Are you planning to head to the coastal country of Portugal in the summer? Then if you want to have a great time and increase your chances of mingling with the locals, there are a few basic Portuguese phrases that you must learn. With these on the tip of your tongue, it is guaranteed you’ll steal a few smiles from the locals as they see your attempt to speak their language. Keep reading and discover these valuable phrases.
Must-Know Facts About The Portuguese Language
The Portuguese language is one of the oldest and one that has influenced many languages around the world. It is the sixth most spoken, meaning it’s almost impossible not to find a native speaker, no matter where you are from. How cool is that?
During a season in Portuguese history called “Descobrimentos” (or Findings in literal translation), the Portuguese culture and language were widely broadcasted all around the world, from Brazil (where it is still spoken today) to the coast of Africa in Angola (where it is also the official language), and even in Indonesia (where the Portuguese language influenced the current Indonesian language).
This language had a heavy influence on Arabic during the 8th century. Islam moors from North Africa and the Middle East conquered Portugal and Spain and brought their language to the Iberian Peninsula. Despite this Arabic influence, the Portuguese language is considered to come from Galicia in Spain, sharing many similarities with their language Galician. Interestingly, Portuguese people and Galician have no trouble understanding each other!
Finally, to end this section about the Portuguese language, I’ll leave you with a fun fact: the longest word in Portuguese has 29 letters and is anticonstitucionalíssimamente which means in a very unconstitutional way. Interesting, right?

Basic Portuguese Phrases You Must Learn
Don’t start panicking! I’m not going to teach complex and hard phrases with words of 29 letters, yet I’m going to show you a few straightforward to learn. In this section, I’ll only cover those you can use in your daily life in Portugal. Whether you’re going to the bakery to get some delicious Portuguese bread, withdrawing some money at the bank, or simply talking to your taxi driver, these phrases will fall very neatly among the locals.
During your trip, make sure you save this blog post and come back to review these common Portuguese phrases, and don’t be afraid to use them on your journey. Youjourneyfind that in a blink of an eye, you’ll be using them naturally and without even realizing it!
Let’s dive in!
English | Portuguese | Pronunciation |
Good morning | Bom dia | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Bom dia[/Speechword] |
Good afternoon | Boa tarde | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Boa tarde[/Speechword] |
Good evening | Boa noite | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Boa noite[/Speechword] |
Excuse me | Com licença | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Com licença[/Speechword] |
I’m sorry | Peço desculpa | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Peço desculpa[/Speechword] |
Thank you | Obrigado | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Obrigado[/Speechword] |
You’re welcome | De nada | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]De nada[/Speechword] |
How are you? | Como está? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Como está?[/Speechword] |
I’m fine | Estou bem | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Estou bem[/Speechword] |
Where is…? | Onde fica…? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Onde fica…?[/Speechword] |
What’s your name? | Qual é o seu nome? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Qual é o seu nome?[/Speechword] |
My name is… | O meu nome é… | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]O meu nome é…[/Speechword] |
I am from… | Eu sou de… | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Eu sou de…[/Speechword] |
Where are you from? | De onde você é? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]De onde você é?[/Speechword] |
No problem | Sem problema | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Sem problema[/Speechword] |
Don’t worry | Não se preocupe | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Não se preocupe[/Speechword] |
I love you | Amo-te | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Amo-te[/Speechword] |
Where can I pay? | Onde posso pagar? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Onde posso pagar?[/Speechword] |
Check, please | A conta, por favor | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]A conta, por favor[/Speechword] |
Nice to meet you | Prazer conhecê-lo | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Prazer conhecê-lo[/Speechword] |
How much? | Quanto é? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Quanto é?[/Speechword] |
What time is it? | Que horas são? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Que horas são?[/Speechword] |
Can I see the menu? | Posso ver o menu? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Posso ver o menu?[/Speechword] |
I’m allergic to… | Eu sou alérgico a… | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Eu sou alérgico a…[/Speechword] |
I want to go to… | Eu quero ir a… | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Eu quero ir a…[/Speechword] |
Where is the bathroom? | Como é a casa-de-banho? | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Como é a casa-de-banho?[/Speechword] |
I’m lost | Estou perdido | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Estou perdido[/Speechword] |
It is delicious! | É delicioso! | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]É delicioso![/Speechword] |
This place is beautiful! | Este lugar é lindo! | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Este lugar é lindo![/Speechword] |
I’m vegan | Eu sou vegan | [Speechword voice=”Portuguese Female” isinline]Eu sou vegan[/Speechword] |
Wrapping Up!
I’m a true believer that there is no downside to learning a new language. What I love about learning a second language is that you’re also getting a chance to exercise your brain, improve your learning skills, stimulate your multi-tasking abilities when you’re constantly changing between languages, and, to top it all off…you’re also allowing yourself to be able to talk and communicate with many more people in the world!
Only with Portuguese you’re putting yourself in a position where you can now speak with 200 million more people worldwide! Can you even grasp the immensity of people now within your reach?
Learning age can be intimidating and overwhelming; sometimes, you don’t know where to start. However, in today’s time, many unique tools make this process so much easier, fun, and engaging! Be it through just a few words and sentences per day, or more in-depth lessons with grammar, the possibilities are endless, especially if you embark on this journey with Ling App!
Come Speak Portuguese With Ling App

Ling App is, without a doubt, the best application to learn a new language that you can use! Not only that, but lessons are made with fun games, puzzles, and quizzes that make the learning journey fun and engaging! Either you’re taking it slow and moving at your own pace with as little as 15 minutes a day, or you’re investing hardcore in learning Portuguese, Ling App is ready to be your partner throughout the entire process, providing you with the best tools and resources for your goals and needs.
Did I forget that the app sits perfectly on your phone so you can use it anytime, anywhere? Silly me. Whether you’re waiting for your doctor’s appointment or in line for the cashier at the supermarket, you can use that time to learn Portuguese and use it on your next trip to Portugal.
Not only Portuguese, but Ling App also teaches other languages like Russian, Thai, Spanish, Tagalog, and much more! Simply put, Ling App is the perfect mix of entertainment and learning, making this experience one you cannot miss! Don’t waste more time, and download the app today!