Portuguese Phrase
Quanto cobram por pagar atrasado?
Meaning
This question asks for the amount of money that will be charged if a payment is made after the due date. It is a polite way to inquire about late‑payment penalties, whether you are dealing with a bank, a utility company, or any service provider.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to clarify the cost of a late fee before signing a contract, when you receive a bill and notice a ‘payment after the due date’ clause, or when you are negotiating payment terms with a vendor.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quantocobramporpagaratrasado?
Quanto
Interrogative adverb meaning 'how much' used to ask about quantity or price.
cobram
Third‑person plural present of the verb *cobrar* (to charge). It can refer to ‘they’ or a formal ‘you (plural)’.
por
Preposition meaning ‘for’ or ‘because of’; here it introduces the reason for the charge.
pagar
Infinitive of *pagar* (to pay).
atrasado
Adjective meaning ‘late’; used as a nominal complement after the infinitive.
🗨In Conversation
Quanto cobram por pagar atrasado?
How much do they charge for paying late?
A taxa é de 2 % ao mês, mais juros de 1 % ao dia de atraso.
The fee is 2 % per month, plus 1 % daily interest for each day of delay.
✕Common Mistakes
Quanto cobro por pagar atrasado?
Use *cobram* for a third‑person plural subject (they) or formal plural you. *Cobro* is first‑person singular (I charge).
Quanto cobram por atraso?
While *por atraso* is understandable, the idiomatic construction is *por pagar atrasado* or *por pagamento atrasado*.
Quanto cobram por pagar atrasada?
The adjective must agree with the implied noun *pagamento* (masculine), so *atrasado* is correct. Using the feminine *atrasada* would be wrong unless you explicitly mention a feminine noun.
↔Alternatives
Qual é a taxa por pagamento atrasado?
What is the fee for a late payment?
Quanto cobram se eu pagar depois do vencimento?
How much do they charge if I pay after the due date?
Qual o valor da multa por atraso?
What is the amount of the late‑payment fine?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, late‑payment fees are regulated by law: a maximum of 2 % interest per month (or 0,066 % per day) plus a fixed fine of up to 2 % of the original amount. However, many companies add a small administrative charge. When you ask about the fee, it’s polite to say *por favor* after the question, especially in formal settings.