Portuguese for Foreigners: 20 Essential Phrases for Everyday Life in Brazil
- kellywachowicz01
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Moving to a new country or traveling to Brazil is an exciting adventure. The food, the culture, and the people are welcoming. However, navigating daily life can be a challenge if you don’t speak the language.
While English is spoken in some tourist areas, the real magic of Brazil happens when you speak a little Portuguese. Locals appreciate any effort you make to communicate, and knowing the right phrases can turn a stressful situation into a friendly exchange.
Whether you are an expat, a digital nomad, or a tourist, here are 20 essential phrases to survive and thrive in your everyday life in Brazil.
1. The Basics: Being Polite
In Brazil, being polite (educado) is crucial. A simple "please" or "thank you" can get you much better service.
1. Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite
Meaning: Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening.
When to use: Use this to greet anyone—a security guard, a cashier, or a neighbor—before asking for anything. It’s considered rude to jump straight into a question without a greeting.
2. Por favor
Meaning: Please.
Pronunciation: Poh fah-vohr
3. Obrigado / Obrigada
Meaning: Thank you.
Note: Men say Obrigado, women say Obrigada.
4. De nada
Meaning: You’re welcome.
Pronunciation: Jee nah-dah
5. Com licença
Meaning: Excuse me.
When to use: Use this if you need to pass by someone in a crowded place or if you need to get a waiter's attention.
2. The "Survival" Kit: Communication Breakdowns
Don't panic if someone speaks fast. These phrases will help you manage the conversation.
6. Você fala inglês?
Meaning: Do you speak English?
Pronunciation: Voh-seh fah-lah een-glaysh?
7. Eu não entendo.
Meaning: I don’t understand.
Pronunciation: Eh-oo nowng en-ten-doo
8. Mais devagar, por favor.
Meaning: Slower, please.
Pronunciation: Mah-eezh deh-vah-gahr, poh fah-vohr
Why you need it: Brazilians speak very quickly! This is a lifesaver.
9. Pode repetir?
Meaning: Can you repeat?
Pronunciation: Poh-jee heh-peh-teer?
10. Eu não falo português muito bem.
Meaning: I don’t speak Portuguese very well.
Pronunciation: Eh-oo nowng fah-loh por-too-gez mwin-toh beng,
3. Getting Around & Daily Tasks
From finding a bathroom to paying the bill, these are the practical workhorses of your vocabulary.
11. Onde fica o banheiro?
Meaning: Where is the bathroom?
Pronunciation: On-jee fee-kah oo bahn-yay-roo?
Priority: #1!
12. Quanto custa?
Meaning: How much does it cost?
Pronunciation: Kwan-too koos-tah?
13. A conta, por favor.
Meaning: The bill, please.
Pronunciation: Ah kon-tah, poh fah-vohr
14. Eu gostaria de...
Meaning: I would like...
Pronunciation: Eh-oo goh-shtah-ree-ah jee...
Example: "Eu gostaria de um café." (I would like a coffee.)
15. Aceita cartão?
Meaning: Do you accept (credit) card?
Pronunciation: Ah-say-tah kar-town?
16. Onde fica o ponto de ônibus?
Meaning: Where is the bus stop?
Pronunciation: On-jee fee-kah oo pon-too dee oh-nee-boos?
4. Socializing & Connecting
Brazilians are social. Use these phrases to make friends and blend in.
17. Tudo bem?
Meaning: How are you? / Is everything good?
Pronunciation: Too-doo beng?
Context: This can be a question ("How are you?") or an answer ("I'm good"). It is used constantly.
18. Muito prazer.
Meaning: Nice to meet you.
Pronunciation: Mwin-toh prah-zehr
19. Pode me ajudar?
Meaning: Can you help me?
Pronunciation: Poh-jee meh ah-joo-dahr?
20. Ufa!
Meaning: Phew! / Finally!
Pronunciation: Oo-fah!
Context: A very Brazilian interjection used when you are relieved, tired, or finally arrive at your destination.
Want to Learn More?
Memorizing these phrases is a great start, but to truly feel at home in Brazil, you need to understand the responses and the culture behind the words.
Don't just survive—thrive. Practice your pronunciation and build confidence with a native speaker who can guide you through the nuances of Brazilian Portuguese.
Learn Brazilian Portuguese wit MyPortugueseTeacher. We provide Portuguese Lessons Online or In-person in São Paulo.
Ready to sound like a local?
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