Essential Portuguese Phrases for Expats and Property Buyers

Moving to Portugal or buying property there? While many Portuguese people speak English, learning some key phrases will make your experience smoother and help you connect with locals. Whether you’re house-hunting, setting up utilities, or simply ordering a coffee, these essential Portuguese phrases for expats will help you navigate daily life in Portugal with confidence.

1. Basic Greetings and Politeness

A good first impression goes a long way! Here are some essential phrases for polite interactions:

• Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening – Olá / Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite

• Please / Thank you – Por favor / Obrigado (if you’re male) or Obrigada (if you’re female)

• Excuse me / Sorry – Com licença / Desculpe

• Do you speak English? – Fala inglês?

• I don’t understand – Não entendo

  
  

2. Phrases for Buying Property

If you're purchasing a home in Portugal, these phrases will be useful when speaking to real estate agents, lawyers, or sellers:

• I am looking for a property to buy – Estou à procura de uma propriedade para comprar

• How much does this house/apartment cost? – Quanto custa esta casa/este apartamento?

• Can I schedule a viewing? – Posso agendar uma visita?

• I would like to make an offer – Gostaria de fazer uma oferta

• What are the additional costs (taxes, fees, etc.)? – Quais são os custos adicionais (impostos, taxas, etc.)?

• When will the property be available? – Quando estará disponível a propriedade?

• Is the price negotiable? – O preço é negociável?

  
  

3. Setting Up Utilities and Services

After securing your property, you’ll need to set up essential services such as electricity, water, and internet. These phrases can help:

• I need to open a bank account – Preciso abrir uma conta bancária

• I would like to set up electricity/water/internet – Gostaria de contratar eletricidade/água/internet

• What is the monthly bill? – Qual é o valor da conta mensal?

• Where is the nearest post office? – Onde fica o correio mais próximo?

• Can I pay by direct debit? – Posso pagar por débito direto?

  
  

4. Everyday Life and Shopping

When settling into a new country, simple transactions become easier with basic language skills:

• Where is the nearest supermarket? – Onde fica o supermercado mais próximo?

• Do you accept credit cards? – Aceitam cartões de crédito?

• I would like to buy… – Gostaria de comprar…

• How much does this cost? – Quanto custa isto?

• I need a receipt, please – Preciso de um recibo, por favor

  
  

5. Social and Networking Phrases

Building a community is important when moving abroad. These phrases will help you socialise:

• Nice to meet you – Prazer em conhecê-lo/la

• Where are you from? – De onde você é?

• I am from (the UK, the USA, etc.) – Sou do Reino Unido / dos Estados Unidos

• I live in (Lagos, Lisbon, etc.) – Moro em (Lagos, Lisboa, etc.)

• Would you like to meet for a coffee? – Gostaria de encontrar para um café?

  
  

6. Dining Out and Exploring Portugal

Enjoying Portuguese cuisine and culture is a key part of life in Portugal. Here are some useful phrases:

• A table for two, please – Uma mesa para dois, por favor

• The menu, please – O menu, por favor

• I would like (fish, meat, vegetarian dish) – Gostaria de (peixe, carne, prato vegetariano)

• The bill, please – A conta, por favor

• Can you recommend a good local restaurant? – Pode recomendar um bom restaurante local?

  
  

7. Emergency and Health-Related Phrases

It’s always good to be prepared for emergencies. Here are some important phrases:

• I need a doctor – Preciso de um médico

• Where is the nearest hospital? – Onde fica o hospital mais próximo?

• I have an allergy to… – Tenho alergia a…

• Call an ambulance! – Chame uma ambulância!

• Help! – Socorro!

Learning these essential Portuguese phrases will help you settle into your new home, make local connections, and navigate the property market with ease. Even a small effort to speak the language is appreciated by locals and will enrich your experience in Portugal.

If you’re considering purchasing property in Portugal, Aqua Vista is here to guide you through every step of the process. Get in touch today to explore exclusive real estate opportunities in some of Portugal’s most sought-after locations.