, mas é mais caro.

POH-jee mas eh mysh KAH-roo

[POH-jee mas eh mysh KAH-roo]

🇵🇹 In Portugal: A single ticket bought from the driver costs noticeably more than a ride loaded onto a reusable card. Locals almost never pay on board.

Phrase Breakdown

Pode,

POH-jee

You can,

This is the formal 'you can', used to answer 'Posso...?'. Say 'POHD', with an almost silent final 'e'. Pause briefly at the comma.

Example

Pode entrar.

You can come in.

Words in this phrase

Pode

[POH-jee]

can

To be able to.

Example

Você pode me ajudar?

Can you help me?

mas é mais caro.

mas eh mysh KAH-roo

but it's more expensive.

'Mas' means 'but'. Before the vowel 'é', its 's' sounds like 'z': 'mah-ZEH mysh KAH-roo'.

Example

É bom, mas é mais caro.

It's good, but it's more expensive.

Words in this phrase

mas

[mas]

But

Used to introduce something contrasting.

Example

Eu gostaria de ir, mas não posso.

I would like to go, but I can't.

[eh]

It is

Used to identify or describe a situation.

Example

É verdade.

It is true.

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.

caro

[KAH-roo]

expensive

Adjective for something with a high price; also 'dear' in letters.

Example

Este hotel é caro.

This hotel is expensive.

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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