25 Essential Brazilian Portuguese Phrases for Travelers
Whether you’re going to Brazil for vacation, business or love, learning a few key phrases in Brazilian Portuguese will make your experience easier and more authentic. English is not widely spoken in many parts of Brazil, so these phrases will help you connect, navigate daily situations, and show respect for the local culture.
Greetings & Basics
1. Olá – Hello
Used anytime. Friendly and neutral.
2. Bom dia – Good morning
Used until around 12–1 pm.
3. Boa tarde – Good afternoon
Used until sunset (around 6 pm).
4. Boa noite – Good evening / Good night
Used when arriving somewhere in the evening or when saying goodbye at night.
5. Tudo bem? – How are you? (literally: “All good?”)
Most common greeting question in Brazil.
Reply: Tudo bem! E você? (All good! And you?)
6. Por favor – Please
7. Obrigada / Obrigado – Thank you (female/male)
8. Com licença – Excuse me (to get attention or pass by)
9. Desculpa – Sorry
10. Eu não falo português – I don’t speak Portuguese
11. Você fala inglês/espanhol? – Do you speak English/Spanish?
Directions & Food
12. Onde fica…? – Where is…?
Example: Onde fica o metrô? (Where is the metro?)
13. Quanto custa? – How much does it cost?
Useful for markets, shops, souvenirs.
14. Eu quero / Eu não quero – I want / I don’t want
Example: Eu quero água, por favor. (I want water, please.)
15. Pode me ajudar? – Can you help me?
16. Eu estou perdido/perdida – I am lost (male/female)
17. Água sem gás / água com gás – Still water / sparkling water
18. A conta, por favor – The bill, please
You’ll need this at restaurants.
19. Pode ser? – Is that okay?
Very Brazilian expression used to confirm agreement.
20. Muito bom! – Very good!
Use it for food, music, experiences. Brazilians love positive feedback.
Survival & Emergency Phrases
21. Eu preciso de ajuda – I need help
22. Chama a polícia – Call the police
23. Estou aqui a turismo/trabalho – I’m here for tourism/work
24. Onde posso pegar um táxi/uber? – Where can I get a taxi/Uber?
25. Tudo bem – It’s okay / No problem / I’m fine
This phrase is used all the time in Brazil.
Quick pronunciation tips:
– “r” at the beginning of words sounds like **‘h’** → Rio = “Hee-oh”
– “de / te” sound like **”djee” / “tchee”** → dia = “djee-ah”
– “ão” has a nasal sound → pão (bread), mão (hand)