Top 10 Portuguese Phrases for Beginners

Learning Portuguese can feel like a big leap, but it starts with small steps—specifically, words and phrases that you’ll use every single day. Whether you’re moving to Portugal, planning a trip, talking to Portuguese-speaking friends, or just getting started on your language journey, mastering a few core expressions can make a huge difference.

This guide covers the top 10 European Portuguese words and phrases every beginner should know. We’ll go beyond the list—providing pronunciation tips, real-life examples, and cultural context so you can use each expression confidently.

1. Olá — Hello

Pronunciation: /oh-LAH/

The classic greeting. It’s casual, friendly, and suitable in almost every situation—whether you’re meeting a friend, entering a café, or joining a Zoom call.

Examples:

• Olá! Como estás? (Hi! How are you?)
• Olá, bom dia! (Hello, good morning!)

Variations: For more formal or regional greetings, try:

• Bom dia (Good morning)
• Boa tarde (Good afternoon)
• Boa noite (Good evening / Good night)

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2. Obrigado / Obrigada — Thank you

Pronunciation: /oh-bree-GAH-doo/ (masculine), /oh-bree-GAH-dah/ (feminine)

Portuguese is a gendered language, and the word for “thank you” changes depending on who is speaking:

• Men say: obrigado
• Women say: obrigada

Examples:

• Muito obrigado/a. (Thank you very much.)
• Obrigado pela ajuda. (Thanks for the help.)

Cultural tip: Portuguese people really appreciate politeness, and saying thank you is essential in shops, restaurants, and when asking for directions.

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3. Por favor — Please

Pronunciation: /poor fah-VOHR/

Use this polite word anytime you’re asking for something—at a store, on the street, or in conversation.

Examples:

• Um café, por favor. (A coffee, please.)
• Pode ajudar-me, por favor? (Can you help me, please?)

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4. Desculpe / Com licença — Excuse me / Sorry

Pronunciation:

• Desculpe: /dsh-KOOL-pe/
• Com licença: /kohm lee-SEHN-sah/

Use desculpe to apologize or get someone’s attention politely. Use com licença when moving past someone or interrupting briefly.

Examples:

• Desculpe, não percebi. (Sorry, I didn’t understand.)
• Com licença, posso passar? (Excuse me, may I get by?)

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5. Sim / Não — Yes / No

Pronunciation:

• Sim: /seeng/ (nasal)
• Não: /nowng/ (nasal)

These may seem obvious, but they’re crucial to learn early—especially with the correct nasal pronunciation unique to European Portuguese.

Examples:

• Sim, quero. (Yes, I want it.)
• Não, obrigado. (No, thank you.)

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6. Como estás? / Está bem? — How are you?

Pronunciation: /KOH-moo esh-TAHSH?/ or /esh-TAH BAYN?/

In European Portuguese, there are multiple ways to ask how someone is, depending on the level of formality.

Informal:

• Como estás? (How are you?) [Used with friends, children, peers]

Formal or plural:

• Como está? (How are you?) [Formal]
• Estão bem? (Are you all well?) [Plural]

Examples:

• Olá! Como estás hoje? (Hi! How are you today?)
• Está tudo bem? (Is everything okay?)

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7. Chamo-me… / O meu nome é… — My name is…

Pronunciation:

• Chamo-me Ana: /SHA-moo muh AH-nah/
• O meu nome é Ana: /oo MEH-oo NOH-mee eh AH-nah/

Use either to introduce yourself. “Chamo-me” (literally, “I call myself”) is the most typical in Portugal.

Examples:

• Chamo-me João. E tu? (My name is João. And you?)
• O meu nome é Catarina. (My name is Catarina.)

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8. Fala inglês? — Do you speak English?

Pronunciation: /FAH-lah eeng-LESH?/

A lifesaver when you need help but aren’t confident in your Portuguese yet.

Variations:

• Fala português? (Do you speak Portuguese?)
• Falo um pouco de português. (I speak a little Portuguese.)

Tip: Always ask politely. Portuguese people generally appreciate it if you try in their language first.

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9. Não percebi / Pode repetir? — I didn’t understand / Can you repeat?

Pronunciation:

• Não percebi: /nowng pehr-seh-BEE/
• Pode repetir?: /POH-d reh-peh-TEER?/

You’ll use these a lot as a beginner—and there’s no shame in that!

Examples:

• Desculpe, não percebi. (Sorry, I didn’t understand.)
• Pode repetir mais devagar, por favor? (Can you repeat more slowly, please?)

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10. Onde fica…? / Quanto custa…? — Where is…? / How much does it cost?

Pronunciation:

• Onde fica…? /ON-deh FEE-kah/
• Quanto custa…? /KWAN-too COOSH-tah/

Perfect for tourists and expats navigating daily life.

Examples:

• Onde fica o supermercado? (Where is the supermarket?)
• Quanto custa este bilhete? (How much is this ticket?)

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Bonus Phrase: Tudo bem? / Está tudo? — All good?

Pronunciation: /TOO-doo BANG?/ or /esh-TAH TOO-doo?/

A friendly, everyday way to greet someone and ask if they’re okay. It’s short for “Is everything well?” and it’s used constantly in Portugal.

Examples:

• Tudo bem? (How’s everything?)
• Está tudo? (Is everything okay?)
• Tudo ótimo, obrigado! (All great, thank you!)

Final Thoughts: Build Fluency One Phrase at a Time

These phrases are your passport to connection. Learn them well, and you’ll open doors everywhere in Portugal—from ordering food in Lisbon to greeting neighbors in the Algarve.

Don’t just memorize—practice aloud, use them daily, and listen for them in real conversations. Repetition and context are your best tools.

💡 Want more? At Portuguese lessons with Ana, I offer lessons, cheat sheets, and resources to help you speak confidently and naturally in European Portuguese.

👉 Book a free trial lesson now and start using these expressions in real life!