At a Nail Salon in Brazil: Book a Manicure and Choose a Color
Learn the phrases for booking a manicure or pedicure and explaining exactly which nail service you want.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Manicure is manicure and pedicure is pedicure. In casual Brazilian Portuguese, fazer a mão means to get a manicure, while fazer o pé means to get a pedicure. Ask whether the salon has an opening and name the day or time you prefer.
Book an appointment and name the service
Vocês têm horário para fazer a mão hoje à tarde?
Do you have an opening for a manicure this afternoon?
Queria marcar manicure e pedicure para sábado.
I’d like to book a manicure and pedicure for Saturday.
Explain the finish or color you want
Esmalte is nail polish. Ask to see the available colors or say whether you want polish removed or reapplied. If you want a simple service, say só tirar a cutícula e passar esmalte, then confirm that this is included in the appointment.
Você pode me mostrar as cores de esmalte?
Could you show me the nail polish colors?
Quero uma cor clara, sem decoração.
I’d like a light color, without nail art.
Check the duration and price before starting
Ask quanto tempo demora (how long it takes) and quanto custa (how much it costs). A service can take longer when it includes removal or nail art, so repeat the full service before the technician begins.
Esse serviço inclui a remoção do esmalte antigo?
Does this service include removing the old polish?
Quanto tempo demora e qual é o valor?
How long does it take, and what is the price?
Put it into practice
Use fazer a mão, fazer o pé, and esmalte to describe a nail appointment naturally.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Does this service include removing the old polish”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.