Prepare for your trip with essential Portuguese phrases! Learn basic greetings like "Olá" (Hello) and "Obrigado/a" (Thank you). Master ordering food with "cardápio" (menu) and asking for directions using "onde" (where). Knowing common phrases enhances your travel experience, making communication easier whether you're in Brazil or Portugal. Don't forget numbers for shopping and bargaining! A little Portuguese vocabulary goes a long way.
Basic Greetings and Courtesies
Starting with the basics is always a good idea. These phrases are fundamental for any interaction:
Here’s a table to help you:
Portuguese |
English |
Pronunciation Tip |
|---|
Olá |
Hello |
O-lah |
Bom dia |
Good morning |
Bohn DEE-ah |
Boa tarde |
Good afternoon/Good evening |
Boh-ah TAR-deh |
Boa noite |
Good night |
Boh-ah NOY-teh |
Tudo bem? |
How are you? |
TOO-doo behng? (Brazil), TOO-doo bighng? (Portugal) |
Bem, obrigado(a) |
I'm fine, thank you (male/female) |
Behng, oh-bree-GAH-doo(dah) |
Como vai? |
How are you? (Formal) |
KOH-moo vai? |
Por favor |
Please |
Poor fa-VOR |
Obrigado(a) |
Thank you (male/female) |
Oh-bree-GAH-doo(dah) |
De nada |
You're welcome |
De NAH-dah |
Com licença |
Excuse me |
Kohn lee-SEN-sah |
Desculpe |
Sorry/Excuse me |
Desh-KOOL-peh |
Até logo |
See you later |
Ah-TEH LOH-goo |
Using these basic greetings and courtesies shows respect and opens doors for positive interactions.
Essential Phrases for Getting Around
Navigating a new city or country can be challenging. These phrases will help you ask for directions and find your way:
Portuguese |
English |
Pronunciation Tip |
|---|
Onde fica...? |
Where is...? |
OHN-deh FEE-kah...? |
Onde é a casa de banho/o banheiro? |
Where is the bathroom? |
OHN-deh eh ah KAH-zah deh BAH-nyoo (Portugal)/ oh bahn-YAY-roo (Brazil)? |
Como chego a...? |
How do I get to...? |
KOH-moo SHEH-goo ah...? |
À direita |
To the right |
Ah dee-RAY-tah |
À esquerda |
To the left |
Ah esh-KER-dah |
Em frente |
Straight ahead |
Ehm FREN-teh |
Perto |
Near |
PAIR-too |
Longe |
Far |
LON-jeh |
Paragem de autocarro/Ponto de ônibus |
Bus stop |
Pah-RAH-zhehm deh ow-too-KAH-roo (Portugal)/ PON-too deh OH-nee-boos (Brazil) |
Estação de comboios/Estação de trem |
Train station |
Esh-tah-SOWN deh kom-BOY-oos (Portugal)/ Esh-tah-SOWN deh treng (Brazil) |
Aeroporto |
Airport |
Ah-eh-roo-POR-too |
Knowing these phrases will empower you to explore with confidence and avoid getting lost (or at least ask for help if you do!).
Ordering Food and Drinks
Food is an integral part of experiencing any culture. Here's how to order in Portuguese:
Portuguese |
English |
Pronunciation Tip |
|---|
Eu gostaria de... |
I would like... |
Eh-oo goosh-tah-REE-ah deh... |
Queria... |
I want... |
Keh-REE-ah... |
Um café, por favor |
A coffee, please |
Oong kah-FEH, poor fa-VOR |
Uma cerveja, por favor |
A beer, please |
OO-mah ser-VEH-zhah, poor fa-VOR |
Água, por favor |
Water, please |
AH-gwah, poor fa-VOR |
A conta, por favor |
The bill, please |
Ah KON-tah, poor fa-VOR |
Quanto custa? |
How much does it cost? |
KWAN-too KOOSH-tah? |
Delicioso(a) |
Delicious (masculine/feminine) |
Deh-lee-SEE-oh-zoo(zah) |
Don't be afraid to try new dishes and ask for recommendations! Many locals are proud to share their culinary heritage.
Shopping and Bargaining
If you plan on shopping for souvenirs or gifts, these phrases will come in handy:
Portuguese |
English |
Pronunciation Tip |
|---|
Aceita cartão de crédito? |
Do you accept credit cards? |
Ah-SAY-tah kar-TOWN deh KREH-dee-too? |
Tem...? |
Do you have...? |
Tehng...? |
Qual é o preço? |
What is the price? |
Kwahl eh oh PREH-soo? |
Caro(a) |
Expensive (masculine/feminine) |
KAH-roo(rah) |
Barato(a) |
Cheap (masculine/feminine) |
Bah-RAH-too(tah) |
While bargaining isn't as common in Portugal as in some other countries, it's more accepted in Brazil, especially in markets. Knowing these phrases can help you get a good deal.
Useful Words and Phrases for Emergencies
It's always wise to be prepared for unexpected situations:
Portuguese |
English |
Pronunciation Tip |
|---|
Ajuda! |
Help! |
Ah-ZHOO-dah! |
Socorro! |
Help! (More urgent) |
So-KOH-roo! |
Preciso de um médico |
I need a doctor |
Preh-SEE-zoo deh oong MEH-dee-koo |
Emergência |
Emergency |
Eh-mer-ZHEN-see-ah |
Perdi-me |
I am lost |
Per-DEE-mee |
Estou doente |
I am sick |
Esh-TOU doo-EN-teh |
It's also a good idea to have the address of your accommodation and emergency contact numbers readily available.
Key Differences Between Brazilian and European Portuguese
While the core vocabulary is similar, there are notable differences between Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese. Pronunciation, grammar, and some vocabulary can vary. For example, the pronunciation of "t" and "d" before "e" and "i" is different. In Brazil, they sound like "chee" and "jee," while in Portugal, they retain a "t" and "d" sound.
Also, Brazilians tend to use "você" (you) more often, while Portuguese speakers frequently use "tu" (you - informal). While understanding both is helpful, focusing on the dialect of the country you're visiting is recommended. The table provides some pronunciation tips to help you navigate these differences.
Conclusion
Learning these common Portuguese phrases and words will undoubtedly enrich your trip to Brazil or Portugal. Even attempting to speak the local language will be appreciated and will open doors to authentic cultural experiences. Don't be afraid to make mistakes; locals are usually very understanding and willing to help. Embrace the opportunity to learn Portuguese and create unforgettable memories on your travels! Remember to focus on Portuguese for travel and the specific needs you'll have. Happy travels! Enjoy your trip to Brazil or your trip to Portugal!
