Basic Verbs

1. ir

   To go

   Usage

   The key motion verb; combine it with a destination

   Grammar Note

   Irregular: vou / vai / vamos

2. vir

   To come

   Usage

   Used when a person or a vehicle arrives

   Grammar Note

   Irregular: venho / vem

3. comer

   To eat

   Usage

   The basic verb for anything about meals

   Grammar Note

   Regular -er verb: como / come

4. beber

   To drink

   Usage

   For ordering or declining drinks

   Grammar Note

   Regular -er verb; Brazilians often use "tomar"

5. comprar

   To buy

   Usage

   Shopping verb; pair it with the item name

   Grammar Note

   Regular -ar verb: compro / compra

6. ver

   To see

   Usage

   For sightseeing, and for asking to be shown an item

   Grammar Note

   Irregular: vejo / vê. To look at deliberately is "olhar"

7. esperar

   To wait

   Usage

   For queues and for explaining a meeting arrangement

   Grammar Note

   Means both "to wait" and "to hope"

8. Quero ir

   I want to go

   Usage

   The standard way to state a destination; add a place name

   Grammar Note

   Add a destination; "Queria ir" is the politer form

9. Quero comer

   I want to eat

   Usage

   State what you feel like eating; add the dish name

10. Quero isto

    I want it

    Usage

    Point at an item and say you would like it

    Grammar Note

    Say it while pointing; "isto" means "this"

11. Não preciso disso

    I don't need it

    Usage

    Decline a bag, a receipt, or anything else you do not need

12. Estou à procura

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

    Say what you are trying to find, place or object

    Grammar Note

    Add the object: "Estou à procura da estação"

13. Tenho

    I have it

    Usage

    States possession; used to confirm tickets or bookings

14. Não tenho

    I don't have it

    Usage

    States you do not have it, e.g. no cash on you

15. Quero levantar dinheiro

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

    State your intent at an ATM or a bank

    Grammar Note

    A cash machine is "Multibanco" in Portugal, "caixa eletrônico" in Brazil

16. Quero fazer uma reserva

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

    For booking a table or a room

17. Pode ajudar-me?

    Could you help me?

    Usage

    Ask for concrete help: carrying a bag, working a machine

    Grammar Note

    Brazilian Portuguese puts the pronoun first: "Pode me ajudar?"

18. Diga-me, por favor

    Please tell me

    Usage

    Prefaces a question when you want information

    Grammar Note

    "Diga" is the polite imperative of "dizer"

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