10 Essential Portuguese Phrases Every Beginner Should Know

Master these fundamental expressions to kickstart your Brazilian Portuguese journey

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Learning a new language can be overwhelming, but starting with these 10 essential phrases will give you the confidence to begin conversing in Portuguese right away.

Why These Phrases Matter

When you're just starting out with Brazilian Portuguese, having a solid foundation of everyday phrases is crucial. These expressions will help you navigate basic social situations, make a good impression, and show respect for the local culture.

The Essential 10

1. Olá / Oi - Hello / Hi

The most basic greeting you'll need. "Olá" is slightly more formal, while "Oi" is casual and friendly. You'll hear "Oi" constantly in Brazil!

Example:

Example: Oi! Tudo bem? (Hi! How are you?)

2. Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite

Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening. Brazilians use these greetings religiously, and using them shows cultural awareness.

Example:

Pro tip: "Boa noite" is used both as a greeting in the evening and when saying goodbye at night."Boa noite" is used both as a greeting in the evening and when saying goodbye at night.

3. Tudo bem? - How are you?

Literally means "everything well?" This is THE most common way to ask how someone is doing in Brazil. The typical response is also "Tudo bem!" or "Tudo bom!"

Example conversation:

• A: Oi! Tudo bem?
• B: Tudo bem! E você?
• A: Tudo ótimo!

4. Por favor - Please

Politeness goes a long way in Brazilian culture. Always use "por favor" when making requests.

Example:

Example: Um café, por favor. (A coffee, please.) A conta, por favor. (The bill, please.)

5. Obrigado / Obrigada - Thank you

Here's an interesting detail: men say "obrigado" and women say "obrigada." The word literally means "obliged" and changes based on the speaker's gender, not who you're thanking!

6. Com licença - Excuse me

Use this when you need to pass by someone, get someone's attention, or politely interrupt. It's one of the most useful phrases for navigating crowded Brazilian cities.

7. Desculpa / Desculpe - Sorry

"Desculpa" is informal, "Desculpe" is more formal. Both are essential for apologizing or getting someone's attention politely.

Example:

Pro tip: In Portuguese, don’t use “desculpa” to say you’re sorry about something bad that happened. To express that, say “sinto muito.” See the example:

A: Meu peixinho morreu. [My little fish died] B: Sinto muito.

8. Não entendo - I don't understand

Don't be afraid to use this! Brazilians are generally very patient with learners and will often slow down or rephrase.

Example:

Bonus phrase: Pode repetir? (Can you repeat that?) Repete, por favor. (Repeat, please)

9. Quanto custa? - How much does it cost?

Essential for shopping, dining out, or taking taxis. You'll use this constantly as you explore Brazil.

10. Onde fica...? - Where is...?

The ultimate traveler's phrase. Follow it with any location to ask for directions.

Example:

Example: Onde fica o banheiro? (Where is the bathroom?) Onde fica o museu? (Where is the museum?)

Practice Makes Perfect

The key to mastering these phrases is repetition. Try using them in different contexts:

• Practice in front of a mirror
• Record yourself speaking
• Use them with a language partner
• Create flashcards with example sentences

Cultural Context

Remember that Brazilians are incredibly warm and welcoming. Don't be afraid to make mistakes! Most people will appreciate your effort to speak Portuguese and will often help you improve.

Next Steps

Once you've mastered these 10 phrases, you'll be ready to build more complex sentences and engage in real conversations. Consider taking structured lessons to accelerate your learning journey.

Want to practice these phrases with a native speaker? Book a trial class and let's perfect your pronunciation together!