10 Portuguese Phrases You Should Know | Brazilian Portuguese

Brazilian Portuguese phrases learning a few go-to phrases opens doors to friendlier conversations, smoother travel, and more confident day-to-day interactions. Below are ten essential expressions, simple pronunciation tips, and quick cultural notes to help you start speaking right away.

Why these phrases matter in Brazilian Portuguese phrases

These expressions cover greetings, gratitude, basic questions, and common social niceties. They let you connect, ask for help, shop, and navigate—without needing advanced grammar. Use them often and pay attention to local responses to pick up natural rhythms and variations.

10 Essential Brazilian Portuguese Phrases

1. Oi / Olá Meaning: Hi / Hello. Pronunciation: Oi (oy), Olá (oh-LAH). Use: Informal and friendly greetings. “Oi” is very common in Brazil for casual encounters.
2. Tudo bem? / Tudo bom? Meaning: How are you? Pronunciation: Tudo bem? (TOO-doo beng), Tudo bom? (TOO-doo bohng). Use: Standard greeting. Common short replies are Tudo bem or Tudo bom (I’m fine) or simply Bem (good).
3. Obrigado / Obrigada Meaning: Thank you. Pronunciation: Obrigado (oh-bree-GAH-doo), Obrigada (oh-bree-GAH-dah). Note: Men say obrigado, women say obrigada.
4. Por favor Meaning: Please. Pronunciation: (por fah-VOR). Use: Adds politeness to requests. Useful in shops, restaurants, and when asking for directions.
5. Desculpe / Com licença Meaning: Sorry / Excuse me. Pronunciation: Desculpe (des-KOOL-peh), Com licença (kong lee-SEN-sah). Use: Desculpe for apologizing; Com licença to get past someone or to politely interrupt.
6. Quanto custa? Meaning: How much does it cost? Pronunciation: (KWAN-too KOO-stah). Use: Essential when shopping or asking about prices. You can also say Quanto é? (How much is it?).
7. Onde fica…? Meaning: Where is …? Pronunciation: (ON-jee FEE-kah). Use: Ask for locations. Example: Onde fica o banheiro? — Where is the bathroom?
8. Eu não entendo / Não entendi Meaning: I don’t understand / I didn’t understand. Pronunciation: Eu não entendo (eh-oo now ehn-TEN-doo), Não entendi (nown ehn-TEN-jee). Use: Helpful when learning or if someone speaks too quickly. Saying this politely will often prompt the speaker to repeat or slow down.
9. Pode me ajudar? Meaning: Can you help me? Pronunciation: (POH-jee mee ah-zhoo-DAHR). Use: A polite way to ask for assistance. You can add por favor to be extra courteous.
10. Prazer / Muito prazer Meaning: Nice to meet you / Very nice to meet you. Pronunciation: Prazer (prah-ZEHR), Muito prazer (MOYN-too prah-ZEHR). A handshake or friendly nod often accompanies it.

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Quick pronunciation tips about Brazilian Portuguese phrases

• Vowel sounds in Portuguese are more open than in English. Try to keep vowels short and clear.
• Não contains a nasal sound. Practice by gently humming while saying the vowel: nown (approx.).
• S at the end of words often sounds like sh in some Brazilian accents (for example in Rio), but like s in others. Don’t worry—locals understand multiple accents.

How to practice these phrases

• Use them daily in simple interactions: greetings, buying items, or asking for directions.
• Record yourself and compare with native speakers to refine pronunciation.

Final notes

Mastering these ten phrases gives you practical tools for immediate communication in Brazil. They show respect, openness, and willingness to connect—qualities Brazilians appreciate. Keep practicing, be curious, and the rest will follow.