Portuguese Phrase
Posso receber meu dinheiro de volta?
Meaning
Literally, “Can I receive my money back?” It is a polite request for a refund, usually after a purchase that didn’t meet expectations or when a service was cancelled.
When to use
Use this phrase in stores, restaurants, online shops, or any customer‑service situation where you need a refund. It works well in both formal and informal contexts, though adding “por favor” makes it extra courteous.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Possorecebermeudinheirodevolta?
Posso (poder)
First‑person singular present of the modal verb poder, used to ask permission or possibility: “Can I…?”
receber (infinitive)
The infinitive verb meaning “to receive”. After a modal verb, the infinitive follows directly.
meu (possessive adjective)
Shows ownership, agreeing in gender and number with the noun it modifies (dinheiro – masculine singular).
de volta
A fixed phrase meaning “back”. It follows the noun to indicate the return of something.
Question formation
Portuguese questions often rely on intonation rather than word order; the sentence stays declarative, only the tone rises at the end.
🗨In Conversation
Posso receber meu dinheiro de volta?
Can I get my money back?
Claro, aqui está o reembolso.
Sure, here is the refund.
✕Common Mistakes
Posso devolver meu dinheiro?
“Devolver” means to give something back, not to receive it back.
Posso receber o meu dinheiro de volta?
The article “o” is optional, but many learners add it unnecessarily, making the sentence sound stiff.
Posso receber meu dinheiro de volta, por favor?
In very formal contexts, “reembolso” is preferred over the colloquial “dinheiro de volta”.
↔Alternatives
Posso ter o reembolso?
Can I have the refund?
É possível devolver o meu dinheiro?
Is it possible to return my money?
Posso ser reembolsado?
Can I be refunded?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, refunds are usually processed through the same payment method used for the purchase. Saying “Posso receber meu dinheiro de volta?” is perfectly polite, but adding “por favor” or “com licença” shows extra respect. The word “reembolso” is more formal, while “dinheiro de volta” feels a bit more casual. If you’re dealing with a large retailer, you might be asked for a receipt or order number.