Basic Words

1. Sim

   Yes

   Usage

   The shortest affirmative reply; use it to confirm anything

2. Não

   No

   Usage

   The basic negative reply; also works to decline an offer

3. Por favor

   Please

   Usage

   Add it to any request or order; it also stands alone

   Grammar Note

   In Portugal "se faz favor" is equally common

4. Obrigado

   Thank you

   Usage

   Use it everywhere: after paying, after getting directions

   Grammar Note

   A male speaker says "obrigado", a female speaker "obrigada" — it agrees with the speaker

5. Com licença

   Excuse me

   Usage

   The opening word when you need a stranger's attention

   Grammar Note

   Used to get attention or to squeeze past someone

6. Desculpe

   Sorry

   Usage

   An apology after bumping into someone or making a mistake

   Grammar Note

   The standard apology; Brazilians also say "Desculpa"

7. Está tudo bem

   It's OK / I'm fine

   Usage

   Reply to an apology, or politely wave off offered help

   Grammar Note

   Often shortened to "Tudo bem"

8. Não entendo

   I don't understand

   Usage

   Say it as soon as you lose the thread; people will rephrase

9. Entendo

   I understand

   Usage

   Confirms you followed an explanation

10. Já terminei

    I'm finished / Done

    Usage

    Tell staff you have finished a meal or a procedure

11. Espere, por favor

    Please wait

    Usage

    Use it when you need the other person to hold on

    Grammar Note

    The imperative used with "você" or the formal "o senhor"

12. Um momento

    Just a moment

    Usage

    A shorter, lighter version for a very brief pause

13. Um adulto, por favor

    One adult, please

    Usage

    Say it at a ticket window or an entrance gate

14. Não tenho reserva

    I don't have a reservation

    Usage

    Tell a restaurant or hotel that you are a walk-in

    Grammar Note

    Negation puts "não" before the verb

15. Tenho uma reserva

    I have a reservation

    Usage

    Say it first at reception, then give your name

16. Ajude-me, por favor

    Please help me

    Usage

    For trouble or emergencies; a strong call for help

    Grammar Note

    In an emergency, shout "Socorro!"

17. Mais uma vez, por favor

    Once more, please

    Usage

    Ask someone to repeat what you missed

18. Fale devagar, por favor

    Please speak slowly

    Usage

    When the speech is too fast; people almost always oblige

19. Falo um pouco de português

    I speak a little

    Usage

    Saying it early makes the other person slow down

    Grammar Note

    Say it early and people will slow down

20. Fala inglês?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Your fallback when you get stuck; ask with the polite pronoun

    Grammar Note

    The subject is normally dropped; "O senhor fala inglês?" is the formal version

21. isto

    This (near me)

    Usage

    Point at something in your hand to order or check it; the neuter form, so noun gender does not matter

22. isso

    That (near you)

    Usage

    Something next to the person you are talking to, as opposed to "isto" on your own side

23. aquilo

    That over there

    Usage

    Something further away, such as a dish at the next table or at the back of a display case

24. aqui

    Here

    Usage

    Where you are; also used when pointing at your position on a map

25. aí

    There (near you)

    Usage

    Where the other person is; keep the accent — without it "ai" is the interjection "ouch"

26. ali

    Over there

    Usage

    A spot away from both of you; use it while pointing to indicate where to go

27. eu

    I / me

    Usage

    Point at yourself to show whose it is or who is going

28. você

    You

    Usage

    Standard in Brazil, but in Portugal "você" can sound abrupt with a stranger, where "o senhor" / "a senhora" is used instead

29. juntos

    Together

    Usage

    Show it for sitting together, going together, or paying as one; an all-female group says "juntas"

30. agora mesmo

    Right now

    Usage

    Show it when something cannot wait; stronger than plain "agora"

31. uma pessoa

    One person

    Usage

    Give the head count at a restaurant or when booking a tour

32. duas pessoas

    Two people

    Usage

    Give the head count; "pessoa" is feminine, so the numeral is "duas", not "dois"

33. três pessoas

    Three people

    Usage

    Give the head count

Browse all TravelPhrases languages