If you are planning to travel to Portugal as an English speaker, there are a few key words and phrases that can be helpful to know. Some of the most useful words and phrases for travelers in Portugal include:
- Olá: This is the most common way to say "hello" in Portuguese. It can be used in both formal and informal situations.
- Como vai?: This means "how are you?" in Portuguese and is a polite way to ask someone how they are doing.
- Obrigado/Obrigada: This means "thank you" in Portuguese and is a polite way to express gratitude. It is important to use the correct form (obrigado for men and obrigada for women) to show respect.
- Por favor: This means "please" in Portuguese and is a polite way to ask for something or request assistance.
- Desculpe: This means "excuse me" in Portuguese and is a polite way to get someone's attention or apologize for something.
- Fala inglês?: This means "do you speak English?" in Portuguese and is a useful phrase for asking someone if they can help you in English.
- Onde fica...? : This means "where is...?" in Portuguese and is a useful phrase for asking for directions.
- Quanto custa?: This means "how much does it cost?" in Portuguese and is a useful phrase for asking about prices.
- Onde posso comprar...? : This means "where can I buy...?" in Portuguese and is a useful phrase for asking about shopping.
- Onde posso comer?: This means "where can I eat?" in Portuguese and is a useful phrase for finding a restaurant.
Many Portuguese words and phrases are similar to their English counterparts, so with some practice, you should be able to get by fairly easily even if you don't speak much Portuguese.
In addition to the words and phrases above, it can also be helpful to learn some basic Portuguese grammar and sentence structure to help you better understand and communicate with locals during your trip. But this really is not necessary for 99% of the communication you will have while traveling. In fact, in many cities, you will probably meet locals that speak English. But it is polite and always appreciated by locals to at least start conversations in your best Portuguese.