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Portuguese Phrase

Acho que tem um erro na conta.

/'a.ʃu ki tẽj ũ 'ɛ.ʁu na 'kõ.ta/
Meaning"I think there's a mistake in the bill."
💡

Meaning

This phrase is used to politely point out a potential error, usually in a financial context like a restaurant bill or a bank statement. It expresses a belief or suspicion rather than a direct accusation, making it softer and more diplomatic.

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When to use

You would use this phrase when you are reviewing a bill at a restaurant, checking a bank statement, or looking at any financial document where you suspect an inaccuracy. It's a polite way to initiate a conversation about a potential problem.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Achoquetemum errona conta

1

Acho que...

'Acho que...' (I think that...) is a very common way to express an opinion or a belief in Brazilian Portuguese. It's often preferred over 'Penso que...' in informal and semi-formal contexts.

2

Tem (Ter)

In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, the verb 'ter' (to have) is frequently used impersonally in the third person singular ('tem') to mean 'there is' or 'there are,' replacing 'haver.'

3

Na (em + a)

'Na' is a contraction of the preposition 'em' (in/on) and the definite feminine article 'a' (the). It means 'in the' or 'on the.'

🗨In Conversation

A

Aqui está a sua conta.

Here is your bill.

Obrigado. Acho que tem um erro na conta.

Thank you. I think there's a mistake in the bill.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Eu penso que tem um erro na conta.

    While 'pensar' means 'to think,' 'achar' is more commonly used in spoken Brazilian Portuguese for expressing opinions or beliefs.

  • Acho que há um erro na conta.

    In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, 'ter' (to have) is often used impersonally instead of 'haver' (there is/are) to mean 'there is/are.'

  • Acho que tem um erro em a conta.

    The preposition 'em' (in/on) combines with the definite article 'a' (the) to form 'na' (in the/on the).

↔Alternatives

  • Me parece que há um engano na conta.

    It seems to me there's a mistake in the bill.

  • Será que tem um erro aqui?

    Could there be a mistake here?

  • Eu acho que a conta está errada.

    I think the bill is wrong.

pt

Cultural Tip

In Brazil, direct confrontation is often avoided. Using 'Acho que...' (I think that...) softens the statement, making it less accusatory and more polite when pointing out an error. It allows the other person to save face and investigate the issue without feeling directly blamed. This approach is generally preferred in customer service interactions.