“Ronaldo” is one of the first names that pop up when discussing Portugal, wherever you are in the world. Regarded as one of the most important football/soccer players of all time, he’s earned his place as not only a top Portuguese celebrity, but also as an important symbol of the country. Neither Rui nor Joel are fans of the ol’ sportsball, which made exploring the new vocabulary and expressions even more interesting! (Cue the hate mail, “futebol” purists!).
Cristiano Ronaldo: Assim Nasce Um Campeão!
Cristiano Ronaldo: A Champion is Born!
O Azulejo Português
The Portuguese Tile
Today we learn about one of the most important symbols of Portuguese culture, found all over the walls and buildings throughout the country – azulejos (tiles). As always, we explore new vocabulary and grammar, and correct more of Joel’s “pronúncia de estrangeiro!”
A Rota da Cortiça
The Cork Route
In this episode, we learn about one of Portugal’s most important symbols and main exports: cork! We explore tons of new vocabulary, and later, for your benefit, Rui humbles Joel by tearing apart his pronunciation skills!
A Mãe Está Doente e o Pai Cuida da Família
Mother Is Sick and Father Takes Care of the Family
Today, our fictional Portuguese family is subjected to some of the grammar you’ll find around the B2 Intermediate level, including the “conjuntivo” verb mood. Since the mother is sick, the father has to improvise with preparing dinner himself, all while taking care of the kids. Will it be as easy as he thinks, or will it all go “por água abaixo”?
Natal e o Ano Novo
Christmas and the New Year
What could be better than a holiday episode in January? (Just about anything!)
Listen to find out what happened to Rui that delayed this episode… and be extra prepared for when the holidays come around again in about 355 days!
We also discuss some quirky traditions and superstitions that Portuguese natives take part in during the New Year. Feliz janeiro!
Artigo 23 – António Guterres, A Unir Nações
António Guterres, Uniting Nations
A few days ago, Joel overheard some enthusiastic Portuguese natives talking about how António Guterres had been chosen as the new secretary-general of the United Nations. So in this episode, we take the opportunity to explore António’s life and the experiences that led up to this proud moment in Portugal’s history!
Portugal Campeão (Part 2)
In this second half of “Portugal Campeão“, we continue to celebrate Portugal’s futebol victory!
Just like the last few episodes, we discuss vocabulary and grammar useful in every day life, even if (like us) you don’t follow sports! Make sure to listen until the end where Rui gets a little bit hyper… and musical! (Too much galão, perhaps?)
(00:55 Slow reading, 07:31 Discussion, 26:38 Fast reading, 31:02 Outro)
Portugal Campeão (Part 1)
Portugal the Champions (Part 1)
We celebrate Portugal’s futebol victory with a play-by-play of how it all went down, including tons of useful expressions and vocabulary, soccer/football related and otherwise.
With Rui and Joel’s lack of sports knowledge (sports experts, you’ve been warned), we hope this episode is as educational as it is wacky!
Show up for the multiple musical outbursts, stay for the in-depth analysis of Ronaldo and his pet moth!
(Photo courtesy of Leticia De La Fuente)
A Família Vai Ao Supermercado
The Family Goes to the Supermarket
Marco and Ana take their kids to the “supermercado”, giving us an opportunity to learn some new vocabulary surrounding food.
First, Rui reads the entire article all the way through, then Rui and Joel split the text into sections to discuss vocabulary, Portuguese culture, and useful expressions you’ll hear on a daily basis while in Portugal. Rui also corrects some of Joel’s “estrangeiro” pronunciation mistakes that you might be making too!
Um Dia na Praia
A Day on the Beach
Are you just starting to learn Portuguese? This episode is perfect for you! It is A1/A2 level with simple vocabulary and grammar, but read by a native speaker, so it’s ideal for all levels to practice their pronunciation and listening comprehension! In addition, whenever we comment on the text, we take the opportunity to teach some expressions and review grammar.
Tip: The article is first read with discussion in between, and then read full-speed in its entirety at 14:50.
Tradições de Natal
Christmas Traditions
Christmas in Portugal — the habits, the traditions, and the typical dishes. Discover everything in a two-speed text. Slow so you can understand, fast so you can practice!
Grécia: Passado, Presente e Futuro
Greece: Past, Present, and Future
How the cradle of Western civilization became one of the greatest concerns of the world at the moment.
Sismo No Nepal
Earthquake in Nepal
In this article you will hear the description in Portuguese of the tragedy that occurred in Nepal. This was the news that arrived in Portugal.
If you want to help those affected by the earthquake, go to the Nepal Red Cross website, nrcs.org, and make your donation.
Artigo 15 – Sintra, Um Tesouro Verde
Sintra, A Green Treasure
Sintra is known for its palaces, legends, and winding paths. If you need a reason to visit Lisbon, then Sintra is the only reason you need.
O Fado, Património Imaterial da Humanidade
Fado, Humanity's Intangible Patrimony
If you know Portugal, you’ve heard of Fado and you know what it means to the Portuguese. But how much do you really know about this traditional music? Test your knowledge about Fado and practice your listening comprehension in a two-speed episode, suitable for those who are starting to learn Portuguese.
Os Turistas, o Brasil e o Mundial
Tourists, Brazil, and the World Cup
Find out what tourists are doing in Brazil during the 2014 World Cup and what Brazilians think about it!
O Rui Vai Correr a Maratona
Rui's Running the Marathon
In this episode I will talk about a personal dream and share with you one of my passions. All in clear, slow, and simple Portuguese.
Cara de Segunda-Feira
Monday Face
What’s your favorite day of the week? Listen to the article and show us a picture of your worst “cara de segunda-feira”!
O Fim do Mundo… Vem Do Espaço?
The End of the World... Coming from Space?
The end of the world will be in 2032! Can you learn Portuguese by then?
Notícias em Português: Redes Sociais
News in Portuguese: Social Networks
A new article format – now with a brief summary of the news in simpler words!
Dicas Para Aprender uma Segunda Língua
Tips for Learning a Second Language
It’s not easy to learn a new language, much less Portuguese, but here are some tips that we think could be useful!
Saudade
Longing
“Saudade” — a word without translation. What word would you use to express this feeling?
O Que É Português Europeu?
What is European Portuguese?
European Portuguese…who knows the main characteristics?
O Santo António
Saint Anthony
Learn more about Lisbon’s biggest festival, Santo António, with a shorter, simpler article. Enjoy!