Portuguese Phrase
Quanto custa mandar esta carta?
Meaning
The sentence asks for the price of sending a specific letter. It is a polite way to inquire about postage costs, especially when you are at a post office or using a mailing service.
When to use
Use this question when you need to know the cost of mailing a letter, whether at a post office, a courier desk, or when filling out an online shipping form. It works in both formal and informal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quantocustamandarestacarta?
Quanto
Interrogative adverb meaning 'how much' used to ask about price or quantity.
custa
Third‑person singular of the verb 'custar' (to cost). It agrees with the infinitive phrase that follows.
mandar + infinitive
The construction 'mandar + infinitive' expresses the act of sending or having something sent.
esta
Demonstrative adjective meaning 'this', agreeing in gender and number with the noun 'carta'.
carta
Feminine noun meaning 'letter' (a piece of mail).
🗨In Conversation
Quanto custa mandar esta carta?
How much does it cost to send this letter?
São dois euros e cinquenta.
It’s two euros and fifty cents.
✕Common Mistakes
Quanto vale mandar esta carta?
Do not use 'vale' here; 'vale' asks about the value of the item, not the price of sending it.
Quanto custa enviar esta carta?
While 'mandar' is correct, beginners sometimes replace it with 'enviar' and forget to adjust the article.
Quanto custa mandar este carta?
Make sure the demonstrative matches gender; 'esta' is feminine, so 'carta' must stay feminine.
↔Alternatives
Qual é o preço para enviar esta carta?
What is the price to send this letter?
Quanto devo pagar para mandar esta carta?
How much do I have to pay to send this letter?
Quanto custa o envio desta carta?
How much does the shipping of this letter cost?
Cultural Tip
In Portugal and Brazil, postage rates are usually displayed on a price list at the post office. When asking the price, it’s common to point to the envelope or show the letter, as in the example. Using 'custa' (cost) is neutral; avoid 'vale' in this context because it can sound like you’re asking the value of the letter itself rather than the postage fee.