20 Must-Know Portuguese Phrases for Travelers to Portugal & Brazil
Are you traveling to Portugal, Brazil, or another Portuguese-speaking country soon and want to be prepared with the most essential Portuguese phrases before arriving? Well, this list of 20 Portuguese phrases has got you covered! Once you’ve learned these basic Portuguese phrases, you’ll be able to ask basic questions like what’s the time is it or how much something costs as well as greet people and ask for help!
Personally, I think learning some basic Portuguese phrases is an important thing to do that will help you navigate the country and also show that you respect the culture. These essential Portuguese phrases allow you to communicate at a basic level without expecting everyone to know English (or your native language), and it’s also a fun way to learn a little bit about the culture and where the language comes from. If you speak Spanish or another romance language, you may recognize some of these phrases, too!
Before traveling to Portugal, check out some of my travel guides for some top Portuguese cities to visit! I might be traveling to Brazil soon, so stay tuned for a travel guide there too!
1. Olá / Adeus (Hello/Goodbye)
Pronunciation: oh-lah / ah-deh-oos
“Olá” is the common greeting in Portuguese for saying hello, while “Adeus” is used for saying goodbye. For more casual situations, you can also use “Oi” (Hi) and “Tchau” (Bye).
2. Obrigado/a (Thank you)
Pronunciation: oh-bree-gah-doo / oh-bree-gah-dah
Gratitude is highly valued, and “Obrigado/a” is one of the most important words to know. Pair it with “De nada” (You’re welcome) when someone thanks you.
3. Por favor (Please)
Pronunciation: por fah-vor
If you’re making a request, add “Por favor” to the end of your sentence. It’s a simple way to be polite, and Brazilians (or Portuguese people) appreciate good manners.
4. Com licença (Excuse me)
Pronunciation: kohm-lee-seh-nsah
Use “Com licença” when you need to get someone’s attention, ask for directions, or politely apologize in crowded places.
5. Quanto custa? (How much does it cost?)
Pronunciation: kwahn-toh koos-tah
Whether you’re shopping or ordering food, “Quanto custa?” will help you ask about prices.
6. Onde é…? (Where is…?)
Pronunciation: ohn-jeh eh
Use “Onde é” followed by the location you’re looking for. For example, “Onde é o banheiro?” (Where is the bathroom?) or “Onde é a estação?” (Where is the station?).
7. Você fala inglês? (Do you speak English?)
Pronunciation: voh-seh fah-lah een-glaysh?
While many people speak English, it’s polite to ask first. “Você fala inglês?” shows that you’re trying to speak their language before switching to English.
8. Eu não entendo (I don’t understand)
Pronunciation: eh-oo now en-tehn-doh
If you’re struggling to understand, simply say “Eu não entendo.” Brazilians (or Portuguese people) are usually happy to help and may switch to slower Portuguese or English.
9. Posso ter…? (Can I have…?)
Pronunciation: poh-soh tehr
This phrase is perfect for ordering food or drinks at restaurants or cafes. For example, “Posso ter um café?” (Can I have a coffee?).
10. Eu gostaria de… (I would like…)
Pronunciation: eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah jee
Another useful phrase for making polite requests. “Eu gostaria de” is slightly more formal than “Posso ter.” For example, “Eu gostaria de uma pizza” (I would like a pizza).
11. A conta, por favor (The bill, please)
When you’re ready to pay at a restaurant, use this phrase to ask for the bill. In Brazil and Portugal, you often need to ask for the bill as it’s not automatically brought to you.
12. Água sem gás / com gás (Still water / Sparkling water)
Pronunciation: ah-gwah sem gahz / kohm gahz
When ordering water, the waiter will likely ask if you want “sem gás” (still) or “com gás” (sparkling).
13. Uma mesa para dois, por favor (A table for two, please)
Pronunciation: oo-mah meh-zah pah-rah doys, por fah-vor
When you arrive at a restaurant, simply say “Uma mesa para dois, por favor” to request a table for two. Adjust the number based on your group size.
14. Que horas são? (What time is it?)
Pronunciation: keh oh-rahz sah-ooh?
If you need to ask for the time, “Que horas são?” is the phrase to use. It’s handy when you’re navigating train schedules or planning your day.
15. Está delicioso! (It’s delicious!)
Pronunciation: es-tah deh-lee-see-oh-soh
Complimenting the food is always a good idea. Use “Está delicioso!” to express your satisfaction after a great meal.
16. Você pode me ajudar? (Can you help me?)
Pronunciation: voh-seh poh-jee mee ah-joo-dahr?
If you need help, “Você pode me ajudar?” is the polite way to ask for assistance.
17. Eu preciso de… (I need…)
Pronunciation: eh-oo preh-see-zoh jee
Use “Eu preciso de” when you need something specific, like “Eu preciso de um táxi” (I need a taxi) or “Eu preciso de um médico” (I need a doctor).
18. Estou procurando… (I’m looking for…)
Pronunciation: es-toh proh-koo-rahn-doh
If you’re looking for something, such as a landmark or store, use “Estou procurando.” For example, “Estou procurando a estação de trem” (I’m looking for the train station).
19. Está bem (Okay/Alright)
Pronunciation: es-tah bayn
“Está bem” is a versatile phrase used to express agreement or acknowledgment. It’s similar to saying “Okay” or “That’s fine.”
20. Adeus (Goodbye)
Pronunciation: ah-deh-oos
When leaving a formal setting, “Adeus” is the polite way to say goodbye. For casual interactions, you can stick with “Tchau.”
Enjoy your trip to Portugal, Brazil, or another Portuguese-speaking country! Obrigado for checking out this post on 20 French phrases to learn before your upcoming trip, I hope it helps you enjoy your time!
