There’s a special magic in landing in a new country, but that magic can quickly turn into mild panic when you realize you can’t even ask for a coffee. While translation apps are handy, nothing connects you to a place and its people like speaking a little of the local language. Forget memorizing an entire phrasebook filled with sentences you’ll never use (“The postman has delivered the pens of my aunt”). Instead, let’s focus on the high-impact phrases that will open doors, get you fed, and make your trip to Portugal or Brazil infinitely smoother and more rewarding.
Before we dive in, a quick linguistic note: while mutually intelligible, European Portuguese (EP) and Brazilian Portuguese (BP) have distinct accents and some different vocabulary. We’ll point out the most important variations, but these phrases will serve you well in both Lisbon and Rio.
The Courtesies: Greetings and Politeness
These are your non-negotiables. Politeness is a universal currency, and mastering these simple words will make every interaction more pleasant.
- 1. Hello: Olá (oh-LAH) / Oi (oy)
Linguistic Tip: Olá is universally understood and slightly more formal. Oi is the standard, casual “hi” you’ll hear everywhere in Brazil, but it’s less common in Portugal. When in doubt, Olá is a safe bet. - 2. Good morning / afternoon / night: Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite
Cultural Tip: These are used constantly when entering a shop, café, or restaurant. Bom dia (bohm GEE-ah) is for the morning. Boa tarde (BOH-ah TAR-djee) is for the afternoon. Boa noite (BOH-ah NOY-tchee) is used for both “good evening” and “good night.” - 3. Please: Por favor (poor fah-VOR)
The magic word. Use it liberally. - 4. Thank you: Obrigado / Obrigada
Linguistic Tip: This is a crucial one! The word is gendered based on the speaker. Men say Obrigado (oh-bree-GAH-doo). Women say Obrigada (oh-bree-GAH-dah). Getting this right shows a real appreciation for the language. - 5. Excuse me / Sorry: Com licença / Desculpe
Cultural Tip: Use Com licença (kohn lee-SEN-sah) to get someone’s attention or to pass by them in a crowd. Use Desculpe (desh-KOOL-peh) to apologize if you bump into someone or need to interrupt. - 6. Yes / No: Sim (seem) / Não (nown)
The “ão” sound in Não is very nasal. Think of saying “nown” while pinching your nose slightly. - 7. Do you speak English?: Você fala inglês? (voh-SAY FAH-lah een-GLEZ?)
Your polite escape hatch. It’s always best to ask in Portuguese first before switching to English. In Portugal, you might also hear “Fala inglês?” without the você.
Finding Your Way: Navigation Essentials
Getting lost can be part of the adventure, but sometimes you just need to find the bathroom. These two phrases are your compass.
- 8. Where is…?: Onde fica…? (OHN-djee FEE-kah…?)
This is your golden key to finding anything. Just add the place you’re looking for.
Examples: Onde fica a casa de banho? (the bathroom), Onde fica a estação de metro? (the metro station). - 9. To the left / to the right: À esquerda / À direita
Essential for understanding the answer to your previous question!
Pronunciation: ah ish-KER-dah / ah dee-RAY-tah.
From Pastel de Nata to Picanha: Ordering Food and Drink
Arguably the most important part of any trip. Here’s how to handle a café or restaurant like a pro.
- 10. I would like…: Eu queria… (eh-OO keh-REE-ah…)
A wonderfully polite way to order, meaning “I would like” rather than the more demanding “I want” (Eu quero). - 11. A coffee, please: Um café, por favor. (oom kah-FEH, poor fah-VOR)
Crucial Cultural Tip: In Portugal, “um café” will get you a small, strong espresso. If you want an American-style filter coffee, ask for “um abatanado” (in Lisbon) or “um americano.” In Brazil, “um cafezinho” is the ubiquitous small, filtered coffee, often pre-sweetened. - 12. A beer / A glass of wine: Uma cerveja / Um copo de vinho
Pronunciation: OO-mah ser-VAY-zhah / oom KAW-poo djee VEE-nyoo. For wine, you can specify tinto (red) or branco (white). - 13. The check, please: A conta, por favor. (ah KOHN-tah, poor fah-VOR)
In many places in Portugal and Brazil, you’ll need to ask for the bill; it won’t be brought automatically. - 14. Can I pay with a card?: Posso pagar com cartão? (POH-soo pah-GAR kohn kar-TOWN?)
Always a good idea to ask, especially in smaller, family-run establishments or market stalls.
Souvenirs and Shopping: Making a Purchase
Whether you’re at a high-end boutique or a local market, these will help you seal the deal.
- 15. How much does it cost?: Quanto custa? (KWAN-too KOOS-tah?)
Simple, direct, and absolutely essential for shopping. - 16. I’d like to buy this: Gostaria de comprar isto. (goh-stah-REE-ah djee com-PRAR EES-toh)
Another polite construction. You can also simply point and say “Isto, por favor” (This, please).
The Lifesavers: When You Need a Little Help
Things don’t always go to plan. These phrases are your safety net.
- 17. I don’t understand: Não entendo. (nown en-TEN-doo)
There’s no shame in admitting you’re lost in the conversation. It’s much better than nodding along and accidentally agreeing to buy a boat. - 18. Can you repeat, please?: Pode repetir, por favor? (PAW-djee heh-peh-TEER, poor fah-VOR?)
The perfect follow-up to “Não entendo.” Often, just hearing something a second time is enough. - 19. Help!: Ajuda! (ah-ZHOO-dah!)
Let’s hope you never need it, but it’s a vital word for emergencies. - 20. How are you? / Is everything okay?: Tudo bem? (TOO-doo baym?)
This is the Swiss Army knife of Portuguese phrases. You’ll hear it as a greeting (“How are you?”), to which you can reply, “Tudo bem.” You’ll also hear it as a question (“Is everything okay?”). It’s friendly, versatile, and a great way to start a simple interaction.
Learning a language is a journey, not a destination. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—they are a sign that you’re trying. Armed with these 20 phrases, you’re not just a tourist with a map; you’re an engaged traveler, ready to connect. Have fun, be brave, and as they say in Portuguese, Boa viagem!