Definition
To charge a price for something, or to demand payment or accountability from someone.
Example
O mercado cobrou dez reais pela sacola.
Show translation
The supermarket charged ten reais for the bag.
Etymology
From Latin *recuperāre* (to recover, reclaim), via Old Portuguese *cobrar* meaning "to recover or reclaim something owed." Over time the sense narrowed in Brazilian Portuguese to the act of demanding or charging payment.
Cultural note
In Brazil, *cobrar* goes well beyond money — it's deeply embedded in social dynamics. You'll hear *"Ela me cobrou muito"* meaning someone pressured or held you accountable, not necessarily about cash. Brazilian bosses, parents, and coaches all *cobram* — it implies a persistent social expectation. Be careful not to confuse it with Spanish *cobrar*, which in some countries more strictly means "to receive" payment (e.g. a salary), whereas in Brazilian Portuguese *cobrar* is specifically about *demanding* or *charging*, not receiving.