Portuguese for beginners

Here are some basic Portuguese words and phrases to help you during your travels to Madeira Island, along with pronunciation tips.

1. Olá! – Hello!

• Pronunciation: oh-LAH

2. Bom dia – Good morning

• Pronunciation: bohm DEE-uh

3. Boa tarde – Good afternoon

• Pronunciation: BOH-ah TAR-d

4. Boa noite – Good evening / Good night

• Pronunciation: BOH-ah NOY-t

5. Por favor – Please

• Pronunciation: por fah-VOR

6. Obrigado / Obrigada – Thank you (m/f)

• Pronunciation: oh-bree-GAH-doh (male) / oh-bree-GAH-dah (female)

7. Com licença – Excuse me

• Pronunciation: kohm lee-SEN-suh

8. Desculpe – Sorry

• Pronunciation: desh-KOOL-peh

9. Quanto custa? – How much does it cost?

• Pronunciation: KWAN-too KOOS-tah?

10. Onde é...? – Where is...?

• Pronunciation: OHN-deh eh...?

11. Preciso de ajuda – I need help

• Pronunciation: preh-SEE-zoo deh ah-ZHOO-dah

12. Sim / Não – Yes / No

• Pronunciation: seem / nah-oong

  13. Casa de banho – Bathroom

  • Pronunciation: KAH-zah deh BAH-nyoo

  14. A conta, por favor – The bill, please

  • Pronunciation: ah KON-tah, por fah-VOR

  15. Estou perdido/a – I’m lost (m/f)

  • Pronunciation: es-TOH per-DEE-do (male) / per-DEE-dah (female)

  16. Muito bom! – Very good!

  • Pronunciation: MOY-too bohng!

  These phrases should help make your time in Madeira a little easier, and locals always appreciate the effort!