Intelligible While Abroad: Portuguese Phrases to Know for Travel
So you’re ready to go to Portugal! The smaller of the two Iberian Peninsula countries, next to Spain, Portugal is an underrated European tourist destination. The country is blessed with a sunny, temperate climate, friendly people, a fascinating history (tiny Portugal was once the most dominant seafaring nation in the world), and culinary chops that include regional specialties and a world-famous wine – port!
Before you go, you have to pack the right way. Make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen, especially during the summer months. Beachwear is probably essential. Outside the suitcase, bring your appetite as well.
Oh, and don’t forget your Portuguese phrases for travel!
That’s right: maybe the most important thing you can bring along is a decent collection of basic Portuguese phrases to ask for directions, hail a taxi, find a restaurant, and more. And best of all? Portuguese phrases for travel take up absolutely no room in your suitcase! Let’s put some Portuguese phrases in your vocabulary.
Why Learning Portuguese Phrases Is Important
The obvious benefit of having Portuguese phrases to know for travel is efficiency. Wasting time in Portugal looking for a competent English speaker shouldn’t be part of your vacation plans.
With a core group of phrases to use, you’re sure to have a more enjoyable – and efficient – experience overall.
But there are a few other advantages to knowing Portuguese phrases, including:
- Comfort. Not knowing ANY Portuguese just adds to your stress while traveling. Even a modicum of fluency brings a bit of reassurance to your trip.
- Better navigation. If you need a taxi, train, or just an optimal route to travel by foot, Portuguese phrases for travel will get you headed in the right direction.
- Entertainment options. Restaurants, shows, landmarks…whatever you want to see, it’s always better if you’re able to communicate with locals in Portuguese-speaking countries.
- In case of emergency. No need to break glass – just bust out a few simple Portuguese phrases, whether you need a hospital, police station, or more.
Essential Portuguese Phrases Every Traveler Should Know
Let’s focus on the most important Portuguese phrases for travel. The following list will have you covered for basic greetings, ordering at a restaurant, finding transportation, and more!
| Polite introductions & communication – breaking the ice with Portuguese phrases | |
|---|---|
| Hi. | Olá. |
| Good morning. | Bom dia. |
| Good afternoon. | Boa tarde. |
| Pardon me. | Com licença. |
| Please. | Por favor. |
| Thank you. | Obrigado. (male) / Obrigada. (female) |
| You’re welcome. | De nada. |
| Off the beaten path – asking for directions | |
|---|---|
| How do I go to…? | Como vou para…? |
| Could you help me find…? | Pode ajudar-me a encontrar…? |
| Turn left. | Vire à esquerda. |
| Turn right. | Vire à direita. |
| I’m lost. | Estou perdido. (male) Estou perdida. (female) |
| Transportation phrases | |
|---|---|
| Where is the train station? | Onde é a estação de trem? |
| Where can I find a taxi? | Onde posso encontrar um táxi? |
| Do you know where rideshare services are? | Sabe onde estão os serviços de transporte partilhado? |
| Where is the closest car rental office? | Onde fica o escritório de aluguel de carros mais próximo? |
| What street am I on? | Em que rua estou? |
| Ordering at restaurants & shopping – basic Portuguese phrases for travel | |
|---|---|
| I’ll have… | Eu gostaria de… |
| Can I see a menu? | Posso ver o cardápio? |
| The check, please. | A conta, por favor. |
| What do you recommend? | O que você recomenda? |
| I’m a vegetarian. | Eu sou vegetariano. (male) Eu sou vegetariana. (female) |
| How much does this cost? | Quanto custa isto? |
| I’ll buy it! | Vou levar! |
| Can I pay with a credit card? | Posso pagar com cartão de crédito? |
Build Upon Your Portuguese Phrase Knowledge: Converse with Confidence
Now that you’ve reviewed Portuguese phrases to know for travel, perhaps it’s time to take the next step and speak the language conversationally! While basic phrases are satisfactory for getting around Portugal and elsewhere in Portuguese-speaking countries, there’s nothing like having an expansive vocabulary, the correct pronunciation, and even the right pace and cadence of native Portuguese speakers!
We offer both European and Brazilian Portuguese courses, and they’re both available – along with the whole catalogue of 50+ languages – with our All Access subscription. Interested in just one version? Our Premium subscription is your best choice.Either way, you can always build upon your limited collection of basic Portuguese phrases for travel and start speaking Portuguese in a matter of weeks. With Pimsleur, you’ll be able to say core words and phrases after your first lesson. Get started today!