drive through

[/draɪv θruː/]
noun/verb/adjectivepl: drive throughs
serviço de atendimento sem sair do carro / drive-thru
1. A service establishment (typically a restaurant or bank) where customers can be served while remaining in their vehicles by driving up to a window
We stopped at the McDonald's drive through to grab lunch quickly.
Paramos no drive-thru do McDonald's para pegar algo rápido para almoçar.
2. To proceed through a place without stopping, passing completely through it
We decided to drive through the city instead of stopping for the night.
Decidimos dirigir pela cidade sem parar para a noite.
3. To accomplish or complete something without much difficulty or resistance
He drove through the exam with flying colors.
Ele passou pela prova com grande facilidade.
Drive throughs are extremely popular in Brazil, especially in major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, reflecting American fast-food culture influence. The English term 'drive-thru' is commonly used even in Portuguese-language contexts. In Portugal, this service model is less prevalent, as traditional dining culture remains stronger. This service became especially significant in Brazil during and after the COVID-19 pandemic for contactless service.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
drive-thruwindow servicecarry-out window
Antonyms / Antônimos
dine-insit-down serviceinside service

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
drive-thru / atendimento no carro
Most commonly used in metropolitan areas; often borrowed as 'drive-thru'
São Paulo
drive-thru
Very common in this major metropolitan area with extensive fast food chains
Rio de Janeiro
drive-thru / serviço de atendimento sem sair do carro
Increasingly popular in shopping malls and fast food restaurants
Portugal
serviço de atendimento no carro / take-away
Less common than in Brazil; Portuguese prefer 'take-away' or traditional dining

Related Words

fast foodwindowtakeoutqueueorder

Related Idioms & Phrases

drive through the gears
drive through someone's defenses
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