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Portuguese Phrase

Aceitam cartão?

/a.seˈi.tɐ̃w ˈkaɾ.tɐ̃w/
Meaning"Do you accept card?"
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Meaning

A short, informal way to ask a shop, restaurant or service provider whether they accept payment by credit or debit card. The verb is in the third‑person plural, which in Brazil works as a polite form when speaking to staff.

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When to use

Use this phrase at the checkout counter, when you’re about to order food, or when you need to know the payment options in any commercial setting. It works in both casual cafés and larger stores.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Aceitamcartão?

1

Aceitam (3ª pessoa do plural)

‘Aceitam’ is the present indicative form of ‘aceitar’ for ‘eles/elas/vocês’, used here as a polite way to address staff.

2

Cartão (substantivo masculino)

‘Cartão’ means ‘card’ (usually credit or debit). It is singular; the plural ‘cartões’ is also possible but less common in this question.

3

Interrogative intonation

The question is formed simply by raising intonation at the end; no extra words like ‘você’ are needed.

🗨In Conversation

A

Aceitam cartão?

Do you accept cards?

Sim, aceitamos. Pode pagar com débito ou crédito.

Yes, we do. You can pay with debit or credit.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Aceita cartão?

    Using the singular ‘aceita’ is informal and can sound like you’re speaking to one person; in a store it’s safer to use the plural ‘aceitam’ for a polite address.

  • Aceitam os cartão?

    The definite article ‘os’ is unnecessary and makes the sentence sound unnatural.

  • Aceitam cartões?

    The plural ‘cartões’ is grammatically correct but less common in this set phrase; speakers usually keep it singular.

↔Alternatives

  • Posso pagar com cartão?

    Can I pay with a card?

  • Aceita cartão?

    Do you accept a card? (singular, informal)

  • Vocês aceitam cartão?

    Do you (all) accept cards?

  • Cartão de crédito?

    Credit card?

pt

Cultural Tip

In most Brazilian cities, credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but small neighborhood shops (barracas, feirinhas) may still prefer cash. If you need to specify the type, ask ‘Cartão de crédito ou débito?’ – many places accept both. Also, it’s polite to say ‘por favor’ after the question, e.g., ‘Aceitam cartão, por favor?’