Useful phrases in Portuguese
Although Portuguese, not Spanish, is the language of Brazil, a knowledge of Spanish will go a long way. You will recognize many similar words, and some Brazilians will understand you if you speak in Spanish. You will, however, find it difficult to understand them. Although many upper-class Brazilians know at least some English or French and are eager to practice on foreign visitors, don’t expect people on the street to speak your language. An effort by a foreigner to learn the local language is always appreciated. Pronunciation can be confusing. For example, “r” is pronounced “h,” so that “Rio” sounds like “Hee-o.”
At most large hotels and top restaurants you can get by in English with very few problems. But if you like to wander around on your own, you might want to invest in a good dictionary; the Portuguese Berlitz Pocket Dictionary is a useful one, light and easy to carry around.
Addressing People
First names are used a great deal in Brazil. In many situations in which English-speakers would use a title and surname, Brazilians often use a first name with the title of respect: Senhor for men (written Sr and usually shortened to Seu in spoken Portuguese) and Senhora (written Sra) or Dona (used only with first name) for women.
There are three second-person pronoun forms in Portuguese. Stick to você, equivalent to “you,” and you will be all right. O senhor (for men) or a senhora (for women) is used to show respect for someone of a different age group or social class, or to be polite to a stranger. As a foreigner, you won’t offend anyone if you use the wrong form of address. But if you want to learn when to use the more formal or informal style, observe how others address you, and be guided by that. In some parts of Brazil, mainly the northeast and the south, tu is used a great deal. Originally, in Portugal, tu was used among intimate friends and close relatives, but in Brazil, it is equivalent to você.
If you are staying for some time and are serious about learning
the language, there are plenty of Portuguese courses for non-native speakers. Meanwhile, here are some of the most essential words and phrases.
Greetings
Tudo Bem, literally?meaning “all’s well,” is one of the most common forms of greeting: one person asks, “Tudo bem?”(or “Tudo bom?”) and the other replies, “Tudo bem” (or “Tudo bom”). This is also used to mean “OK,” “all right,” “will do,” or as a response when someone apologizes, as if to say, “That’s all right, it doesn’t matter.” “Ta legal” is a formal slang expression commonly heard. It means “OK” or “That’s cool.”
Essential Expressions
Good morning (good afternoon) Bom dia (boa tarde)
Good evening (good night) Boa noite
How are you? Como vai você?
Well, thank you Bem, obrigado
Hello (to answer the telephone) Alô
Hello (common forms of greeting) Bom dia, boa tarde, etc.
Hi, hey! (informal greeting also to get someone’s attention) Oi
Goodbye (very informal and most used) Tchau
Goodbye (literally “until soon”) Até logo
Goodbye (similar to “farewell”) Adeus
My name is (I am) Meu nome é (Eu sou)
What is your name? Como é seu nome?
It’s a pleasure é um prazer
Pleasure (used in introductions as “Pleased to meet you”) Prazer
Good! Great! Que bom!
Health! (the most common toast) Saúde
Do you speak English? Você fala inglês?
I don’t understand (I didn’t understand) Não entendo (Não entendi)
Do you understand? Você entende?
Please repeat more slowly Por favor repete, mais devagar
What do you call this (that)? Como se chama isto (aquilo)?
How do you say…? Como se diz…?
Please Por favor
Thank you (very much) (Muito) Obrigado (or obrigada, if a woman is speaking)
You’re welcome (literally “it’s nothing”) De nada
Excuse me (to apologize) Desculpe
Excuse me (taking leave or to
get past someone) Com licença
Read more from the travel guide to Brazil
