Surviving the customer service phone menu in Portuguese

1. 1
   gravação/ɡɾavaˈsɐ̃w̃/

   recordingnoun

   Sound saved to be played later.
2. 2
   digitar/dʒiʒiˈta/

   to typeverb

   To press the keys of a keyboard.
3. 3
   discar/dʒisˈka/iAlso said dʒiʃˈka.

   to dialverb

   To enter a number on a phone.
4. 4

   repetirto repeat

5. 5

   aguardarto wait

6. 6

   esperawait

7. 7

   transferirto transfer

8. 8

   atendimentocustomer service

9. 9

   atendenteagent

10. 10

    chamadacall

The sentences3 of 10

1. Essa gravação não me deixa falar com ninguém.

   This recording won't let me talk to anyone.

2. Agora ela pede para digitar o número do contrato.

   Now it's asking me to type in my contract number.

3. Qual número eu tenho que discar para falar com alguém?

   What number do I have to dial to talk to someone?

Pronunciation

• gravação/ɡɾavaˈsɐ̃w̃/

  The ending ção is nasal, as in pão.

• discar/dʒisˈka/

  The di sounds like dji, as in dia.

Good to know

SAC

SAC is the consumer service line, and most phone companies and large businesses have a number for it. The call usually starts with a recording that offers numbered options.

protocolo

At the start or end of the call, the agent usually gives you a protocol number. Write it down, because it lets you follow up on your request in a later call.

0800

Numbers that start with 0800 are usually free for the caller. Many companies use this kind of number for their SAC.

chamada gravada

It is common to hear at the start that the call may be recorded. This is routine practice in customer service.