20 Phrases To Know Before Visiting Portugal
A trip to Portugal deserves a spot on everyone’s bucket list. Known for its warm climate, stunning beaches, delicious wines, beautiful architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and romantic ambiance, Portugal offers something for every type of traveler.
You could be seeking adventure or simply looking to unwind, and you’ll find both in this charming country! It provides the perfect mix.
But before embarking on your dream vacation to Portugal, learning key phrases can help you communicate with locals and make your trip smoother. Keep reading to discover essential phrases for your unforgettable getaway.
1. Olá – Hello
Pronunciation: oh-la
One of the most important words you need to know when visiting Portugal is how to say “hello”, which is “olá” in Portuguese, similar to how you would say hello in Spanish.
2. Adeus – Goodbye
Pronunciation: ah-day-oh-s
Another helpful word you should know how to say is goodbye. Saying “goodbye” or “adeus” is considered friendly when leaving a hotel, a restaurant, a store, etc.
3. Com Licença – Excuse Me
Pronunciation: kohm lee-sane-sah
If you come to Portugal, chances are you’ll likely experience one of its bustling cities, like the capital of Lisbon! When visiting a busy destination, you’ll likely encounter crowds and need to know how to “say excuse” me when trying to get by politely. This simple phrase is “com licença” in Portuguese.
4. Por Favor – Please
Pronunciation: pour fah-v-or
Another polite word to nail down before your travels is “please,” which is “por favor”. I recommend adding “please” whenever you ask someone for something. It’s a kind way to show the locals that you are asking and not ordering them to do something, which shows respect.
5. Obrigada/Obrigado – Thank You
Pronunciation: oh-bree-gah-dah/oh-breh-gah-doo
To say “thank you” while visiting Portugal, you’ll want to nail down “obrigada” if you are talking to a female and “obrigado” if you are talking to a male. While this might seem stressful, it’s pretty easy, and you’ll likely get the hang of it throughout your trip! But don’t stress too much if you mess up; the locals will appreciate that you are trying!
6. Sim/Não – Yes/No
Pronunciation: seem/no
Next up is knowing how to say “yes” or “no”. In Portuguese, you say “sim” and “nao”. These words are frequently used in our daily lives, so you can bet that they’ll be helpful when visiting Portugal, too!
7. Onde Está…? – Where Is…?
Pronunciation: ohn-deh esh-tah
Another of my favorite phrases is “onde esta…” which means “where is…” This is incredibly helpful for navigating a new destination and allows locals to show you where the tourist attractions, bus stops, airports, and so on are.
8. Quanto Custa Isso? – How Much Does This Cost?
Pronunciation: kwan-to koosh-tah ee-oo
Visiting a new country can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never seen or used its currency. I recommend memorizing the phrase “quanto custa isso”, which means “How much does this cost?” It’ll help you know what things are worth before you accidentally spend an arm and a leg on souvenirs to bring back home from your trip to Portugal!
9. Um, Dois, Tres, Quatro, Cinco, Seis, Sete, Oito, Nove, Dez – One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten
Pronunciation: oom, doysh, trehz, kwah-troh, seen-koo, saysh, seh-teh, oy-too, noh-veh, desh
Knowing a few numbers beforehand can also be helpful if memorizing how to ask what something costs. I recommend working on numbers one through ten so you can get by on small things.
10. Fala Inglês? – Do You Speak English?
Pronunciation: fah-lah een-glesh
When visiting a country with a different native language, knowing how to ask if someone speaks English can be helpful! This phrase in Portuguese is “fala Ingels”.
I like to use this phrase when asking for directions, or if someone comes up to me speaking Portuguese. I ask so maybe they’ll switch and talk to me in English so I can better understand.
11. Não Falo Português – I Don’t Speak Portuguese
Pronunciation: no fah-low por-too-gesh
Another super helpful phrase is “nao falo Portugues”, which means “I don’t speak Portuguese”. I like to say this if someone keeps rambling on, or asks me a question I do not understand. Generally, they’ll switch to English or smile and walk away.
12. Saúde – Cheers
Pronunciation: sah-oo-deh
I love saying “Cheers.” I’ve done it for many years whenever I’m served a beverage, and it’s a pretty popular saying throughout Europe, too. In Portugal, they say, “Saude!” You’ll often hear restaurant servers say this when setting your drinks down at the table.
13. A Conta, Por Favor – The Bill, Please
Pronunciation: ah kon-tah pour fah-vor
European countries are known for their slower-paced restaurant service, and Portugal is no different. Eating out in Portugal is about the experience and savoring your company and food.
If you come to the end of your meal and would like to grab the check, be sure to learn the key phrase “a conta, por favor”, which means “the bill, please.”
14. Vinho – Wine
Pronunciation: veen-yo
Portugal is famous for its tasty wines. To order a glass or bottle, use the word “vinho!”
15. Água – Water
Pronunciation: ah-gwah
If you plan on savoring some tasty adult beverages, stay on top of your water intake so you don’t get too tipsy. To ask for water, you’ll want to ask for “agua.”
16. Cerveja – Beer
Pronunciation: sir-veh-zhah
I love trying different beers in new countries, and Portugal offers several tasty options. If you’re a beer fan like me, ask for a “cerveja” at a bar or restaurant.
17. Arroz De Marisco – Seafood Rice
Pronunciation: ah-rohn jeh mah-rees-koo
Along with its tasty wine and beer, Portugal is known for its delicious cuisine, which has a seafood influence. One of the most popular dishes in the country is “arroz de marisco”, a seafood rice dish!
I recommend knowing how to read and say this so you can order it at different restaurants throughout your time in the country.
18. Pastéis De Nata – Custard Tarts
Pronunciation: pahs-tay-sh jeh nah-tah
When you’ve finished your beverages and meal, you’ll want to ask for a tasty dessert. One of the most famous in Portugal is their custard tarts! To order these in Portuguese, you’ll want to ask for “pasteis de nata.”
19. Torre De Belém – Belém Tower
Pronunciation: toh-ree jeh beh-leh-ng
Next on the list is one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions, the “Torre de Belem”, also known in English as the “Belem Tower.”
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular things to see in Lisbon, and knowing how to pronounce it is essential so you can ask for directions and tell your friends all about it, too!
20. Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês – Peneda-Gerês National Park
Pronunciation: par-kee nah-see-oh-nahl peh-neh-duh zhe-resh
Last but certainly not least is one of Portugal’s most famous national parks, “Parque Nacional Peneda-Geres.” This park is near Spain’s border and is excellent for beautiful views, wildlife sightings, and time spent in nature. I recommend knowing how to say it so you can tell people about it, ask for directions, and so on.
Can You Think Of Any More Helpful Phrases To Know Before Heading Off To Portugal?
Do you know any more Portuguese phrases? Which one of these do you think would be the most, or least, helpful to know?
Let us know in the comments!
