Portuguese Phrase
Quanto custa a receita?
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "How much costs the recipe/prescription?". It is used to inquire about the price of something, specifically a "receita." In Portuguese, "receita" can mean both a cooking recipe and a medical prescription. The context usually clarifies which meaning is intended. When asking about a medical prescription, it refers to the cost of the medication prescribed.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase at a pharmacy to ask about the price of a medication for which you have a prescription. It can also be used in a culinary context, though less common, to ask about the cost of ingredients for a specific recipe if you're planning to make it.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quantocustaareceita
Quanto
"Quanto" means "how much" or "how many." It's an interrogative adverb used to ask about quantity or price.
Custa (custar)
"Custa" is the third-person singular present tense conjugation of the verb "custar" (to cost). It's used when asking about the price of a singular item.
A (feminine definite article)
"A" is the feminine singular definite article, equivalent to "the" in English. It's used here because "receita" is a feminine noun.
Receita
"Receita" is a versatile noun that can mean "recipe" (for cooking) or "prescription" (for medicine). The context usually clarifies its meaning.
🗨In Conversation
Bom dia! Eu gostaria de pegar este remédio. Quanto custa a receita?
Good morning! I'd like to get this medicine. How much does the prescription cost?
Bom dia! Fica em 35 reais.
Good morning! It comes to 35 reais.
✕Common Mistakes
Quanto é a receita?
While "Quanto é?" means "How much is it?", "custar" (to cost) is more specific and natural when asking about the price of an item or service.
Quanto custa o receita?
"Receita" is a feminine noun, so it requires the feminine definite article "a" (the).
↔Alternatives
Qual é o preço da receita?
What is the price of the prescription?
Quanto fica a receita?
How much does the prescription come to?
Quanto custa isso?
How much does this cost?
Cultural Tip
In many Portuguese-speaking countries, particularly Brazil, it's common to ask about prices directly. Pharmacists are used to this question. Be aware that medication prices can vary significantly between pharmacies, so it's not uncommon to shop around. Also, remember the dual meaning of "receita" – context is key!