Portuguese Phrases to Learn Before Your Scouting Trip (and How to Say Them)
If you’re planning a scouting trip to Portugal — whether it’s to explore places to live or secure your D7 visa rental — learning a few basic Portuguese phrases will make a huge difference.
Even a simple “bom dia” (good morning) can open doors and show respect for local culture. English is widely spoken, but showing effort goes a long way — especially with estate agents, café owners, or local officials.
Here are some useful European Portuguese phrases to learn before you come, with pronunciation tips and when to use them.
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Greetings & Polite Essentials
Olá — Hello (oh-LAH)
Bom dia — Good morning (bohm DEE-ah)
Boa tarde — Good afternoon (BOH-ah tard)
Boa noite — Good evening / night (BOH-ah noyt)
Por favor — Please (poor fah-VOHR)
Obrigado / Obrigada — Thank you (oh-bree-GAH-doo / oh-bree-GAH-dah)
De nada — You’re welcome (d’NAH-dah)
Desculpe — Excuse me / sorry (desh-KOOL-pe)
Everyday Situations
Quanto custa? — How much is it? (KWAHN-too KOOSH-tah)
A conta, por favor — The bill, please (ah KON-tah poor fah-VOHR)
Um café, por favor — A coffee, please (oong kah-FEH poor fah-VOHR)
Um copo de vinho, por favor — A glass of wine, please (oong KOH-poo d’VEEN-yoo)
Não falo português — I don’t speak Portuguese (nown FAH-loo poor-too-GEHZ)
Fala inglês? — Do you speak English? (FAH-lah een-GLESH)
Onde é a casa de banho? — Where is the toilet? (OHN-d eh ah KAH-zah d’BAN-yoo)
Property & Scouting Trip Phrases
Procuro uma casa para alugar — I’m looking for a house to rent (pro-KOO-roo OO-mah KAH-zah PAH-rah ah-loo-GAR)
Esta casa ainda está disponível? — Is this property still available? (ESH-tah KAH-zah ah-EEN-dah esh-TAH deesh-poh-NEE-vel)
Posso ver a casa? — Can I see the property? (POS-soo vehr ah KAH-zah)
Preciso de um arrendamento de longa duração — I need a long-term rental (pre-SEE-zoo d’oom ah-hen-dah-MEN-too d’LONG-ah doo-rah-SOWN)
Tenho animais — I have pets (TEN-yo ah-nee-MYSH)
A internet está incluída? — Is the internet included? (ah een-tehr-NEHSH esh-TAH een-kloo-EE-dah)
Está mobilada? — Is it furnished? (esh-TAH moo-bee-LAH-dah)
Getting Around & Daily Life
Onde fica…? — Where is…? (OHN-d FEE-kah)
Esquerda / Direita / Em frente — Left / Right / Straight ahead (esh-KEHR-dah / dee-RAY-tah / ehn FREN-t)
Estou perdido / perdida — I’m lost (esh-TOH per-DEE-doo / per-DEE-dah)
Gostava de comprar isto — I’d like to buy this (goh-STAH-vah d’kohm-PRAR EESH-too)
Pode ajudar-me? — Can you help me? (POHD ah-joo-DAR-m)
Why Learning These Phrases Matters
You don’t need to be fluent — just trying a few words makes a real difference! We do this all the time and the Portuguese are VERY forgiving!
When you’re arranging rentals, meeting agents, or popping into cafés, speaking a little Portuguese helps you connect and shows respect for the country you’re hoping to call home.
It’s also practical — you’ll understand more signs, directions, and everyday situations.
How to Practise Before You Arrive
Use apps like Italki, Memrise, or Practice Portuguese (they focus on European, not Brazilian Portuguese).
Listen to locals on YouTube, podcasts, or Portuguese radio.
Practise out loud — pronunciation improves quickly once you say it aloud daily.
Final Tip
Don’t worry about mistakes. Portuguese people appreciate effort — they’ll often reply kindly or even help you with pronunciation.
A few polite words can make your scouting trip much smoother (and more fun).
Ready for your scouting trip?
Explore our Relocation Services or book a Coaching Call for tailored guidance on choosing your location, finding visa-compliant rentals, and settling in Portugal.
🎥 Watch our YouTube video: Arriving in Portugal — The Real Checklist They Don’t Tell You About
