O valor do produto é menor.

The value of the product is lower.

Breakdown of O valor do produto é menor.

• ser: to be
• o: the
• produto: product
• menor: lower
• valor: value

Questions & Answers about O valor do produto é menor.

Why do we say do produto and not de o produto?

In Portuguese, when the preposition de is followed by the definite article o, they contract to form do (same goes for de + a → da). So you never see de o written or spoken as two separate words; instead, do is used.

Is menor always used for talking about price, or can it also mean “smaller” in size?

Menor can mean smaller in both cost and physical size. In this specific sentence, it refers to a lower price, but it can also be used to talk about size, age, or other related comparisons (e.g., Ele é menor que ela = “He is shorter than her”).

Could I say O valor do produto é mais barato instead of menor?

You could say mais barato (“cheaper”), and it would still be understandable. However, menor often implies a direct comparison to something else, emphasizing “a smaller amount.” Mais barato specifically highlights a difference in cost.

Why do we use é instead of está in this sentence?

É (from ser) indicates a characteristic or inherent quality—here, the product’s value is inherently lower. Está (from estar) would suggest a temporary state, which is less usual for stating a price difference unless you want to emphasize this is only temporarily lower.

How do I pronounce menor correctly?

In Brazilian Portuguese, you pronounce it similar to “meh-NOR,” with a slightly nasal e in the first syllable, and the r in the final syllable often sounds a bit softer or more guttural depending on the region.