Italian Phrase
Quanto custa?
Meaning
Literally 'How much does it cost?', this phrase is used to ask the price of an item, service, or ticket. It is neutral and works in both formal and informal settings.
When to use
Use it when you are in a shop, market, restaurant, or any situation where you need to know the price of something. It can be followed by the item name for extra clarity, e.g., 'Quanto custa o ingresso?'
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quantocosta
Quanto
An interrogative adverb meaning 'how much' used to ask about price or quantity.
costa
Third‑person singular present of the verb 'custar' (to cost). In questions the verb stays in the indicative.
🗨In Conversation
Quanto custa este livro?
How much does this book cost?
Custa vinte e cinco reais.
It costs twenty‑five reais.
✕Common Mistakes
Quanto costo?
The verb is 'custar', not 'costo' (which is Spanish).
Quanto é custa?
Avoid mixing 'quanto é' and 'custa' together; choose one structure.
↔Alternatives
Qual é o preço?
What is the price?
Quanto é?
How much is it?
Quanto vale?
How much is it worth?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil it is polite to say 'por favor' before or after asking the price, especially in smaller shops. In Portugal, you might hear 'Quanto é que custa?' which adds the clitic 'que' for a slightly more informal tone.