Portuguese Phrase
Tá um pouco caro.
Meaning
The speaker is saying that something costs a bit more than expected. It’s a mild complaint about price, not a strong accusation.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual conversations when you’re looking at a product, a menu, a ticket, or any service and want to comment that the price feels a little high.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Táumpoucocaro.
Tá (está)
Tá is the colloquial contraction of the verb estar in the third‑person singular present, used in informal speech.
um pouco
A quantifier meaning ‘a little’; it modifies the adjective that follows.
caro / cara
Adjective meaning ‘expensive’; it must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes.
🗨In Conversation
Tá um pouco caro.
It’s a little expensive.
É, mas a qualidade compensa.
Yeah, but the quality makes up for it.
✕Common Mistakes
É um pouco caro.
While grammatically possible, using ‘É’ sounds more static; ‘Tá/Está’ is preferred when referring to a current price.
Tá um pouco cara.
The adjective must agree with the noun’s gender; ‘cara’ is feminine, so you need a feminine noun (e.g., ‘a bolsa está cara’).
Tá um pouco caro?
Adding a question mark changes the meaning to a question; use a statement unless you really want to ask if it’s expensive.
↔Alternatives
Está um pouco caro.
It’s a little expensive.
É um pouco caro.
It’s a little expensive.
Custa um pouco mais.
It costs a little more.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil price talk is often informal; ‘Tá’ signals a relaxed tone. With strangers or in a formal setting you’d use ‘Está’. Also remember to match the adjective’s gender – say ‘cara’ for a feminine noun (e.g., ‘a bolsa está cara’).