How to Ask for a Return or Exchange in Portuguese in Brazil — Practice
A guided practice lesson with English explanations, Brazilian Portuguese examples, and answers you can check. Read the examples, recall the meaning, then say a version of your own.
Explain what you bought and what happened
Start with the item and the date of purchase. A receipt is a comprovante or nota fiscal, depending on the document and context. Describe the issue in plain language: não está funcionando (it is not working), veio com defeito (it arrived defective), or o tamanho não serviu (the size did not fit). Avoid guessing what caused the problem if you are not sure.
Bring the item and any paperwork you have. Store policies vary, so use the conversation to ask what options and documents the business requires rather than assuming a particular outcome.
| Brazilian Portuguese | English meaning |
|---|---|
| Comprei este carregador ontem, mas ele não está funcionando. | I bought this charger yesterday, but it isn’t working. |
| Tenho o comprovante da compra. | I have the proof of purchase. |
| A camiseta ficou pequena. Posso trocar por um tamanho maior? | The T-shirt is too small. Can I exchange it for a larger size? |
Ask whether a return or exchange is possible
Trocar means to exchange; devolver means to return. Ask which option the store offers and what steps you should follow. If you prefer a refund, ask about reembolso and let the employee explain the available process. Specific questions make it easier to understand any conditions.
When a staff member speaks quickly, confirm the key details: the deadline they mention, the document they need, and where you should take the item. Repeat those details back to check that you heard correctly.
| Brazilian Portuguese | English meaning |
|---|---|
| É possível trocar por outra cor? | Is it possible to exchange it for another color? |
| Como funciona a devolução neste caso? | How does a return work in this case? |
| Você pode explicar quais documentos são necessários? | Could you explain which documents are required? |
Confirm the next step before leaving
Summarize what the employee told you and ask whether you understood. Note the person or department to contact if the process requires another visit. A calm, specific summary is more useful than repeating the complaint without checking the instructions.
Ask the staff member to explain the steps for your item and confirm any date or document they mention. Keep the receipt and the exchange instructions together so you can find them if you need to follow up.
| Brazilian Portuguese | English meaning |
|---|---|
| Então preciso trazer o produto e a nota fiscal amanhã? | So I need to bring the product and receipt tomorrow? |
| Entendi. Onde devo entregar o item? | I understand. Where should I hand in the item? |
| Quem posso procurar se eu tiver outra dúvida? | Who can I contact if I have another question? |
Remember: Before the conversation, prepare three facts: what you bought, when you bought it, and what outcome you want to ask about. Then confirm the store’s instructions in your own words.
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.
I bought this charger yesterday, but it isn’t working.
Show a Portuguese answer
Comprei este carregador ontem, mas ele não está funcionando.
I have the proof of purchase.
Show a Portuguese answer
Tenho o comprovante da compra.
The T-shirt is too small. Can I exchange it for a larger size?
Show a Portuguese answer
A camiseta ficou pequena. Posso trocar por um tamanho maior?
Is it possible to exchange it for another color?
Show a Portuguese answer
É possível trocar por outra cor?
How does a return work in this case?
Show a Portuguese answer
Como funciona a devolução neste caso?
Could you explain which documents are required?
Show a Portuguese answer
Você pode explicar quais documentos são necessários?
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.
Before the conversation, prepare three facts: what you bought, when you bought it, and what outcome you want to ask about. Then confirm the store’s instructions in your own words.
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 How to Ask for a Return or Exchange in Portuguese in Brazil 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.
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