HOW TO COMMUNICATE IN LISBON

When traveling to Lisbon, effective communication can enhance your experience and help you navigate the city with ease.

Language:

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese, and while many people in Lisbon, especially in the tourism industry, speak English, it’s still helpful to learn some basic Portuguese phrases. This not only shows respect for the local culture but can also be quite handy in less touristy areas. Here are some common Portuguese phrases:

Greetings:

  1. Hello: Olá (oh-LAH)
  2. Good morning: Bom dia (BOHNG DEE-ah)
  3. Good afternoon: Boa tarde (BOH-ah TAHR-deh)
  4. Good evening/night: Boa noite (BOH-ah NOY-teh)

Politeness:

  1. Please: Por favor (pohr fah-VOHR)
  2. Thank you: Obrigado (if you’re male) or Obrigada (if you’re female) (oh-bree-GAH-doo/-dah)
  3. You’re welcome: De nada (dih NAH-dah)
  4. Excuse me / Sorry: Desculpe (deh-SKOOL-peh)

Basic Questions:

  1. Yes: Sim (seem)
  2. No: Não (nown)
  3. How are you?: Como está? (KOH-moh ehs-TAH)
  4. What is your name?: Como se chama? (KOH-moh seh SHAH-mah)
  5. My name is…: Chamo-me… (SHAH-moh-meh)

Directions:

  1. Where is…?: Onde fica…? (AWN-deh FEE-kah…?)
  2. Right: Direita (dee-RAY-tah)
  3. Left: Esquerda (ehs-KEHR-dah)
  4. Straight: Em frente (ahm FEHNG-teh)
  5. How much is this?: Quanto custa? (KWAN-too KOOSH-tah)
  6. I want…: Quero… (KAY-roh)

Eating and Drinking:

  1. Menu: Menu (MEH-noo)
  2. Water: Água (AH-gwah)
  3. Food: Comida (koh-MEE-dah)
  4. Beer: Cerveja (sehr-VAY-zhah)
  5. Wine: Vinho (VEE-nyoh)

Numbers:

  1. 1: Um (Oo)
  2. 2: Dois (Doysh)
  3. 3: Três (Traysh)
  4. 4: Quatro (KWAH-troo)
  5. 5: Cinco (SEEN-koh)
  6. 6: Seis (SAYsh)
  7. 7: Sete (SEH-teh)
  8. 8: Oito (OY-too)
  9. 9: Nove (NOH-veh)
  10. 10: Dez (DEHZ)

Emergencies:

  1. Help!: Socorro! (so-KOH-roh)
  2. I need assistance: Preciso de ajuda (pray-SEE-soo di ah-JOO-dah)
  3. Police: Polícia (poh-LEE-see-ah)

Travel Phrases:

  1. Airport: Aeroporto (ah-eh-roh-POHR-tooh)
  2. Train station: Estação de comboios (eh-STAH-sawn dih kohm-BOYSH)
  3. Bus station: Estação de autocarros (eh-STAH-sawn dih ow-toh-kah-ROOS)
  4. Hotel: Hotel (oh-TEHL)
  5. Restroom: Casa de banho (KAH-zah dih BAH-nyoo)

English:

While Portuguese is the primary language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Most young people in Lisbon, especially those working in the hospitality industry, are likely to be fluent in English. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance if you have trouble communicating.

Basic Phrases:

Learning a few basic phrases in Portuguese can go a long way in making a positive impression with the locals. Try using phrases like “por favor” (please), “obrigado/obrigada” (thank you), and “olá” (hello) to start conversations.

Translation Apps:

Having a translation app on your smartphone can be extremely useful. Apps like Google Translate allow you to translate text and even have conversations by speaking into your phone. Downloading the Portuguese language pack can help when you’re offline.

Non-Verbal Communication:

Keep in mind that non-verbal communication is essential. Lisbon is known for its friendly and warm people. A smile, polite gestures, and respectful behavior can often bridge language gaps and enhance your experience.

Tourist Information:

Lisbon has several tourist information centers where you can get assistance in multiple languages. These centers are excellent resources for maps, brochures, and guidance on what to see and do in the city.

Public Transportation:

Most signage in Lisbon’s public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro, is displayed in both Portuguese and English. This makes it easy for travelers to get around the city.

Local Etiquette:

Respect for local customs and etiquette is appreciated. Lisbon locals are known for their politeness and friendliness, so returning the favor by being courteous and understanding will help you communicate effectively.