Introduction

Some fundamental Portuguese phrases are more valuable than others.

Why not concentrate on mastering these words first? We chose to write this post for you specifically for that reason.

The essential Portuguese phrases covered in this post will help you communicate better if you’re just beginning to learn Portuguese or are already fluent.

If you’re soon traveling to a Portuguese-speaking country, these will be especially useful to you.

Basic Portuguese Words and Sentences That You Must Know

The following are the basic Portuguese words and sentences that you must know:

1. Olá, eu sou …….

Hi! I am [your name].

This is a basic greeting when you meet someone new to introduce yourself.

 2. Como você está

 How are you?

When you run into friends, family, or anyone you want to start a discussion with, you usually do it this way.

3. eu estou bem e você

I’m good, you?

You can use this phrase to tell them that you are fine and ask about them in return.

4.  Prazer em conhecê-la

Nice to meet you.

This sentence can be used to tell someone how nice you feel about meeting someone.

5.  Sinto muito

 I’m sorry

If you are looking to apologize, you can say ‘I’m sorry’.

6.  Qual é o seu número de telefone

What is your phone number?

If you want to have someone’s phone number, you can use the above phrase.

7. De onde você é

 Where are you from?

You can use this phrase to know where a person is.

8. O que você faz

 What do you do?

You can use this phrase to find out someone’s profession.

9. O que você faz

I do not understand.

You can use this phrase if you do not understand something.

12. O que você acha

What do you think?

You can use this phrase to know someone’s opinion.

14. você pode falar devagar

Could you speak a little slower?

If you want someone to speak slowly, you can use this phrase.

15. você pode repetir isso

Could you repeat that?

If you didn’t understand something that someone said, and you want him or her to repeat something. You can use the above phrase.

16. vejo você em breve

See you soon

To tell someone you’ll meet or see someone soon, you can use the above phrase.

17. onde posso encontrar ……

Where can I find …….?

For example, if you are looking for a place, a hotel, a restaurant, or anything else, you can use this phrase.

For example: Where can I find a medical store/ tea shop/ general store?

18. Qual o seu nome?

What’s your name?

You can use this phrase to know someone’s name.

19. Pode me ajudar?

Can you help me?

If you need/ want to help someone, you can use this phrase.

20. Quanto custa isso

How much does this/that cost?

To know the cost of something, use this phrase.

21. Eu não sei português

I don’t know Portuguese.

If you want to tell someone you are not good at Portuguese, use this phrase. This will be helpful if you have just started learning Portuguese and are still not comfortable communicating fluently.

22. estou com fome

I am hungry.

If you are hungry and you want to tell someone, use this phrase.

23. Estou morrendo de sede

I’m thirsty.

Use this phrase to tell someone you are thirsty.

24. eu estou perdido

I’m lost

25. que horas são?

What time is it?

Basic Portuguese words that you should know:

• Bom dia/Boa tarde/Boa noite — Good morning/afternoon/night
• Olá — Hello
• Oi — Hi
• Alô/Está lá — Hello (on the phone)
• Note that the former is used in Brazil while you’d say the latter in Portugal.
• Tchau — Bye
• Até logo! — See you later!
• Até amanhã — See you tomorrow
• Adeus — Goodbye (formal)
• Tudo bem? — How are you?
• Como vai? — How’s it going?
• Eu estou bem, e você/e tú? — I’m good, how are you?
• Um, dois, três, quatro, cinco, seis,
  sete, oito, nove, dez– 1 to 10 counting

Conclusion

We hope these foundational words and phrases will improve your ability to speak Portuguese confidently.

The first few times won’t be simple, so practice is the only and best option.

And always remember to prioritize the most important terms first rather than attempting to memorize all the phrases we shared with you today.