Settling into a new country means getting used to a new language. Even if you speak English fluently, knowing a few essential Portuguese words can make everyday life much easier.
From dealing with public services to shopping for groceries or simply getting around town, these 20 words are a great starting point for anyone living in Portugal.
1. Olá — Hello
One of the first words you will want to learn. Use olá when greeting someone in a friendly and informal way.
Example:
“Olá! Tudo bem?” — “Hello! How are you?”
2. Obrigado / Obrigada — Thank you
You will hear this word everywhere in Portugal. Obrigado is traditionally used by men while obrigada is used by women.
Example:
“Obrigada pela ajuda!” — “Thank you for your help!”
3. Por favor — Please
A simple but essential expression for everyday interactions.
Example:
“Um café, por favor.” — “A coffee, please.”
4. Desculpe — Sorry / Excuse me
Use desculpe when apologising, getting someone’s attention or politely interrupting someone.
Example:
“Desculpe, pode ajudar-me?” — “Excuse me, can you help me?”
5. Ajuda — Help
A useful word to recognise when you need assistance.
Example:
“Preciso de ajuda.” — “I need help.”
6. Casa — House / Home
You will hear casa constantly when dealing with housing, renting or everyday life.
Example:
“A minha casa é perto do centro.” — “My house is near the city centre.”
7. Rua — Street
An important word when looking for an address, giving directions or reading signs.
Example:
“Qual é o nome da rua?” — “What is the name of the street?”
8. Entrada — Entrance
You will often see entrada on signs, particularly in buildings, shops and public spaces.
Example:
“A entrada é por aqui.” — “The entrance is this way.”
9. Saída — Exit
The opposite of entrada. You will see it everywhere from shopping centres to car parks and public transport stations.
Example:
“Onde fica a saída?” — “Where is the exit?”
10. Aberto — Open
Useful when checking whether a shop, restaurant or service is open.
Example:
“Está aberto?” — “Is it open?”
11. Fechado — Closed
The opposite of aberto.
Example:
“Hoje está fechado.” — “It is closed today.”
12. Agora — Now
A very useful word for everyday conversations, particularly when discussing appointments or plans.
Example:
“Pode falar comigo agora?” — “Can you speak with me now?”
13. Amanhã — Tomorrow
Useful for making plans, arranging appointments or understanding when something will happen.
Example:
“Vejo-o amanhã.” — “See you tomorrow.”
14. Hoje — Today
Another essential word for understanding dates and schedules.
Example:
“Tenho uma consulta hoje.” — “I have an appointment today.”
15. Cuidado — Careful / Watch out
You may hear cuidado! when someone wants to warn you about something.
Example:
“Cuidado com o degrau!” — “Watch out for the step!”
16. Água — Water
An absolute essential, especially when ordering at a restaurant or café.
Example:
“Uma água, por favor.” — “A water, please.”
17. Loja — Shop / Store
A useful word for everyday life, whether you’re shopping for clothes, picking up something you need or simply looking for a nearby shop.
Example:
“Vou à loja.” — “I’m going to the shop.”
18. Troco — Change
A useful word to know when paying in cash, especially if you need to check how much change you should receive.
Example:
“Quanto é o troco?” — “How much is the change?”
19. Carro — Car
A simple but essential word if you’re driving or getting around Portugal by car. You’ll use carro in everyday conversations about transport, directions or your vehicle.
Example:
“Onde está o carro?” — “Where is the car?”
20. Saudades — Missing someone / Longing
This is one of the most Portuguese words you will encounter. Saudades describes the feeling of missing someone or something, often with a sense of affection and nostalgia.
Example:
“Tenho saudades da minha família.” — “I miss my family.”
A Little Portuguese Goes a Long Way
You do not need to become fluent overnight. Learning a few everyday words can make interactions easier, help you feel more comfortable and show that you are making an effort to connect with your new home.
Start with these 20 words and gradually build your vocabulary as you settle into life in Portugal. You might be surprised by how quickly they become part of your everyday conversations.
Moving to Portugal? At EasyRelocation, we help international residents navigate the practical side of settling into Portugal, from getting your paperwork sorted to finding a place to call home.
