Portuguese Phrase
Pergunta ao teu banco.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to 'Ask your bank.' It's a direct and common way to advise someone to seek information or clarification from their financial institution. It implies that the bank is the authoritative source for the specific query.
When to use
You would use this phrase when someone asks you a question about financial matters, account details, loan conditions, or any banking-related issue that you cannot answer yourself. It's a polite but firm way to redirect them to the correct source of information.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Perguntaaoteubanco
Pergunta (Perguntar)
'Pergunta' is the informal imperative form of the verb 'perguntar' (to ask a question). It's used to give a direct command or suggestion to 'you' (singular, informal 'tu').
ao
'Ao' is a contraction of the preposition 'a' (to/at) and the definite masculine article 'o' (the). The verb 'perguntar' often takes 'a' when indicating who or what is being asked.
teu
'Teu' is the masculine singular informal possessive adjective, meaning 'your'. It corresponds to the informal 'tu' form of address.
banco
'Banco' is a masculine noun meaning 'bank'. It refers to a financial institution.
🗨In Conversation
Não sei como posso transferir dinheiro para o estrangeiro.
I don't know how I can transfer money abroad.
Pergunta ao teu banco.
Ask your bank.
✕Common Mistakes
Pede ao teu banco.
While 'pedir' means 'to ask for' or 'to request,' 'perguntar' is specifically used for 'to ask a question.' In this context, you are asking a question, not requesting an item or service.
Pergunta o teu banco.
The verb 'perguntar' requires the preposition 'a' when referring to the person or entity being asked. 'Ao' is the contraction of 'a' + 'o'.
Pergunta ao seu banco.
The original phrase uses 'teu' (informal 'your'). If you're using 'tu' for the person you're speaking to, you must use 'teu'. If you're using 'você' (formal 'you'), then 'seu' would be appropriate, but the phrase would then be 'Pergunta ao seu banco'.
↔Alternatives
Contacta o teu banco.
Contact your bank.
Fala com o teu banco.
Speak with your bank.
Consulta o teu banco.
Consult your bank.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, especially in Portugal, directness in communication is often appreciated, particularly in practical matters like banking. While 'tu' (teu) is informal, using it with this phrase is common among peers or when the relationship allows for it. In more formal contexts, or when addressing someone you don't know well, 'Pergunta ao seu banco' (using 'você' and 'seu') would be more appropriate.