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Heading to Portugal? These Essential Portuguese Phrases will help you go beyond Google Translate, whether you’re enjoying pastel de nata in Lisbon, surfing in the Algarve, or exploring Porto. From greetings to emergencies, these essential phrases will help you connect with locals and create unforgettable moments.
Why Learn These Essential Portuguese Phrases?
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Boost confidence: A friendly “bom dia” (good day) opens more doors than you think.
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Show respect: Locals appreciate any effort to speak their language.
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Enhance experiences: Ordering “uma ginjinha, por favor” feels so much cooler than pointing at the menu.
Greetings & Small Talk
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Bom dia – Good morning
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Boa tarde – Good afternoon
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Boa noite – Good evening or good night
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Tudo bem? – How’s it going? (Informal “Tudo bem?” is your secret handshake.)
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Prazer em conhecê-lo – Nice to meet you
Tip: Smile and tilt your head slightly—nonverbal cues matter as much as words.
Dining Out Like a Local
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Uma mesa para dois, por favor – A table for two, please
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A conta, por favor – The bill, please
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Eu sou alérgico(a) a… – I’m allergic to…
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Mais vinho, por favor – More wine, please
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Está delicioso – It’s delicious
SEO boost: Insert “useful phrases in Portuguese” in your travel journal to show off your linguistic chops.
Getting Around Town
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Onde fica a estação de comboios? – Where is the train station?
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Quanto custa um bilhete para Porto? – How much is a ticket to Porto?
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Vire à direita – Turn right
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Em frente – Straight ahead
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Pode chamar um táxi? – Can you call a taxi?
Emergency Essentials
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Ajuda! – Help!
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Chame a emergência, por favor – Call emergency services, please
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Perdi meu passaporte – I lost my passport
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Estou com dor – I’m in pain
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Preciso de um médico – I need a doctor
Pro tip: Store these on a note in your phone for quick access.
Politeness & Gratitude
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Por favor – Please
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Obrigado(a) – Thank you (men say “obrigado,” women say “obrigada”)
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De nada – You’re welcome
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Com licença – Excuse me
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Desculpe – Sorry
Quick Pronunciation Guide
| Phrase | Portuguese Spelling | Pronunciation Hint |
|---|---|---|
| Bom dia | Bom dia | BOHM JEE-uh |
| Tudo bem? | Tudo bem? | TOO-doo beng? |
| Onde fica a estação? | Onde fica a estação de comboios? | OHN-deh FEE-kah ah es-tah-SOWN? |
| A conta, por favor | A conta, por favor | ah KON-tah por fah-VOR |
| Obrigado(a) | Obrigado / Obrigada | oh-bree-GAH-do / dah |
Ready to impress the locals on your next trip? Pack these Portuguese phrases in your back pocket and see how far a simple “bom dia” can take you.
Download and Save These 10 Essential Portuguese Phrases
Planning a trip to Portugal? Grab this handy image featuring 10 Essential Portuguese Phrases you can save to your phone or print out. From polite greetings to asking for help, these essential Portuguese phrases will help you feel confident and connect with locals during your adventure.
What’s your favourite phrase? Share it below, we’d love to hear your stories! And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram @blogofsunshine for daily travel inspo and quick language hacks.
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