Essential Portuguese Phrases for Holidaymakers: Eat, Drink & Travel Like a Local!
Essential Portuguese Phrases for Holidaymakers: Eat, Drink & Travel Like a Local! 🇵🇹🍷🌞
Ever noticed how you get better service when you make an effort to speak the local language? In Portugal, even trying basic Portuguese—no matter how bad—can go a long way. It’s not about being fluent, but about showing respect and making connections.
Waiters, bartenders, and shopkeepers will appreciate your effort, and you might even get warmer service, a friendlier welcome, or a little extra—maybe a free snack with your drink or a smile that makes your holiday even better.
So, whether you’re ordering fresh seafood, asking for the bill, or just greeting people, here’s your ultimate cheat sheet of Portuguese words and phrases for a smoother, more enjoyable trip!
1. Essential Greetings & Pleasantries
Start every conversation with a friendly greeting—it makes all the difference!
| English | Portuguese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Olá | oh-LAH |
| Good morning | Bom dia | bom DEE-ah |
| Good afternoon | Boa tarde | bo-ah TAR-deh |
| Good evening/night | Boa noite | bo-ah NOY-teh |
| Please | Por favor | por fah-VOR |
| Thank you (male/female) | Obrigado / Obrigada | oh-bree-GAH-doh (m) / oh-bree-GAH-dah (f) |
| You’re welcome | De nada | deh NAH-dah |
| Excuse me / Sorry | Desculpe / Com licença | deh-SKOOL-peh / kom lee-SEN-sah |
| Do you speak English? | Fala inglês? | FAH-lah een-GLAYS? |
💡 Tip: If someone responds in fast Portuguese, just say:
“Desculpe, não entendo.” (Sorry, I don’t understand.)
2. Ordering Food & Drinks Like a Pro 🍽️🍷
Portuguese restaurants and cafés love it when you try to order in Portuguese. Even if your pronunciation is off, they’ll appreciate the effort and might even give you better service!
Getting a Table
| English | Portuguese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| A table for two, please | Uma mesa para dois, por favor | OO-mah MAY-zah PAH-rah doys, por fah-VOR |
| Do you have a menu? | Tem um menu? | TEH oon meh-NOO? |
| Can I see the menu, please? | Posso ver o menu, por favor? | POH-soo VER oo meh-NOO, por fah-VOR? |
| Do you have an English menu? | Tem um menu em inglês? | TEH oon meh-NOO em een-GLAYS? |
💡 Tip: Many restaurants have an English menu, but ordering in Portuguese makes a great impression!
Ordering Drinks 🍷🍻
| English | Portuguese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| A beer, please | Uma cerveja, por favor | OO-mah ser-VAY-zhah, por fah-VOR |
| A glass of red/white wine, please | Um copo de vinho tinto/branco, por favor | OON KOH-poo deh VEE-nyoo TEEN-too / BRAN-koo |
| A bottle of water, please | Uma garrafa de água, por favor | OO-mah gah-RAH-fah deh AH-gwah |
| With / Without ice | Com / Sem gelo | KOM / SAYN ZHEH-loh |
| I would like a coffee | Queria um café | keh-REE-ah oon kah-FEH |
💡 Tip: In Portugal, if you just ask for “café” (coffee), they’ll bring you an espresso. If you want a larger coffee, ask for:
- “Um café com leite” (A coffee with milk) ☕
- “Um americano” (A black coffee)
Ordering Food 🍽️
| English | Portuguese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I would like… | Queria… | keh-REE-ah… |
| The same, please | O mesmo, por favor | oo MEHZH-moo, por fah-VOR |
| What do you recommend? | O que recomenda? | oo keh reh-koh-MEHN-dah? |
| Is this spicy? | Isto é picante? | EESH-too eh pee-KAN-tee? |
| I am vegetarian | Sou vegetariano/a | soh veh-zhay-tah-ree-AH-no (m) / AH-nah (f) |
💡 Tip: If you want authentic Portuguese food, try saying:
“Qual é a especialidade da casa?” (What’s the house specialty?)
Asking for the Bill 💰
| English | Portuguese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Can I have the bill, please? | A conta, por favor | ah KON-tah, por fah-VOR |
| Can I pay by card? | Posso pagar com cartão? | POH-soo pah-GAR kom kar-TAO? |
| Do you accept cash? | Aceitam dinheiro? | ah-SAY-tam deen-YAY-roo? |
| Keep the change | Fique com o troco | FEE-kee kon oo TROH-koo |
💡 Tip: Tipping in Portugal is appreciated but not expected. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is a nice gesture.
3. Getting Around & Basic Directions 🚖🗺️
| English | Portuguese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Where is…? | Onde fica…? | OHN-deh FEE-kah…? |
| How much is it? | Quanto custa? | KWAN-too KOOS-tah? |
| I need a taxi | Preciso de um táxi | preh-SEE-zoo deh oon TAHK-see |
| The bus stop | A paragem de autocarro | ah pah-RAH-zhem deh ow-toh-KAR-roo |
🇵🇹 Final Thoughts: Make an Effort & Get Treated Like a Local!
Even if your Portuguese isn’t perfect, locals love it when you try. A little effort can mean better service, warmer hospitality, and a more immersive experience.
So next time you’re in Portugal, ditch the English menu, throw in some Portuguese, and enjoy the best of what this beautiful country has to offer!
📌 What Portuguese phrase do you always use on holiday? Let us know in the comments! ✈️🍷
