Portuguese Phrase
Se você não aparecer, pode ser cobrada uma taxa de cancelamento.
Meaning
The sentence warns that if you fail to show up, a cancellation fee might be charged. It combines a conditional clause with a polite, passive construction, making it suitable for formal or business contexts.
When to use
Use this phrase when confirming appointments, hotel reservations, event tickets, or any service where a no‑show could incur a fee. It’s common in emails, phone calls, or written policies.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sevocênãoaparecer,podesercobradaumataxadecancelamento.
Conditional clause with future subjunctive
After "se" (if), Portuguese uses the future subjunctive (aparecer) to talk about a possible future event.
Passive voice with modal verb
"pode ser cobrada" combines the modal verb "pode" (may) with the passive construction "ser cobrada".
Gender agreement
The past participle "cobrada" agrees with the feminine noun "taxa"; using "cobrado" would be incorrect.
Negation placement
"não" precedes the verb it negates (não aparecer).
🗨In Conversation
Preciso confirmar a reserva para o jantar de amanhã?
Do I need to confirm the reservation for tomorrow's dinner?
Sim, e lembre‑se: se você não aparecer, pode ser cobrada uma taxa de cancelamento.
Yes, and remember: if you don’t show up, a cancellation fee may be charged.
✕Common Mistakes
Se você não aparecer, pode ser cobrado uma taxa de cancelamento.
The past participle must agree with the feminine noun "taxa"; use "cobrada".
Se você não aparece, pode ser cobrada uma taxa de cancelamento.
After "se" you need the future subjunctive form; "aparecer" is correct, but learners often mistakenly use the present indicative "aparece".
Se você não aparecer, pode ser cobrada uma taxa cancelamento.
Omitting the preposition changes the meaning; the fee is specifically a "taxa de cancelamento".
↔Alternatives
Caso não compareça, será cobrada uma taxa de cancelamento.
If you do not attend, a cancellation fee will be charged.
Se você não vier, pode haver cobrança de taxa de cancelamento.
If you don’t come, there may be a cancellation fee.
Não comparecendo, você pode ser cobrado(a) com taxa de cancelamento.
Not showing up may result in a cancellation fee.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, many restaurants, hotels, and event venues include a "taxa de cancelamento" in their terms of service. It’s considered courteous to inform the provider as early as possible if you can’t attend, to avoid the fee and maintain a good relationship.