What are the most common Portuguese to English phrases?

Crafting a comprehensive list of the most common Portuguese phrases translated into English is a fascinating journey into the linguistic and cultural nuances of both languages. Portuguese, spoken by over 220 million people worldwide, is not only the official language of Portugal but also of Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe. On the other hand, English, with around 1.5 billion speakers globally, serves as a lingua franca in various fields such as business, science, and entertainment. Understanding and mastering common Portuguese phrases translated into English can greatly facilitate communication between these two language communities. Let’s delve into some of the most frequently used Portuguese expressions and their English translations.

1. Olá! – Hello!
   • This ubiquitous greeting is used in both formal and informal contexts in Portuguese-speaking countries. Its English equivalent, “hello,” is similarly versatile.
2. Como está? – How are you?
   • A polite inquiry into someone’s well-being, this phrase is frequently exchanged in both Portuguese and English-speaking cultures.
3. Por favor – Please
   • Politeness is universally appreciated, and “por favor” serves as a courteous way to make requests or ask for assistance in Portuguese, just as “please” does in English.
4. Obrigado/Obrigada – Thank you (masculine/feminine)
   • Expressing gratitude is essential in any language. In Portuguese, “obrigado” is used by males, while “obrigada” is used by females. The English equivalent “thank you” transcends gender.
5. Desculpe – Sorry
   • Whether seeking forgiveness or expressing regret, “desculpe” conveys an apology in Portuguese. In English, “sorry” serves the same purpose.
6. Sim – Yes
   • This affirmative response is straightforward and widely understood in both Portuguese and English.
7. Não – No
   • Conversely, “não” is the Portuguese word for “no,” used to express negation, refusal, or disagreement, much like its English counterpart.
8. Bom dia – Good morning
   • Starting the day with a pleasant greeting like “bom dia” sets a positive tone, just as “good morning” does in English.
9. Boa tarde – Good afternoon
   • As the day progresses, “boa tarde” is used to greet others in the afternoon, similar to “good afternoon” in English.
10. Boa noite – Good evening/Goodnight
    • Whether bidding farewell in the evening or wishing someone a good night’s rest, “boa noite” serves its purpose, much like “good evening” or “goodnight” in English.
11. Tchau! – Bye!
    • A casual and friendly way to say goodbye in Portuguese, “tchau” is commonly used in informal settings, akin to “bye” in English.
12. Como vai? – How’s it going?
    • This informal greeting in Portuguese is used to inquire about someone’s well-being or current state, similar to “how’s it going?” in English.
13. Por favor, repita. – Please repeat.
    • When clarification is needed, this phrase politely requests repetition, just as “please repeat” does in English.
14. Entendo. – I understand.
    • Acknowledging comprehension is important in any conversation. “Entendo” conveys understanding in Portuguese, while its English equivalent is “I understand.”
15. Com licença – Excuse me
    • Whether navigating through a crowded space or seeking someone’s attention, “com licença” is a polite way to request passage or attention, similar to “excuse me” in English.
16. Não entendo. – I don’t understand.
    • When faced with confusion, it’s helpful to express this sentiment clearly. “Não entendo” communicates lack of understanding in Portuguese, just as “I don’t understand” does in English.
17. Quantos custa? – How much does it cost?
    • Inquiring about the price of an item is a common scenario in both Portuguese and English-speaking contexts. “Quantos custa?” seeks pricing information, similar to “how much does it cost?” in English.
18. Onde fica o banheiro? – Where is the bathroom?
    • When nature calls, knowing how to ask for the restroom is essential. “Onde fica o banheiro?” directs one to the nearest facilities, similar to “where is the bathroom?” in English.
19. Posso ajudar? – Can I help?
    • Offering assistance is a kind gesture in any language. “Posso ajudar?” extends a helping hand in Portuguese, much like “can I help?” in English.
20. Estou perdido. – I’m lost.
    • When navigating unfamiliar surroundings, admitting confusion is the first step to finding help. “Estou perdido” communicates being lost in Portuguese, similar to “I’m lost” in English.
21. Estou com fome. – I’m hungry.
    • Hunger is a universal sensation, and “estou com fome” expresses this feeling in Portuguese, similar to “I’m hungry” in English.
22. Estou com sede. – I’m thirsty.
    • Like hunger, thirst is a basic human need. “Estou com sede” communicates thirst in Portuguese, akin to “I’m thirsty” in English.
23. Estou cansado/cansada. – I’m tired. (masculine/feminine)
    • Fatigue is a common experience, and “estou cansado” or “estou cansada” expresses this state in Portuguese, depending on the speaker’s gender. The English equivalent is “I’m tired.”
24. Estou feliz. – I’m happy.
    • Expressing joy or contentment is important for emotional well-being. “Estou feliz” conveys happiness in Portuguese, similar to “I’m happy” in English.
25. Estou triste. – I’m sad.
    • Conversely, when feeling down, it’s important to acknowledge one’s emotions. “Estou triste” communicates sadness in Portuguese, much like “I’m sad” in English.
26. Por favor, fale mais devagar. – Please speak more slowly.
    • When struggling to keep up with a conversation, requesting slower speech can be helpful. “Por favor, fale mais devagar” politely asks for a slower pace, similar to “please speak more slowly” in English.
27. Eu te amo. – I love you.
    • Love knows no language barrier, and “eu te amo” expresses this profound sentiment in Portuguese, similar to “I love you” in English.
28. Me desculpe pelo atraso. – Sorry for being late.
    • Punctuality is valued in many cultures, and apologizing for tardiness is a sign of respect. “Me desculpe pelo atraso” conveys this apology in Portuguese, similar to “sorry for being late” in English.
29. Tenha um bom dia! – Have a nice day!
    • Ending an interaction on a positive note is always appreciated. “Tenha um bom dia!” wishes someone a pleasant day in Portuguese, similar to “have a nice day” in English.

30. Como posso te ajudar? – How can I help you?
    • Offering assistance is a kind gesture, and “como posso te ajudar?” expresses willingness to help in Portuguese, similar to “how can I help you?” in English.
31. Estou com pressa. – I’m in a hurry.
    • When time is of the essence, it’s important to communicate urgency. “Estou com pressa” conveys being in a hurry in Portuguese, similar to “I’m in a hurry” in English.
32. Preciso de ajuda. – I need help.
    • Asking for assistance when necessary is important. “Preciso de ajuda” communicates the need for help in Portuguese, similar to “I need help” in English.
33. Com licença, onde posso encontrar um táxi? – Excuse me, where can I find a taxi?
    • When in need of transportation, asking for directions to a taxi stand is helpful. “Com licença, onde posso encontrar um táxi?” politely requests information about taxi locations in Portuguese, similar to “excuse me, where can I find a taxi?” in English.
34. Qual é o seu nome? – What is your name?
    • Getting to know someone starts with learning their name. “Qual é o seu nome?” asks for someone’s name in Portuguese, similar to “what is your name?” in English.
35. De onde você é? – Where are you from?
    • Learning about someone’s background fosters connection. “De onde você é?” inquires about someone’s place of origin in Portuguese, similar to “where are you from?” in English.
36. Eu não sei. – I don’t know.
    • Admitting lack of knowledge is honest and humble. “Eu não sei” communicates uncertainty in Portuguese, similar to “I don’t know” in English.
37. Por favor, me desculpe pelo erro. – Please forgive me for the mistake.
    • Acknowledging errors and seeking forgiveness is important for maintaining relationships. “Por favor, me desculpe pelo erro” apologizes for a mistake in Portuguese, similar to “please forgive me for the mistake” in English.
38. Parabéns! – Congratulations!
    • Celebrating achievements and milestones is a universal joy. “Parabéns!” congratulates someone in Portuguese, similar to “congratulations!” in English.
39. Boa sorte! – Good luck!
    • Offering well wishes for success is encouraging. “Boa sorte!” wishes someone good luck in Portuguese, similar to “good luck!” in English.
40. Até logo! – See you later!
    • A casual way to say goodbye with the intention of meeting again, “até logo!” is used in Portuguese, similar to “see you later!” in English.
41. Estou com medo. – I’m scared.
    • Expressing fear or apprehension is important for emotional well-being. “Estou com medo” communicates being scared in Portuguese, similar to “I’m scared” in English.
42. Estou preocupado/preocupada. – I’m worried. (masculine/feminine)
    • When feeling anxious or concerned, it’s important to express these emotions. “Estou preocupado” or “estou preocupada” communicates worry in Portuguese, depending on the speaker’s gender. The English equivalent is “I’m worried.”
43. Estou animado/animada. – I’m excited. (masculine/feminine)
    • Anticipating something with enthusiasm is a joyful experience. “Estou animado” or “estou animada” expresses excitement in Portuguese, depending on the speaker’s gender. The English equivalent is “I’m excited.”
44. Com licença, você poderia me ajudar a encontrar este lugar? – Excuse me, could you help me find this place?
    • When navigating unfamiliar surroundings, seeking assistance is helpful. “Com licença, você poderia me ajudar a encontrar este lugar?” politely requests help in finding a location in Portuguese, similar to “excuse me, could you help me find this place?” in English.
45. Posso tirar uma foto com você? – Can I take a picture with you?
    • Capturing memories with others is a common desire. “Posso tirar uma foto com você?” asks for permission to take a photo together in Portuguese, similar to “can I take a picture with you?” in English.
46. Que horas são? – What time is it?
    • Keeping track of time is essential for scheduling activities. “Que horas são?” asks for the time in Portuguese, similar to “what time is it?” in English.
47. Estou com calor. – I’m hot.
    • When feeling warm or overheated, it’s important to express this sensation. “Estou com calor” communicates feeling hot in Portuguese, similar to “I’m hot” in English.
48. Estou com frio. – I’m cold.
    • Conversely, when feeling cold, it’s important to communicate this sensation. “Estou com frio” communicates feeling cold in Portuguese, similar to “I’m cold” in English.
49. Por favor, me desculpe pela confusão. – Please forgive me for the confusion.
    • Acknowledging misunderstandings and seeking reconciliation is important for maintaining harmony. “Por favor, me desculpe pela confusão” apologizes for confusion in Portuguese, similar to “please forgive me for the confusion” in English.
50. Como posso chegar a [local]? – How can I get to [location]?
    • When seeking directions to a specific destination, asking for guidance is helpful. “Como posso chegar a [local]?” inquires about the route to a location in Portuguese, similar to “how can I get to [location]?” in English.

In conclusion, mastering common Portuguese phrases translated into English facilitates effective communication and fosters cultural understanding between Portuguese and English speakers. These expressions cover a wide range of situations, from greetings and pleasantries to seeking assistance and expressing emotions. By familiarizing oneself with these phrases, language learners can navigate various social interactions with confidence and ease, bridging the gap between different linguistic and cultural backgrounds.