Blog
Short, practical posts about European Portuguese: words, sounds, grammar and life in Portugal.
B1–C1 · Reading practice
Ler em português
Texts written in European Portuguese, with a glossary in English and Spanish and comprehension questions.
Portugal vs Brazil · 23 October 2026
European vs Brazilian Portuguese: 10 differences that matter
It's the same language, and people from both countries understand each other. But if you're going to live in Portugal, these ten differences decide whether you sound local or like you learned from Brazilian TV.
Learning · 23 October 2026
How long does it take to learn European Portuguese?
An honest answer, without miracle promises: what the official figures say, what changes the timeline, and what you can realistically expect in a year.
Living in Portugal · 23 October 2026
Do you need Portuguese to live in Portugal?
Many people in Portugal speak good English, so you can get by. But “getting by” and feeling at home are two different things.
Exams · 23 October 2026
The CIPLE (A2) exam: what it is and how to prepare
The CIPLE is the A2 certificate in Portuguese as a foreign language, from CAPLE at the University of Lisbon. Here is how it works, in plain words.
Living in Portugal · 23 October 2026
Portuguese for paperwork: 12 phrases for the Finanças and other offices
Official offices are where Portuguese matters most. These phrases and words will make your next visit calmer.
Culture · 23 October 2026
Tu, você or o senhor? How to address people in Portugal
One of the trickiest things for learners isn't grammar: it's knowing how to address someone without sounding rude or too familiar.
Spanish speakers · 23 October 2026
12 Spanish–Portuguese false friends (and how to avoid them)
If you speak Spanish, Portuguese feels familiar, and that's exactly the trap. These twelve words look the same but mean something else.
Culture · 23 October 2026
Saudade: what it means and how to use it
It's often called the most untranslatable word in Portuguese. It isn't impossible to explain, but it is very Portuguese.
Everyday life · 23 October 2026
How to order coffee in Portugal: bica, galão, meia de leite
The café is where most people use their first Portuguese. Here's what to order, and how to say it.
Grammar · 23 October 2026
“Estou a falar”: how Portugal says what's happening now
Brazil says “estou falando”. Portugal says “estou a falar”. One small word, and you instantly sound European.
Expressions · 15 October 2026
Ora bem, pois, fixe: five little words that make you sound Portuguese
Textbooks teach you sentences. People in Portugal fill their conversations with small words that no textbook explains. Learn these five and you'll understand much more of what you hear.
Pronunciation · 15 October 2026
Why does European Portuguese sound so different? The secret of the “swallowed” vowels
Many learners say European Portuguese sounds like Russian, or that Portuguese speakers “eat” half the word. There's a clear explanation, and once you know it, listening gets much easier.
Grammar · 15 October 2026
Obrigado or obrigada? It depends on you, not on who you thank
It's one of the first words most people learn in Portuguese, and one of the first mistakes they make. Here's the simple rule, and the story behind it.