Home / Blog / Essential Portuguese Phrases for Travel (with Meanings) Portuguese · Travel Essential Portuguese phrases for travel 29 July 2026 A few dozen well-chosen phrases will carry you a long way in Portugal or Brazil — and locals warmly appreciate any effort. The phrases below are the ones travellers use most, grouped by situation. Where Portugal and Brazil differ, we note both. Many use words you'll already recognise from English. Greetings and being polite PortugueseEnglish OláHello Bom diaGood morning Boa tardeGood afternoon Por favorPlease Obrigado / ObrigadaThank you (said by a man / a woman) DesculpeExcuse me / Sorry Fala inglês?Do you speak English? At a café or restaurant PortugueseEnglish Uma mesa para dois, por favorA table for two, please A ementa, por favor (PT) / O cardápio (BR)The menu, please Queria um caféI'd like a coffee O que recomenda?What do you recommend? A conta, por favorThe bill, please Está deliciosoIt's delicious Directions and transport PortugueseEnglish Onde fica...?Where is...? Onde é a casa de banho (PT) / o banheiro (BR)?Where is the bathroom? Como chego a...?How do I get to...? À esquerda / à direitaTo the left / to the right Sempre em frenteStraight ahead Um bilhete para...A ticket to... Shopping and money PortugueseEnglish Quanto custa?How much is it? É muito caroIt's very expensive Aceita cartão?Do you take card? Estou só a ver (PT) / só olhando (BR)I'm just looking Help and emergencies PortugueseEnglish Socorro!Help! Preciso de um médicoI need a doctor Chame a políciaCall the police Estou perdido / perdidaI'm lost (man / woman) Não me sinto bemI don't feel well A quick word on pronunciation Portuguese is where this language earns its character: nasal vowels (the ão in não), and a real difference in rhythm between European Portuguese (more clipped) and Brazilian (more open and melodic). Pick the accent that matches your trip — the words above work in both. More on the Learn Portuguese page. From phrasebook to real conversation Reading these is the easy part; saying them with the right sounds is the goal. Navoq lets you practise exactly these phrases out loud with instant pronunciation feedback, so they come out naturally when you're actually there. Learn a handful before you fly and your whole trip changes. Ready to start? Read more on the Learn Portuguese page. Travel-ready Portuguese, fast. Navoq helps you say these phrases out loud with confidence before you go. Download on theApp Store