Planning to move to Portugal? Then it’s time to start learning some basic Portuguese! While many locals—especially in larger cities—do speak English, making the effort to speak Portuguese goes a long way. Not only is it a sign of respect, but it’ll also make your daily life smoother and more fulfilling.
Why Learn European Portuguese?
First things first: European Portuguese is different from Brazilian Portuguese. They may share the same roots, but pronunciation, vocabulary, and even grammar can vary significantly. So if you’re moving to Portugal, it’s worth focusing on the local version!
Portuguese people truly appreciate it when foreigners make the effort to speak their language. Even if you only know a few phrases, it shows cultural awareness and respect—and you’ll often be met with a warm smile and extra patience.
Tips for Learning Portuguese
Starting from scratch can feel daunting, but here are some practical tips to build your confidence:
- 📱 Download an app tailored to European Portuguese (not Brazilian)
- 🎧 Listen to podcasts, YouTube channels, and local teachers—many of whom are active on Instagram and TikTok
- 📺 Watch shows or movies with Portuguese audio and subtitles—great for picking up pronunciation
- 📚 Take a language course or get a private tutor, even if just for a few sessions
- 🏛️ Look for free language classes—many cities offer government-sponsored programs
- 🗣️ Practice speaking daily, even if you feel unsure. Mistakes are part of the learning process!
- 💡 Focus on useful, everyday expressions first before diving into grammar rules
Remember, Portuguese grammar can be complex—but you don’t have to master it all at once. Start small. Speak often. And keep going!
Essential Phrases to Get You Started
Here are some useful expressions to use right away when arriving in Portugal:
👋 Greetings & Introductions
- Hello – Olá
- Please – Por favor
- Thank you – Obrigado (if you’re male) / Obrigada (if you’re female)
- Good morning / afternoon / night – Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite
- My name is… – O meu nome é…
- I came from… – Eu vim de…
- Pleased to meet you! – Prazer em conhecer-te!
- How are you? – Como está?
🗣 Daily Communication
- Can you give me a glass of water / beer / wine? – Pode me dar um copo de água / cerveja / vinho?
- Where is the toilet? – Onde é a casa de banho?
- How do I go to…? – Como vou para…?
- How much does it cost? – Quanto custa?
- Do you understand? – Percebes?
- Can I…? – Posso…?
- I want… – Quero…
- I have… – Tenho…
👋 Goodbyes
- Let’s speak Portuguese! – Vamos falar Português!
- I want to [do something] – Quero [fazer algo]
- See you soon! – Até breve!
- See you later! – Até logo!
- Goodbye – Adeus
Final Thoughts
Learning Portuguese—especially the European variant—will make your transition to life in Portugal smoother, richer, and more connected. Don’t worry about being perfect. Start with the basics, stay consistent, and have fun with the process.
Your new life in Portugal will thank you for it. 🇵🇹💬
