Whether you’re learning Portuguese or already have some command of the language, one of the best ways to sound more fluent is by learning common expressions. European Portuguese, like any other language, is full of phrases and expressions that natives use daily. Mastering these expressions will help you better navigate conversations and understand the context in which certain phrases are used. In this article, we’ll explore some of the common Portuguese expressions everyone should know. Ready to sound like a native speaker? Let’s go!

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- Common Portuguese expressions
- Learning European Portuguese
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Why is it important to learn common Portuguese expressions? Learning grammar and vocabulary is fundamental, but it’s through common expressions that you truly immerse yourself in the culture and communicate naturally. Expressions are those little phrases that make natives sound more spontaneous. Additionally, these phrases are often used in different regions and contexts, so by learning them, you’ll also gain a better understanding of cultural differences in Portugal.
1. Tudo bem? – “All good?”
This is probably one of the first expressions you hear when learning Portuguese. “Tudo bem?” is a common way to ask “How are you?” and is used both to greet someone and to start a conversation.
Example of use:
Person 1: “Olá! Tudo bem?”
Person 2: “Tudo e contigo?”
Variant: “Como estás?” – This is more formal but also widely used, especially in professional settings.
Why is it important? This is one of the expressions you’ll use and hear constantly, regardless of the formality of the situation. Mastering this phrase will help you seem more approachable in your daily interactions.
2. Não faz mal – “It’s okay” or “No problem”
Used when you want to say that something is not an issue. “Não faz mal” is a common expression to downplay a situation. When someone apologises, for example, it’s very polite to respond this way.
Example of use:
Person 1: “Sorry for being late.”
Person 2: “No problem!”
Why is it important? This is one of the most useful expressions in European Portuguese, especially in situations where you want to minimise someone else’s discomfort or when you want to appear friendly and laid-back.
3. Está bem – “Alright” or “OK”
“Está bem” is an extremely versatile expression, used to agree with something or accept a situation. You can use it in almost every conversation.
Example of use:
Person 1: “Can we meet at 6 PM?”
Person 2: “Alright!”
Why is it important? This expression is present in almost all informal conversations. It’s essential to master it so you can respond quickly to questions or proposals.
4. Até já – “See you in a bit”
“Até já” is used when you’ll see the person again very soon. It’s more immediate than “até logo,” which can indicate a longer wait.
Example of use: “I’m just going to get some coffee, see you in a bit!”
Why is it important? Learning the difference between “até já” and “até logo” will make you sound more natural and aware of the nuances in Portuguese.
5. Pois é – “That’s right” or “Exactly”
“Pois é” is an expression of agreement. It’s used when you fully agree with what someone else said. Tone of voice is important here, as “pois é” can be used neutrally or even sarcastically, depending on intonation.
Example of use:
Person 1: “It’s so hot today!”
Person 2: “That’s right!”
Why is it important? It’s a simple and quick way to show that you’re following the conversation without needing to repeat what the other person has already said.
6. Logo se vê – “We’ll see” or “Let’s see”
Used when you don’t want to make a definitive decision. “Logo se vê” is perfect for situations where you’re unsure about something or prefer to delay an answer.
Example of use:
Person 1: “Are you going to the party this weekend?”
Person 2: “We’ll see.”
Why is it important? This expression reflects the laid-back attitude of many Portuguese speakers, especially in social contexts. It’s a very common way of avoiding firm commitments.
7. Deixa estar – “Never mind”
When you decide that something is not important or not worth discussing further, you can use the expression “Deixa estar.” It’s a way to end a subject without causing confusion.
Example of use: “Don’t worry about it, never mind.”
Why is it important? This is an excellent tool for downplaying a situation or ending a conversation that might be becoming tense.
8. Estás a ver? – “Are you following?” or “Do you get it?”
“Estás a ver?” is an expression frequently used to check if the other person is understanding what you’re explaining. It can be used in informal conversations to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Example of use: “So, first you go down the road, then turn left… Are you following?”
Why is it important? This phrase is very useful for teaching, explaining, or making sure the other person is keeping up with the conversation.
9. Nem por isso – “Not really”
If you want to give a negative response but in a soft way, you can use “Nem por isso.” This expression is great for avoiding blunt replies and keeping the conversation light.
Example of use:
Person 1: “Are you tired?”
Person 2: “Not really.”
Why is it important? This phrase helps you express disagreement in a less direct manner, which can be useful in social contexts where courtesy is important.
10. Dá-me jeito – “It suits me” or “It works for me”
“Dá-me jeito” is used to say that something is convenient or works for you. It can be applied in both personal and professional contexts.
Example of use: “Can we schedule the meeting for Monday? Does that work for you?”
Why is it important? This expression is often used in planning events and meetings and will help you sound more native when scheduling commitments.
11. Fica para a próxima – “Maybe next time”
When you can’t do something now but want to leave the door open for another time, you can use the expression “Fica para a próxima.”
Example of use: “Sorry, I can’t have dinner tonight. Maybe next time!”
Why is it important? Using this phrase will help you decline invitations politely without sounding disinterested.
12. Boa sorte com isso – “Good luck with that”
“Boa sorte com isso” is an expression that can be used either sincerely or sarcastically, depending on the context and tone. It can mean that someone is going to face a tough challenge.
Example of use:
Person 1: “I’m going to try to solve the problem on my own.”
Person 2: “Good luck with that!”
Why is it important? This is a fun way to respond when you think someone might be underestimating the difficulty of a task.
Conclusion Learning and using these common European Portuguese expressions will help you sound more natural in your conversations and better understand native speakers. Remember, as with any language, practice makes all the difference. The more you use these expressions in your daily life, the more natural your speech will become.
Which of these expressions did you already know? And which ones will you start using? Share with us in the comments or on social media!