Greetings

1. Olá

   Hello / Hi

   Usage

   The most universal Portuguese greeting, used in Portugal and Brazil alike

   Grammar Note

   Also learn: Bom dia (good morning), Boa tarde (good afternoon), Boa noite (good evening)

2. Obrigado / Obrigada

   Thank you

   Usage

   Basic thanks. Males say "Obrigado", females say "Obrigada"

   Grammar Note

   The ending agrees with the speaker's gender: obrigado (male) / obrigada (female)

3. Por favor

   Please

   Usage

   Used for polite requests, the same phrasing as Spanish

   Grammar Note

   Identical to the Spanish phrase. Placed at the start or end of requests

4. Tchau / Adeus

   Bye / Goodbye

   Usage

   Farewell phrases. Tchau is casual, Adeus is more formal or permanent

   Grammar Note

   "Tchau" is borrowed from Italian "ciao". "Adeus" implies a more final parting

5. Com licença

   Excuse me / Pardon me

   Usage

   Used to get past someone or get someone's attention politely

   Grammar Note

   Literally "with permission." "Perdão" is used for apologies

6. Bom dia

   Good morning

   Usage

   Morning greeting used until around noon in Portugal

   Grammar Note

   Same structure: Boa tarde (good afternoon), Boa noite (good evening). "Boa" is feminine

7. Desculpe

   I'm sorry / Excuse me

   Usage

   Use for a mild apology or to get someone's attention

   Grammar Note

   Formal imperative of desculpar. Lighter than "Perdão." Less formal than "com licença"

8. Como está?

   How are you?

   Usage

   A polite inquiry about someone's wellbeing

   Grammar Note

   "Estar" expresses state. Reply: "Estou bem, obrigado/a" (I'm fine, thank you)

9. Até logo

   See you soon / Later

   Usage

   Farewell when you expect to see the person again soon

   Grammar Note

   Same pattern: Até amanhã (see you tomorrow), Até já (see you in a moment)

10. Muito prazer

    Very pleased to meet you

    Usage

    A warm expression when meeting someone for the first time

    Grammar Note

    Literally "much pleasure." Full form: "Prazer em conhecê-lo/la" (Pleased to meet you)

11. Onde fica o banheiro?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    One of the most essential travel phrases — works in both Brazil and Portugal

    Grammar Note

    Brazil uses "banheiro"; Portugal uses "casa de banho". "WC" is understood everywhere

12. Não falo português.

    I can't speak Portuguese

    Usage

    Letting someone know you cannot speak Portuguese

    Grammar Note

    "Não falo" means I don't speak. "Não consigo falar português" (I'm unable to) is also natural

13. Vou voltar.

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop — a friendly way to signal you enjoyed it

14. Diverti-me imenso.

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said when parting, to share how much you enjoyed it

15. Obrigado, até logo!

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual farewell for someone you've become friendly with

    Grammar Note

    Female speakers say "Obrigada" instead

16. Boa noite.

    Good night

    Usage

    Said just before going to sleep — not a farewell, but a bedtime greeting

17. Já vou saindo.

    I'm heading out

    Usage

    Said when leaving your lodging for a while

18. Cheguei.

    I'm back

    Usage

    Said upon returning to your lodging; literally "I've arrived"

19. Com licença, já vou indo.

    I'll be going now

    Usage

    A polite phrase for excusing yourself when leaving before others

20. De nada.

    You're welcome

    Usage

    A reply when someone thanks you

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