Return or Exchange a Purchase in Brazil: Portuguese Phrases — Practice

Describe the item and the issue factually

Use troca when asking about an exchange, devolução for returning an item, and reembolso when asking about a refund. Explain what is wrong in one sentence: veio com defeito (it arrived defective), ficou grande (it is too large), or recebi o modelo errado (I received the wrong model).

Bring or show the order confirmation, receipt, and item details if the seller asks. The return process can depend on where and how you bought it, so describe the purchase and ask what the seller needs to check.

Ask which option applies to your purchase

You can ask whether an exchange, return, repair, or refund is available. State what you would prefer, then ask the seller to explain the current process and any required documents.

Avoid assuming that every store or product follows the same procedure. If the explanation is unclear, ask what the next step is and when you should expect an update.

Confirm timing and proof of the request

If the seller opens a request, ask for a protocol or confirmation message. Check whether you should bring the item, packaging, or accessories and confirm the date for your next action.

Repeat the plan back in plain language: então, vou trazer o produto e a nota amanhã? (so, I should bring the product and receipt tomorrow?). If a policy question affects your rights, check the official terms or consumer guidance for your location rather than relying on a general phrase guide.

Remember: Say what you bought, describe the issue, and ask which return option applies. Confirm the process and keep its written reference.

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 bought this shirt yesterday, but it is too large.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Comprei esta camisa ontem, mas ficou grande.

2. The product arrived defective.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   O produto chegou com defeito.

3. Can I exchange it for a smaller size?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Posso trocar por um tamanho menor?

4. How does the return work in this case?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Como funciona a devolução neste caso?

5. Which documents do I need to show?

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Quais documentos preciso apresentar?

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.

Say what you bought, describe the issue, and ask which return option applies. Confirm the process and keep its written reference.

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 Return or Exchange a Purchase in Brazil: Portuguese Phrases 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.