As part of our Tu e Você unit, this guide will cover how to address people formally vs. informally in Portugal, with a special focus on the difference between tu and você in European Portuguese. Grammatically, it doesn’t take too long to learn the basics. The most challenging aspects for , however, tend to be […]
Tu and Você in European Portuguese
Salvador Sobral Ganha Eurovisão 2017
Salvador Sobral Wins Eurovision 2017
Discover the beautiful ballad that unexpectedly swept Europe off its feet in the Eurovision 2017 song contest: “Amar Pelos Dois”, by Salvador Sobral. After 53 years of competing, this marks Portugal’s first victory ever! With the help of a special guest, Rui and Joel explore the meaning behind these Portuguese lyrics as well as what set this performance apart from all the rest.
Note: We only used a short clip of the song to avoid waking up the copyright police, so make sure to check out Salvador’s full performance with his sister, (and composer, Luísa Sobral): https://youtu.be/z5VUti3kVIo?t=4m13s
A Lenda Da Serra Da Nó
The Legend of Serra da Nó
We’re back with another classic Portuguese tale, this time with the story of a Moorish king after the heart of a humble, female shepherd. Will he win her heart, despite their different religious backgrounds? How will they survive when the Christians come to take over the castle and land? Listen and find out!
Portuguese Holidays
The Portuguese calendar has several holidays and holiday periods throughout the year. Holiday can have two meanings in Portuguese: – A public holiday, or day to celebrate something of specific cultural or religious importance at a local or national level. – A planned period of time off work or school. Férias are often scheduled around […]
European Portuguese Greetings
Let’s start with the basics! One of the simplest Portuguese greetings is and one of the simplest ways to say goodbye is , or the slightly more formal . However, it’s also very common to say hello or goodbye with a more specific greeting based on what time of day it is. Portuguese Greetings Throughout […]
A Lenda do Galo de Barcelos (Animated!)
The Legend of the Rooster of Barcelos (Animated!)
Wayne, the talented animator and good friend of Practice Portuguese, is back at it again with this reimagining of one of our podcast episodes, based on a famous Portuguese tale.
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!
New Year’s Eve Traditions in Portugal
In Portugal, is full of traditions and superstitions. Just like Christmas, the celebration begins with a family dinner, and even more holiday sweets. It’s All About o Dinheiro! Superstition says that you can attract in the new year by eating chocolate.
The Holiday Season in Portugal
Celebrating Christmas: Then and Now Portugal has no official religion, but most of its population is Christian (81% Catholic). However, only about 19% attend mass and take the sacraments regularly. In Portugal, Church and State are formally separate, but the Catholic institution still has a strong influence, especially for the older population. Like other parts […]
Introduction to European Portuguese
🌍 Countries that Speak Portuguese Did you know that Portuguese is the 6th most spoken language in the world? 🗣 Portuguese is spoken in Portugal (including Madeira and the Azores), of course, but there are also many other countries and regions that speak the language. For example: Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, Guinea-Bissau, East Timor, the Special […]
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!
A Lenda da Rainha Santa Isabel ANIMATED!
The Legend of the Queen Saint Elizabeth ANIMATED!
Our animator friend, Wayne, is back at it again with another beautifully animated version of one of our episodes! This is one of our favourites, especially because it features Rui’s parents lending their voice talent as the king and queen!
A Lenda da Rainha Santa Isabel
The Legend of the Queen Saint Elizabeth
Have you heard the legend of the “Holy Queen”, one of the most beautiful Portuguese legends? She tells us about a miracle, but the most important thing is the message of solidarity we are left with. (With the participation of Ana Coimbra and Rui Coimbra Sr.!)
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!
A Lenda do Galo de Barcelos
The Legend of the Rooster of Barcelos
February 2017 Update: Wayne, the talented animator and good friend of Practice Portuguese, is back at it again with this animated reimagining of this formerly audio-only episode. Hope you like!
The truth works miracles. Discover how in another Portuguese legend.
Um Passeio de Carro Com a Avó ~ Boas Festas e Feliz Ano Novo!
A Car Ride With Grandma ~ Season's Greetings and Happy New Year!
Rui and Avó Odete drive around and talk about the best of Portugal, Christmas, and TAP strikes. She also reveals her grandmother’s secret use for soaps!
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.
O Joel Vai à Polónia
Joel Goes to Poland
Joel wants to travel in Europe and decides to accept a very interesting suggestion. Do you know this Polish city? What is your favourite European city?
Ano Novo…Língua Nova?
New Year...New Language?
Rui and his mom have a question: where on the planet is the New Year celebrated first? Does anyone know?
Saudade
Longing
“Saudade” — a word without translation. What word would you use to express this feeling?
O Santo António
Saint Anthony
Learn more about Lisbon’s biggest festival, Santo António, with a shorter, simpler article. Enjoy!
Artigo 4 – É Portugal o Melhor Destino?
Is Portugal the Best Destination?
Is Portugal really the best destination for tourism?
Find out what the country has to offer and listen to what the experts think.
Would you agree?
A Páscoa em Portugal
Easter in Portugal
Half Jesus, half chocolate! Portugal and its Easter traditions, in a video with subtitles so you can practice at your own pace.