Questions & Answers about Chá ou café? Tanto faz.
What does tanto faz literally mean, and how is it used here?
Literally, it translates to "so much makes" or "it makes as much." In everyday Portuguese, it is the standard, natural way to say "it doesn't matter," "either is fine," or "whatever." It is commonly used when you are offered a choice and genuinely have no preference.
Is tanto faz considered rude or dismissive, like saying "whatever" in English?
It can be, depending entirely on your tone of voice. In a friendly tone, as in this sentence, it simply means "I would be happy with either." However, if you say it abruptly, it carries a dismissive "I don't care" vibe. If you want to be extra polite or formal, you could say para mim é igual (it is the same to me) instead.
Does the verb faz change to plural if the choices offered are plural items?
Why isn't there an article before chá or café? Usually Portuguese uses definite articles for nouns.
When offering a general choice of food, drink, or generic items, Portuguese often drops the definite articles, just like English. If you asked o chá ou o café?, you would be asking the person to choose between a very specific tea or coffee that you were both already looking at or discussing.
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