Essential Portuguese Phrases
Essential Portuguese phrases with Polish phonetic pronunciation — everything you need to communicate in Portugal.
🔤 Pronunciation Key for English Speakers
Portuguese looks difficult, but it's easier than you think once you learn the key sounds. Below you'll find simplified phonetics that will get you close enough for Portuguese people to understand you.
Basic Rules
| Letter | How to read | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ĂŁ, ĂŁo | Nasal "ow" (like "own" with nose) | pĂŁo (POW) = bread |
| õ, õe | Nasal "o" (like "home" with nose) | limões (lee-MOINSH) = lemons |
| lh | "ly" like "million" | olho (OL-yoo) = eye |
| nh | "ny" like "onion" | vinho (VEEN-yoo) = wine |
| ç | "s" like "sun" | açúcar (ah-SOO-kar) = sugar |
| ch | "sh" like "shoe" | chá (SHAH) = tea |
| j | "zh" like "pleasure" | já (ZHAH) = already |
| x | "sh" or "ks" (depends on word) | caixa (KYE-shah) = box |
| r at start | Guttural "r" (like Spanish) | rio (HEE-oo) = river |
| s at end | "sh" like "fish" | dois (DOYSH) = two |
💡 Insider tip: Portuguese people "swallow" word endings — e.g., "obrigado" sounds like "obrigadu". Try mimicking this in your pronunciation for a more natural sound!
đź‘‹ Basic Greetings (10 phrases)
| Portuguese | Phonetics | English |
|---|---|---|
| Olá | oh-LAH | Hello |
| Bom dia | bohm DEE-ah | Good morning |
| Boa tarde | boa TAR-deh | Good afternoon |
| Boa noite | boa NOY-teh | Good evening / Good night |
| Adeus | ah-DEH-oosh | Goodbye (formal) |
| Tchau | chow | Bye (informal) |
| Como está? | KOH-moo esh-TAH | How are you? (formal) |
| Como estás? | KOH-moo esh-TASH | How are you? (informal) |
| Bem, obrigado/a | beng, oh-bree-GAH-doo/dah | Well, thank you (M/F) |
| E vocĂŞ? | ee voh-SEH | And you? |
💡 Insider tip: Use "Bom dia" until 12:00-13:00, "Boa tarde" from 13:00 to 19:00-20:00, "Boa noite" from 20:00 onward. Portuguese people ALWAYS greet in shops, cafés, elevators — it's expected!
Full English translation of all 45+ phrases available upon request. Contact us for the complete guide!
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