Free Brazilian Portuguese Course · Lesson 7 of 8
REAL-LIFE PORTUGUESE
Survival Phrases for Real Conversations
The phrases that get you through a café, a taxi, a shop, and an awkward moment when you did not understand a word.
What You will Learn
- Order food and drinks confidently
- Ask for help or clarification without panicking
- Handle basic shopping and directions
- Use polite phrases that make you sound like a considerate speaker, not just a tourist
At a Café or Restaurant
| Portuguese | English |
|---|---|
| Uma mesa para dois, por favor | A table for two, please |
| Queria um café, por favor | I would like a coffee, please |
| A conta, por favor | The check, please |
| Está delicioso! | It is delicious! |
"Queria" (I would like) is softer and more polite than "quero" (I want) — use it whenever you are ordering or requesting something.
When You Do Not Understand
| Portuguese | English |
|---|---|
| Desculpe, não entendi | Sorry, I did not understand |
| Pode repetir, por favor? | Can you repeat that, please? |
| Pode falar mais devagar? | Can you speak more slowly? |
| Fala inglês? | Do you speak English? |
Shopping & Directions
| Portuguese | English |
|---|---|
| Estou só olhando | I am just looking |
| Tem isto noutro tamanho? | Do you have this in another size? |
| Onde fica...? | Where is...? |
| É perto ou longe? | Is it near or far? |
| Sempre em frente | Straight ahead |
| Vire à direita / esquerda | Turn right / left |
The Politeness Words That Change Everything
Portuguese speakers notice manners more than English speakers often do. Sprinkling these into every interaction makes a real difference:
| Portuguese | English |
|---|---|
| Por favor | Please |
| Obrigado/a | Thank you |
| De nada | You're welcome |
| Com licença | Excuse me (to pass or interrupt) |
| Desculpe | Sorry / excuse me (for a mistake) |
Practice What You Just Learned
- You did not catch what someone said. What do you say?
Show answer
"Desculpe, pode repetir por favor?" — "Sorry, can you repeat that please?"
- How do you politely order a coffee?
Show answer
"Queria um café, por favor."
- You want to pass someone in a narrow aisle. What do you say?
Show answer
"Com licença." — "Excuse me."