Top 10 Portuguese Slang Words & Phrases You Must Know

Heading to Portugal and looking to blend in like a local? Learn these slang words in Portuguese to help you during your Lisbon study abroad experience. Whether you're dining at a restaurant, exploring the neighborhoods, or engaging in conversation, knowing a few key expressions will make your experience more enjoyable.  

We've compiled a list of must-know Portuguese slang phrases that will have you chatting with the local residents in no time! 

Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Lisbon 

Top 5 Portuguese Slang Words 

Ready to begin? These Portuguese slang terms are ideal for breaking the ice, keeping up with conversations, and showing off your language abilities, which hopefully are improving every day. Whether you're spending time with friends, meeting classmates, or discovering the city, these words can help you in moving through daily life. 

Portuguese Slang Word #1: Praia 

Meaning: Beach 

The stunning beaches might be one of the reasons you’ve chosen to study abroad in Portugal. We don’t blame you! 

For example: “Quero ir à praia de manhã.” (“I want to go to the beach in the morning.”) 

Portuguese Slang Word #2: Futebol 

Meaning: Soccer 

You’ll be made as an American if you refer to the sport as “soccer,” so practice this one before you leave the United States. 

For example: “A que horas é o jogo de futebol?” (“What time is the soccer game?”) 

Portuguese Slang Word #3: Caminhada 

Meaning: Hike 

With so many activities to participate in during your trip, you’ll want to take advantage of as many as possible. A hike in Portugal will be one you remember! 

For example: “Eu adoraria fazer uma caminhada.” (“I’d love to go for a hike.”) 

Read More: Why Study Abroad in Portugal (4 Key Reasons) 

Portuguese Slang Word #4: Bacalhau à brás 

Meaning: Codfish dish, one of the most popular meals in Portugal 

When in Portugal, you must try what the Portuguese eat. This dish consists of shreds of salted cod, onions, and fried potatoes – all bound with eggs – then garnished with black olives and parsley. 

For example: “Adorava experimentar o bacalhau à brás.” (“I’d love to try the codfish.”) 

Portuguese Slang Word #5: Fim de semana 

Meaning: Weekend 

Even when you’re studying in a beautiful foreign country, you’re still going to look forward to all the places you could go during your weekends. 

For example: “O que devemos fazer este fim de semana?” (“What should we do this weekend?”) 

Top 5 Portuguese Slang Phrases 

After you learn some slang in Portuguese, you’ll want to figure out how to string a few of those words together. Check out the phrases below to see if they’ll help you during your semester away! 

Portuguese Slang Phrase #1: Fala inglês? 

Meaning: Do you speak English? 

Just because you’re traveling to Portugal doesn’t mean that you’ll need to know every word and phrase. It’s totally fine to ask if someone speaks your language! 

For example: “Não tenho a certeza se conheço essa palavra. Fala inglês?” (“I'm not sure I know that word. Do you speak English?”) 
 
Read More: Study Abroad in Portugal (FAQs) 

Portuguese Slang Phrase #2: Vamos a isso! 

Meaning: Let’s do this! 

If you love extreme sports, you could find yourself saying this phrase a lot, encouraging others to get in on the action. 

For example: “Ela quer praticar parapente. Vamos a isso!” (“She wants to go paragliding. Let’s do this!”) 

Portuguese Slang Phrase #3: Quanto tá o jogo? 

Meaning: What is the score? 

If you’re attending a soccer game – excuse us, futebol – or watching it on TV, you may need to learn this question. 

For example: “Saí apenas por 30 segundos. Quanto tá o jogo?” (“I only left for 30 seconds. What’s the score?”) 

Portuguese Slang Phrase #4: E aí? 

Meaning: What’s up? 

It’s a translation that’s probably worth learning in any language of a country you’re traveling to. 

For example: “E aí? Faz um tempo que não te vejo!” (“What’s up? I haven’t seen you in a while!”) 

Portuguese Slang Phrase #5: Para onde vai esse trem? 

Meaning: Where does this train go? 

Public transport is popular in Portugal, so you may want to learn some of the basics to help you get around. 

For example: “Para onde vai esse trem? Eu quero ir para o norte.” (“Where does this train go? I want to go north.”) 

Read More: Eat, Drink, Explore: Lisbon 

Take Your Studies to Portugal 

Keep practicing your Portuguese slang, stay curious, and don't be afraid to make mistakes as you go. As they say in Portuguese, "Quem não arrisca não petisca" – nothing ventured, nothing gained. Here's to taking risks we believe will pay off! 

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