Portuguese Phrase
O depósito é reembolsável?
Meaning
This question asks whether a security deposit (often for a rental, hotel stay, or service) can be returned to the payer after the contract ends. It implies the speaker wants to know the policy about getting the money back.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are signing a lease, checking into a hotel, renting equipment, or any situation where you have to pay an upfront deposit and need to confirm if it will be refunded later.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Odepósitoéreembolsável?
Definite article (O)
The masculine singular definite article 'o' is used before masculine nouns like 'depósito' to specify a particular item.
Noun gender (depósito)
Depósito is a masculine noun, so it takes the article 'o' and agreement with adjectives.
Verb ser (é)
The verb 'ser' in present tense third person singular (é) is used for permanent or defining characteristics, such as a property of the deposit.
Adjective agreement (reembolsável)
The adjective 'reembolsável' agrees in gender and number with the noun; here it stays in its masculine singular form.
Interrogative intonation
Adding a question mark turns the declarative sentence into a yes‑no question; word order stays the same in Portuguese.
🗨In Conversation
O depósito é reembolsável?
Is the deposit refundable?
Sim, se não houver danos, devolvemos o valor integral.
Yes, if there is no damage we return the full amount.
✕Common Mistakes
O depósito é reembolsado?
Use the adjective 'reembolsável' (refundable) instead of the past participle 'reembolsado', which means 'refunded'.
O depósito é devolvido?
While understandable, 'é devolvido' changes the nuance to a passive statement; the standard question uses 'reembolsável'.
O depósito são reembolsável?
The verb must agree with the singular noun; use 'é' not 'são'.
↔Alternatives
O depósito pode ser devolvido?
Can the deposit be returned?
A devolução do depósito está garantida?
Is the return of the deposit guaranteed?
O valor do depósito será reembolsado?
Will the deposit amount be reimbursed?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, deposits are common for rentals and hotel bookings. The term 'reembolsável' is often used in contracts, but the actual refund may depend on the condition of the property. It's polite to ask this question early, and landlords usually appreciate the clarity. In Portugal, you might also hear 'caução' instead of 'depósito', and the same question would be 'A caução é reembolsável?'.