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Cada euro conta.

Cada euro conta.
Every euro counts.
FromLesson 25inHardcore Portuguese (Portugal)

Breakdown of Cada euro conta.

cada
every
o euro
the euro
contar
to count

Questions & Answers about Cada euro conta.

What does cada mean in this sentence?
Cada is an indefinite adjective meaning “each” or “every.” It always goes before a singular noun (here euro) to indicate you’re talking about each individual unit.
Why is euro in the singular form, not plural?
Because cada requires a singular noun. You say cada euro, not cada euros, even if you’re referring collectively to many euros. It’s the same pattern as cada pessoa (“each person”), not cada pessoas.
Why is there no article before euro (e.g. no o or um)?
When you use cada to mean “each/every,” you drop the article. If you said o cada euro, that would be ungrammatical. Cada itself already specifies individuality, so an article isn’t needed.
What is the function of conta here?
Conta is the third-person singular present indicative of the verb contar. In this context contar means “to matter” or “to make a difference.” So literally: “Each euro matters.”
Why isn’t it contam (the plural form)?
The grammatical subject is cada euro, which is singular. Even though you’re implying many euros, the structure treats cada euro as one unit at a time, so you conjugate contar in the singular: conta.
Could I use another verb instead of conta to convey the same idea?

Yes, alternatives exist but change the nuance. For example:

  • Cada euro vale – “Each euro is worth [something].”
  • Cada euro importa – another way to say “Each euro matters,” though importar is less common in everyday speech for money. Still, contar is the most idiomatic choice in financial slogans or reminders.
How do I pronounce cada euro conta in European Portuguese?

Approximate phonetic guide:

  • cada [KA-duh] – the “a” is open, like ‘a’ in “father,” and the final “a” is a reduced schwa.
  • euro [EY-roo] – “eu” sounds like English “ey” (as in “say”), “r” is tapped or guttural depending on region.
  • conta [KON-tuh] – “o” is closed (like “o” in “note”), final “a” again a schwa. All together: [KA-duh EY-roo KON-tuh].
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