Português (Portuguese)

Portuguese is spoken by over 250 million people, making it the sixth most spoken language in the world. It's the official language of Portugal, Brazil, Mozambique, Angola, and six other countries across four continents.

Why learn Portuguese?

Portuguese opens doors to Brazil (the world's ninth-largest economy), Portugal, and growing African markets. It's the language of bossa nova, fado, and some of the world's most vibrant cultures.

What makes Portuguese distinctive?

• Nasal vowels — Similar to French, sounds produced through the nose
• Complex verb system — Personal infinitive is unique to Portuguese
• Two main varieties — European and Brazilian Portuguese differ significantly
• Melodic rhythm — Often described as romantic and musical
• Gendered nouns — Masculine and feminine

This guide

1. The sounds of Portuguese — Pronunciation fundamentals
2. Your first words — Essential vocabulary
3. Nouns and gender — Understanding o and a
4. Verbs — Present tense conjugations
5. Numbers and time — Counting and telling time
6. Everyday conversations — Practical dialogues
7. Culture and context — Understanding Portuguese-speaking societies
8. Brazil vs Portugal — Key differences
9. Next steps — Resources for continued learning

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Start with Portuguese sounds →