Portuguese Phrase
Custa $0.68.
Meaning
This sentence tells the listener the price of an item: it costs $0.68. The verb 'custa' directly links the amount to the thing being priced, without naming the item.
When to use
Use it when you need to state the price of a product, especially cheap items, on a price tag, in a shop conversation, or when answering a question about cost.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Custa$0.68.
Verb 'custar'
'Custa' is the third‑person singular present of the verb 'custar' (to cost). The subject is implicit, usually 'it' or the item being discussed.
Currency notation
In Portuguese Brazil the decimal separator is a comma, so the same amount is written as 'R$ 0,68'. The dollar sign indicates US dollars, common in tourist or online contexts.
Omission of the subject
Portuguese often drops the subject when it can be inferred, so you say 'Custa $0.68' instead of 'Ele/ela custa $0.68'.
🗨In Conversation
Quanto custa este lápis?
How much does this pencil cost?
Custa $0.68.
It costs $0.68.
✕Common Mistakes
Eu custa $0.68.
The verb 'custar' does not agree with the first‑person subject. Use 'custa' only for third‑person subjects (it, the item).
É $0.68.
While understandable, 'é' means 'is' and does not convey the idea of price. Use 'custa' to explicitly talk about cost.
$0.68 custa.
In Portuguese the amount follows the verb, not precedes it.
↔Alternatives
Tem um preço de $0,68.
It has a price of $0.68.
Sai por $0,68.
It goes for $0.68.
O valor é $0,68.
The value is $0.68.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil the standard way to write the amount would be 'R$ 0,68' (real, with a comma). Using the dollar sign signals US dollars, which you’ll see in tourist areas, online stores, or when the price is quoted in foreign currency. Also, avoid mixing the dollar sign with the Brazilian decimal comma; keep the format consistent with the currency you’re using.