Basic Portuguese phrases for travel

Excuse me

desh-KOOL-peh

The universal opener, great for getting a waiter’s attention, stopping a stranger for directions, or squeezing past someone on the metro. Lead with it and everything after goes smoother.

“Desculpe” gets attention or apologises; “com licença” is for squeezing past someone.

• Passing by Com licença kom lee-SEN-sah ▶

Please

poor fah-VOR

Attach it to almost any request. It softens everything, and locals notice when visitors use it.

Thank you

oh-bree-GAH-doo / -dah

You can never say it too often. Use it for every small service such as handing over change, bringing a dish, giving directions.

Portuguese thanks agree with the speaker: men say “obrigado”, women say “obrigada” — always, regardless of who’s being thanked.

• Male speaker Obrigado oh-bree-GAH-doo ▶
• Female speaker Obrigada oh-bree-GAH-dah ▶

Thank you very much

MWEE-too oh-bree-GAH-doo / -dah

For when someone has gone out of their way and to show that extra bit of gratitude.

• Male speaker Muito obrigado MWEE-too oh-bree-GAH-doo ▶
• Female speaker Muito obrigada MWEE-too oh-bree-GAH-dah ▶

You’re welcome

deh NAH-dah

The universal response to thank you.

I’m sorry

desh-KOOL-peh

For bumping into someone, knocking over a glass, or any small offence.

Yes

seem

Everyone knows when to say yes, and being able to say it in the local language can be a really helpful way to navigate social interactions.

No

now

Similar to yes, everyone knows when to use it and being able to say it in the local language can help across all sorts of situations.

Okay

shtah BAYM

An all-purpose acknowledgement whether you’re confirming a price, a meeting point, a plan. Generally used the same way across languages.

Perfect

per-FAY-too

Warmer than a plain “okay”, and a great way to show you’re happy with a suggestion, a price, or a plan.

That works for me

poor MEEM TOO-doo BAYM

Accepting a suggestion — a later table, a different room, an earlier train. Signals easy-going agreement.

No problem

now ah proo-BLEH-mah

Reassuring someone who apologises, or waving off a small inconvenience. Keeps the mood light on both sides.

One moment, please

soh oom moo-MEN-too poor fah-VOR

Buying yourself a few seconds when digging for your wallet, checking your phone, or holding a shop queue while you decide. Locals will be more patient when you can ask it in the local language

Could you help me, please?

POH-deh ah-zhoo-DAR-meh poor fah-VOR

The polite way to open any request for assistance. Locals will be even more enthused to help when you ask it in their language.

Hello

oh-LAH

A must know in every language. A “hello” in the local language tends to get smiles, open doors, and has locals more eager to help.

Hi

BOH-ash

The casual “hello” for friends, colleagues, and anyone you know well. A friendly opener that works in most situations.

The friendly Portuguese catch-all — short for “boas tardes”. Very casual, very local.

Good morning

bom DEE-ah

Use it until around midday. A warm way to greet hotel staff, waiters and shopkeepers at the start of the day.

Good afternoon

BOH-ah TAR-deh

For the stretch between lunch and sunset, in languages that use it. If you’re unsure of the cutoff, locals will forgive you either way.

Used from lunch until dusk. The Portuguese take their greeting switchovers seriously.

Good evening

BOH-ah NOY-teh

The greeting for later in the day — walking into a restaurant for dinner, or checking in after dark.

Greeting and good-night in one — used from nightfall onwards.

Goodbye

ah-DEH-oosh

Leaving a shop, ending a chat, stepping out of a taxi. Locals will notice when you say it in their language, and it’s a nice way to close any encounter.

“Adeus” can sound rather final — for everyday partings locals prefer “até logo”.

• Everyday Até logo ah-TEH LOH-goo ▶

See you later

ah-TEH LOH-goo

The friendly farewell for people you’ll cross paths with again such as hotel staff, your regular barista, new acquaintances.

Have a good day

TEN-yah oom bom DEE-ah

A warm sign-off after any small exchange. A great one to know in any language because locals will always appreciate it after an interaction.

My name is [name]

SHAH-moo-meh [NOH-meh]

It’s always useful being able to introduce yourself in the local language. A great way to build friends in your travels.

How are you?

KOH-moo shtah

The polite version for strangers and staff. In a lot of countries it’s seen as a genuine question, so be ready for a real answer.

I’m well, thank you

baym oh-bree-GAH-doo / -dah

The standard reply to “How are you?”. Bounce the question back with a smile and you’ve just had your first conversation!

• Male speaker Bem, obrigado baym oh-bree-GAH-doo ▶
• Female speaker Bem, obrigada baym oh-bree-GAH-dah ▶

Nice to meet you

MWEE-too prah-ZEHR

Always a great one to say when meeting someone new on your travels. Knowing it in the local language is a nice touch that locals will appreciate.

Genderless and always right — Portuguese makes this one easy.