Portuguese Phrase
Essa loja é cara?
Meaning
A direct question asking whether the store you are looking at has high prices. The sentence uses the verb ser because the cost is considered an inherent characteristic of the shop.
When to use
Use this phrase while shopping, when you want to compare prices, or when a friend points out a store and you’re curious about its price range. It’s informal but perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Essalojaécara?
Essa (demonstrative pronoun)
Used to point to something near the listener; agrees in gender and number with the noun (feminine singular here).
loja (noun)
A feminine singular noun meaning “store” or “shop.”
é (ser)
Present tense of the verb ser, used for permanent or inherent qualities such as price level.
cara (adjective)
The feminine form of “expensive”; adjectives must match the gender of the noun they describe.
🗨In Conversation
Essa loja é cara?
Is this store expensive?
Sim, os produtos são bem caros, mas a qualidade compensa.
Yes, the products are quite expensive, but the quality makes up for it.
✕Common Mistakes
Essa loja é caro?
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun “loja,” so use “cara.”
Esta loja é cara?
If the store is very close to the speaker, “esta” is more appropriate; “essa” implies it’s nearer to the listener.
↔Alternatives
Esta loja é cara?
Is this store expensive?
Essa loja tem preços altos?
Does this store have high prices?
É caro fazer compras aqui?
Is it expensive to shop here?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil people often soften price‑related questions with a smile or a “por favor” to keep the tone friendly. Remember that “loja” is feminine, so the adjective must be “cara,” not “caro.” In some regions, especially in the South, you might hear “Essa loja é cara, né?” adding a tag question for extra politeness.