Portuguese Phrase
A ranhura de depósito costuma piscar.
Meaning
The sentence says that the deposit slot (for cash, tickets, etc.) usually blinks. It describes a typical behavior of a machine’s indicator light, indicating that the slot is ready or that a transaction is in progress.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are talking about ATMs, vending machines, ticket kiosks, or any device that has a slot with a blinking light. It’s handy for describing a technical detail to a colleague, a customer service agent, or a friend who is troubleshooting the equipment.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Aranhuradedepósitocostumapiscar
Definite article (A)
The feminine singular article 'A' agrees with the noun 'ranhura', which is feminine.
Noun (ranhura)
‘Ranhura’ means ‘slot’ or ‘groove’; it is a feminine noun.
Preposition (de)
‘de’ links the noun ‘ranhura’ with the complement ‘depósito’, indicating the type of slot.
Noun (depósito)
‘Depósito’ here refers to a deposit (e.g., cash deposit) and is masculine; the preposition ‘de’ does not affect gender.
Verb (costuma)
‘Costuma’ is the third‑person singular present of ‘costumar’, used to express a habitual action.
Infinitive (piscar)
‘Piscar’ is an infinitive verb meaning ‘to blink’; after ‘costuma’ it stays in the infinitive form.
🗨In Conversation
A ranhura de depósito costuma piscar quando está pronta para receber o dinheiro?
Does the deposit slot usually blink when it’s ready to receive money?
Sim, o piscar indica que o aparelho está aguardando o depósito.
Yes, the blinking indicates that the machine is waiting for the deposit.
✕Common Mistakes
O ranhura de depósito costuma piscar.
‘Ranhura’ is feminine; the article must be ‘A’, not ‘O’.
A ranhura de depósito costuma pisca.
After ‘costuma’, the verb stays in infinitive form; use ‘piscar’, not ‘pisca’.
A ranhura de deposíto costuma piscar.
The correct spelling is ‘depósito’ with an acute accent on the ‘i’.
↔Alternatives
A fenda de depósito costuma piscar.
The deposit slot usually blinks.
O compartimento de depósito costuma piscar.
The deposit compartment usually blinks.
A ranhura de depósito costuma acender.
The deposit slot usually lights up.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, many ATMs and ticket machines use a blinking LED on the deposit slot to signal that the device is ready to accept cash or tickets. The verb ‘piscar’ is commonly used for any flashing light, from traffic signals to electronic devices. Remember that ‘ranhura’ is more technical than ‘fenda’, which is more colloquial, so choose the word based on the formality of the conversation.