Let’s Speak Portuguese?
Heading to Lisbon and want to make the most of your trip? While many locals speak English, knowing a few key Portuguese phrases can greatly enhance your experience and help you connect with the friendly Lisboetas. Here’s a comprehensive list of Essential Words and Phrases to Know Before Visiting Lisbon to get you started.
Essential Words and Phrases to Know Before Visiting Lisbon
1. Greetings and Basic Etiquette
Bom dia (bohm DEE-ah) – Good morning
Use this friendly greeting to start your day.
Boa tarde (BOH-ah TAR-dih) – Good afternoon
A polite way to greet people in the afternoon.
Boa noite (BOH-ah NOY-tih) – Good evening / Good night
Use this phrase in the evening or when saying goodnight.
Olá (oh-LAH) – Hello
A casual way to say hello.
Adeus (ah-DEH-oosh) – Goodbye
The standard way to say goodbye.
Até logo (ah-TEH LOH-goo) – See you later
A casual farewell when you plan to see someone again soon.
Por favor (poor fah-VOR) – Please
Use this phrase to be polite when making requests.
Obrigado/Obrigada (oh-bree-GAH-doo / oh-bree-GAH-dah) – Thank you
“Obrigado” if you are male, and “Obrigada” if you are female.
De nada (deh NAH-dah) – You’re welcome
The polite response to “Thank you.”
2. Common Questions
Como está? (KOH-moo esh-TAH) – How are you?
A common way to ask someone how they are.
Tudo bem? (TOO-doo BENG) – Is everything well?
Another way to ask how someone is doing.
Qual é o seu nome? (kwal eh oo SEH-o NOH-meh) – What is your name?
Use this when meeting someone new.
Quanto custa? (KWAHN-too KOOS-tah) – How much does it cost?
Useful when shopping or dining out.
Onde fica…? (ON-deh FEE-kah) – Where is…?
Add the location you’re looking for (e.g., “Onde fica o banheiro?” – Where is the bathroom?).
Pode me ajudar? (POH-jee mee ah-zhoo-DAHR) – Can you help me?
A useful phrase if you need assistance.
3. Dining Out
Eu gostaria de… (EH-oo goh-STAH-ree-ah deh) – I would like…
Use this to order food or drinks (e.g., “Eu gostaria de um café” – I would like a coffee).
O cardápio, por favor (oo kar-DAH-pew poor fah-VOR) – The menu, please
Ask for the menu at a restaurant.
A conta, por favor (ah KOHN-tah poor fah-VOR) – The bill, please
Ask for the check when you’re ready to pay.
Água (AH-gwah) – Water
Specify if you want still water (sem gás) or sparkling water (com gás).
Delicioso/Deliciosa (deh-lee-see-OH-zoo / deh-lee-see-OH-zah) – Delicious
Express your enjoyment of a meal.
4. Getting Around
Onde está a estação de metrô? (ON-deh esh-TAH ah esh-tah-SOWN deh meh-TROH)– Where is the metro station?
Useful for navigating public transport.
Um bilhete, por favor (oon bee-YEH-teh poor fah-VOR) – One ticket, please
Use this when purchasing tickets for transportation or events.
Esquerda / Direita (esh-KER-dah / dee-RAY-tah) – Left / Right
Directions you might need when exploring the city.
Em frente (ing FREN-teh) – Straight ahead
To ask or give directions.
Longe / Perto (LON-zheh / PEHR-too) – Far / Near
Useful when gauging distances.
5. Shopping
Tem…? (TEHNG) – Do you have…?
Use this when looking for specific items (e.g., “Tem souvenires?” – Do you have souvenirs?).
Aceita cartão de crédito? (ah-SAY-tah kar-TOWN deh KREH-dee-toh) – Do you accept credit cards?
Important to know when making purchases.
Tamanho (tah-MAHN-yoo) – Size
Useful when buying clothes or shoes.
Posso experimentar? (POH-soo esh-peh-ree-men-TAHR) – Can I try it on?
Ask this when shopping for clothing.
6. Emergencies
Socorro! (soh-KOH-roo) – Help!
Use this in an emergency situation.
Chame a polícia! (SHAH-mee ah po-LEE-see-ah) – Call the police!
An essential phrase for serious emergencies.
Estou perdido/perdida (esh-TOH pehr-DEE-doo / esh-TOH pehr-DEE-dah) – I am lost
Depending on your gender, use “perdido” (male) or “perdida” (female).
Preciso de um médico (preh-SEE-soo deh oong MAY-dee-koh) – I need a doctor
Critical in case of medical emergencies.
Farmácia (fahr-MAH-see-ah) – Pharmacy
Know where to find a pharmacy for medical supplies.
7. Numbers and Time
Um, dois, três, quatro, cinco (oon, doys, traysh, KWAH-troo, SEEN-koo) – One, two, three, four, five
Essential numbers for basic counting and transactions.
Seis, sete, oito, nove, dez (saysh, SEH-chee, OY-too, NOH-vee, daysh) – Six, seven, eight, nine, ten
Continue with the numbers for more complex interactions.
Hoje / Amanhã (OH-zheh / ah-mahn-YAH) – Today / Tomorrow
Useful for making plans.
Agora / Depois (ah-GOH-rah / deh-POYSH) – Now / Later
Indicate when you want to do something.
Manhã / Tarde / Noite (mahn-YAH / TAR-dih / NOY-tih) – Morning / Afternoon / Evening
Understand the time of day.
Conclusion
Learning a few essential Portuguese phrases can make your trip to Lisbon smoother and more enjoyable. Locals appreciate the effort and it can help you navigate daily interactions with ease. Whether you’re ordering a meal, asking for directions, or simply greeting someone, these words and phrases will enhance your Lisbon experience. Boa viagem (Have a good trip)!
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