Portuguese Phrase
Os preços aqui são mesmo mais baratos?
Meaning
A speaker is asking whether the prices at the current location are truly lower than elsewhere. The word "mesmo" stresses curiosity or a bit of skepticism.
When to use
Use this question while shopping, at a market, in a restaurant, or when comparing prices between cities or stores. It works both in casual conversation with friends and in a polite inquiry to a shop assistant.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ospreçosaquisãomesmomaisbaratos?
Definite article + noun agreement
"Os" is the masculine plural definite article that must agree with the noun "preços" (masculine plural).
Verb "ser" for permanent traits
Use "são" (present of ser) to talk about an inherent characteristic like price level, not "estão" which is for temporary states.
Emphatic adverb "mesmo"
"Mesmo" adds emphasis, meaning "really" or "indeed"; it can appear before or after the verb.
Comparative structure "mais + adjective"
To compare, use "mais" + adjective ("baratos") followed by the noun being compared, here implied "do que em outros lugares".
Question intonation
In spoken Portuguese the rising intonation at the end signals a yes‑no question; the written question mark is optional in informal speech.
🗨In Conversation
Os preços aqui são mesmo mais baratos?
Are the prices here really cheaper?
Sim, costumamos ter 10 % a menos que nas lojas do centro.
Yes, we usually have about 10 % less than the downtown shops.
✕Common Mistakes
Os preços aqui estão mesmo mais baratos?
Use "são" (ser) for permanent characteristics like price level; "estão" is for temporary states.
Os preços aqui são mesmo mais barato?
When comparing multiple items, the adjective must stay plural to match "preços".
Os preços aqui mesmo são mais baratos?
"Mesmo" should modify the verb phrase, not the adverb "aqui".
↔Alternatives
Os preços aqui são realmente mais baratos?
Are the prices here really cheaper?
Aqui os preços são mais baratos, não é?
The prices here are cheaper, aren't they?
Será que os preços aqui são mais baratos?
I wonder if the prices here are cheaper.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, price‑sensitive shoppers often compare before buying. While asking, keep a friendly tone and add "por favor" if you’re speaking to a clerk. In some regions (e.g., the South) people may be more direct, whereas in the Northeast a softer phrasing like "será que" is preferred.