Essential Portuguese Phrases
Your quick reference guide to everyday Portuguese expressions
This comprehensive guide provides essential Portuguese phrases you'll need for daily life in Portugal. Each phrase includes pronunciation guidance and practical usage notes.
Pronunciation Tips
- Portuguese has nasal sounds not found in English
- Stress is marked in CAPS in pronunciations
- Practice with native speakers when possible
- Listen to Portuguese media to improve accent
Everyday Greetings
| Portuguese | English | Pronunciation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bom dia | Good morning | bom DEE-ah | Used until lunch |
| Boa tarde | Good afternoon | BOH-ah TAR-duh | Used after lunch |
| Boa noite | Good night | BOH-ah NOY-teh | Used after sunset |
| Olá | Hello | oh-LAH | Informal greeting |
| Adeus | Goodbye | ah-DEH-oosh | Formal goodbye |
| Tchau | Bye | chow | Informal goodbye |
Essential Courtesies
| Portuguese | English | Pronunciation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Por favor | Please | por fah-VOR | Very important! |
| Obrigado/a | Thank you | oh-bree-GAH-doo/dah | Male/female forms |
| De nada | You're welcome | deh NAH-dah | Common response |
| Desculpe | Excuse me/Sorry | desh-KOOL-puh | For attention/apology |
| Com licença | Excuse me | com lee-SEN-sah | To pass by someone |
Shopping & Dining
| Portuguese | English | Pronunciation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quanto custa? | How much? | KWAN-too KOOSH-tah | For prices |
| A conta, por favor | The bill, please | ah CON-tah, por fah-VOR | In restaurants |
| Queria... | I would like... | keh-REE-ah | Polite request |
| Tem...? | Do you have...? | teng | For inquiries |
| Mais um | One more | MY-sh oom | For ordering |
Healthcare & Emergencies
| Portuguese | English | Pronunciation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preciso de um médico | I need a doctor | preh-SEE-zoo deh oom MEH-dee-koo | Emergency |
| Não me sinto bem | I don't feel well | now meh SIN-too beng | General illness |
| Dói aqui | It hurts here | DOY ah-KEE | Indicating pain |
| É urgente | It's urgent | eh oor-ZHEN-teh | Emergency situations |
| Chame uma ambulância | Call an ambulance | SHAH-meh oo-mah am-boo-LAN-see-ah | Emergency |
Getting Around
| Portuguese | English | Pronunciation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Onde está...? | Where is...? | ON-deh esh-TAH | For locations |
| Como chego a...? | How do I get to...? | KOH-moo SHEH-goo ah | For directions |
| Autocarro | Bus | ow-too-KAH-roo | Public transport |
| Comboio | Train | kom-BOY-oo | Rail transport |
| Metro | Subway | MEH-troo | In major cities |
Numbers & Time
| Portuguese | English | Pronunciation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Um, dois, três | One, two, three | oom, doysh, traysh | Basic counting |
| Que horas são? | What time is it? | keh OH-rahsh sow | Asking time |
| Hoje | Today | OH-zheh | Current day |
| Amanhã | Tomorrow | ah-mah-NYAH | Next day |
| Ontem | Yesterday | ON-teng | Previous day |
Using This Guide
Practice Tips
- Focus on one category at a time
- Practice pronunciation in front of a mirror
- Record yourself speaking the phrases
- Use phrases in real situations
- Listen to native speakers' pronunciation
Cultural Notes
- Portuguese appreciate effort to speak their language
- Use formal terms with older people/strangers
- Greetings are important in Portuguese culture
- Thank you (obrigado/a) changes based on speaker's gender
- Portuguese people often speak quickly - don't be afraid to ask them to slow down
Additional Resources
Online Learning
- Language learning apps (Duolingo, Babbel)
- YouTube Portuguese lessons
- Portuguese podcasts
- Online language exchange
Local Resources
- Community language classes
- Conversation groups
- Private tutors
- Cultural centers
Remember
- Start with basic greetings and courtesies
- Practice regularly, even if just a few minutes
- Don't be afraid to make mistakes
- Portuguese people appreciate the effort to learn their language
Ready to Start Learning Portuguese?
Get personalized language learning support and resources to help you communicate effectively in Portugal.
Get Portugal Retirement Updates
Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news, visa updates, and exclusive insider tips for retiring in Portugal.