At a Hardware Store in Brazil: Ask for Tools and Measurements — Practice

Describe the task before asking for a tool

Loja de material de construção is a common way to refer to a hardware or building-supply store. Describe the job with preciso consertar (I need to repair) or quero instalar (I want to install), then show a photo or measurement if useful.

A clerk can help identify product vocabulary, but for electrical, structural, or other safety-critical work, use a qualified professional.

Ask for the size and amount you need

Medida means measurement, and quantidade is quantity. Show the length or width and ask whether the store sells the item by unit, meter, or package. Product labeling can use different units, so compare the label with your own measurement.

For paint or other materials, give the surface area and ask what quantity the package covers rather than guessing from the room name.

Check whether an item fits the material

Use serve para to ask whether something is suitable for a material or task: Esta broca serve para concreto? (Is this drill bit suitable for concrete?). If you are unsure what a wall or surface is made of, say so instead of guessing.

Repeat the model or size on the package before paying. A clear description helps you avoid taking home a similar-looking but incompatible item.

Remember: Describe the repair, share a measurement, and confirm product compatibility before choosing supplies.

Check your understanding

Choose the English meaning of each Portuguese example. Answer before looking back at the tables. These questions check the written examples in this guide; they are not a listening or proficiency test.

Recall the Portuguese, then say it

Read the English prompt and say a Portuguese version before opening the answer. The answer shows the example from the lesson; other natural translations may also work. Compare the meaning and the situation rather than counting a different word as automatically wrong.

1. I need a screwdriver to tighten this type of screw.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Preciso de uma chave para apertar este tipo de parafuso.

2. I want to install a shelf on this wall. What materials do I need?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Quero instalar uma prateleira nesta parede. Que material preciso?

3. Is this screw five centimeters long?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Este parafuso tem cinco centímetros?

4. How many meters are in this roll?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Quantos metros vêm neste rolo?

5. Is this tape intended for outdoor use?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Esta fita é indicada para uso externo?

6. Could you confirm whether this part is compatible with the model?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Você pode confirmar se esta peça é compatível com o modelo?

Make the phrase useful to you

Choose one example you could actually use. Say it once from memory, then change one detail that fits your life, such as the person, place, time, or object. Check whether your change also needs a different verb form, article, or adjective ending. If it does, compare it with the pattern in the explanation.

Describe the repair, share a measurement, and confirm product compatibility before choosing supplies.

Return to two prompts tomorrow without opening the answers first. If a phrase still feels difficult, shorten it to a useful chunk and build the complete sentence again.

Sources and your next lesson

This I Speak Portuguese practice guide builds on our At a Hardware Store in Brazil: Ask for Tools and Measurements lesson on Real Life Portuguese, with written recall tasks and additional speaking practice. The explanations and examples are teaching material; the practice questions are exercises, not a transcript of a recording.

To add Brazilian audio to your routine, choose a lesson in the Real Life Portuguese app. The app offers its own lessons and practice; this page does not imply that every example here has an app recording.