So, you’re all set to have a vacation of a lifetime in Rio de Janeiro. And while sometimes getting lost and fumbling through a foreign city is part of the fun — it can often lead to all sorts of adventures you’ll remember for years to come — it’s always useful to know a few key phrases in Brazilian Portuguese when traveling to Rio. That’s where we come in!
Translation: No, I don’t understand.
Perhaps the one you’ll use most often. You can use this one when the waiter starts rattling off the night’s dinner specials, or when someone cute at the club starts to chat you up.
Translation: Do you speak English?
When you know zero Portuguese, then this is how you’ll be able to find people you can chat with, like when you’re trying to find someone who can give you directions to Parque de Catacumba.
Translation: How are you?
This is always a polite way to start a conversation whether you’re just at the bar about to order a drink or trying to make new friends at the soccer game.
Translation: Where’s the best beach?
Your vacation won’t be complete without some quality beach time, and you’ll be able to find the top spots for sun and sand by asking the locals for their favourites.
Translation: I’m lost.
Even with your smartphone and your guidebook, you can’t figure out how to get where you want to go. It’s time to swallow your pride and tell someone you’re lost.
Translation: Are you going to the party?
If hitting up some great parties on your Brazilian vacation is essential, then this is definitely one phrase you will need to master.
Translation: I’d like to check my email.
As much as you’d like to unplug from the world at home, sometimes it’s just necessary to check the inbox to check in with work or your family.
Translation: Can I have it sent overseas?
So, it turns out that you can’t live without the cachaça you’re drinking and want a case of it sent back home so you can make caipirinhas just like the ones you’re enjoying. Bust out this phrase and reap the benefits of cross-continental souvenirs.
Translation: I’d like to book a room, please.
If you want to make plans on the fly so your vacation plans can stay flexible, making knowing how to ask for accommodations a must.
Translation: I’m married.
Always a helpful phrase to know, whether it’s so you can make polite conversation with locals, or to let down hopefuls trying to chat you up.
Translation: What’s in that dish?
Almost everyone is going gluten-, meat-, or dairy-free these days. If you have a restricted diet (or simply like to know exactly what’s in the dishes you’re ordering), learn this phrase by heart.
Translation: Would you like a drink?
This is one of the easiest ways to make new friends at a bar, period.
Translation: I like you very much.
Have you found love in Rio de Janeiro? Then you’ll definitely want to be able to share how you feel with your new crush.
Translation: I’ll try it.
You’re all for trying new things on vacation — whether it’s food, drink, or activities. Here’s how you can say that you want in.
Translation: Could you take a picture of me?
There’s only so many selfies you can take. Get better photos of yourself at Ipanema Beach and Cristo Redentor by asking someone to snap a photo of you.
Translation: What’s your phone number?
It’s always important to know how to ask for one’s digits, whether it’s for the restaurant you want to call to make a dinner reservation at, or you want to be able to connect with the cutie you met at the beach.
Translation: That’s too expensive.
Oh yeah, it’s time to get your haggle on. When it comes to bartering with the local vendors, no one is better than you. Ad now you can bring those skills in multiple languages.
Translation: What’s your e-mail address?
You’ve met some lovely locals you can’t bear to say goodbye to and you want to keep in touch and need their email addresses.
Translation: Kiss me.
You’ve been flirting all night and want to smooch. Here’s how to ask for that kiss. Nice moves, hot shot.
Translation: I didn’t realize I was doing anything wrong.
Uh, oh. Somehow, you’ve gotten into a little bit of trouble and need to be able to explain that you’re not from around here, and you didn’t know you were misbehaving. Way to go, hot shot.