Culture and context
Portuguese-speaking cultures vary greatly across continents.
Brazil
Communication style
- Warm and expressive
- Close physical proximity
- Frequent touching during conversation
- Você used widely (informal)
Greetings
- Cheek kisses: 2 in São Paulo, 1 in Rio, sometimes 3
- Hugs (abraços) common among friends
- Handshakes in business
Meal times
- Café da manhã (breakfast): Light
- Almoço (lunch): Main meal, 12–2 PM
- Jantar (dinner): 7–9 PM
Tipping
10% service charge often included; otherwise, leave 10%.
Portugal
Communication style
- More reserved than Brazil
- Tu used among friends/family
- Você can seem formal or distant
- O senhor/a senhora for strangers
Greetings
- Two cheek kisses between friends
- Handshakes in formal settings
- Less physical than Brazil
Meal times
- Later than Brazil
- Dinner often 8–10 PM
Key cultural notes
Differences to remember
| Aspect | Brazil | Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| "You" (informal) | você | tu |
| Phone greeting | Alô? | Estou? |
| "Cool" | Legal | Fixe |
| "Bus" | Ônibus | Autocarro |
| "Train" | Trem | Comboio |
Holidays
| Holiday | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Carnaval | February/March | Both |
| Independence Day | 7 September | Brazil |
| Portugal Day | 10 June | Portugal |