How to Learn Portuguese for Absolute Beginners

So you've decided to learn Portuguese—a language known for its diversity, vibrant culture, warmth, and rich, complex history. Whether your interest lies in European Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, or both, this guide has everything you need.

This article will serve as your step-by-step guide, featuring carefully chosen resources to start your journey on the right foot. To get the best results, I suggest dedicating at least 20-60 minutes each day to active Portuguese study, putting these steps into practice.

1. Decide Which Portuguese Variant You Want to Study

When it comes to Portuguese, no dialect is right or wrong. No variant is more correct, appropriate, truthful, or “authentic” than another.

You can select your preferred dialect based on these considerations:

• How important is the number of speakers to you? You might lean towards Brazilian Portuguese (with roughly 182 million speakers) over European Portuguese (with about 10 million speakers). It's also worth noting that Portuguese is spoken in several African nations, including Angola, Cape Verde, Guiné-Bissau, Mozambique, and São Tomé e Príncipe. The African dialects are much closer to the one spoken in Portugal.
• Which part of the world interests you? Your choice might be influenced by the culture you find most appealing. Portuguese-speaking countries are known for their vibrant social scenes, delicious cuisine, beautiful beaches, and inviting sunny weather. The main cultural differences are found in music, dance, everyday communication, and historical background.
• Which dialect appeals to you most? Sometimes it's best to trust your instincts. When you listen to the Angolan, Portuguese, Brazilian, or Cape Verdean dialects, which one resonates with you?
• Where do you imagine yourself using Portuguese? You might find a dialect appealing but not see yourself visiting its country or connecting with its culture. That's perfectly fine! Choose the dialect you believe will be most useful for your career, travel plans, or even a potential future home.

Remember, you don't necessarily have to make a final choice.

Speakers from different Portuguese-speaking countries can generally understand each other.

Once you learn one version of Portuguese, you can always adjust and learn the main differences between dialects. For example, moving from Brazilian Portuguese to European Portuguese is not impossible—and not even that hard.

Here are some common features of Brazilian Portuguese:

• Discourse markers like né? (isn’t it?) or oi? to indicate you didn't understand something
• Interchangeable use of tu and você

Here’s a sample of what Brazilian Portuguese sounds like:

While European Portuguese looks very similar to Brazilian Portuguese in writing, the pronunciation will quickly help you tell them apart.

Here are some characteristics of European Portuguese:

• The “sh” sound and closed vowels that don't require wide mouth movements, giving it a melody that sounds somewhat Eastern European
• The use of você is now almost nonexistent
• Common discourse markers include tipo (like), pá and epá/opá
• The Angolan word bué, meaning “a lot” or “much”

Here’s what European Portuguese sounds like:

2. Practice Pronunciation Using Music and Other Native Resources

All Portuguese dialects share some common pronunciation features:

• Nasalization of vowels (speaking some vowels through your nose, as in -ão, -ãe, -em, -ém)
• Tricky lh and nh digraphs
• A tendency to barely pronounce vowels at the end of words, which is even more noticeable in Portugal

If you sometimes confuse Portuguese with Spanish, note that Portuguese doesn't use words with -ie-. It simplifies them.

For instance, the Spanish words tiempo (time), quiero (I want), tiene (he/she has) and bien (well) become tempo, quero, tem and bem in Portuguese, in every dialect.

It's also helpful to practice the different “r” sounds in Portuguese and its intonation patterns to sound more like a native speaker.

Music

Music is a great way to begin familiarizing yourself with pronunciation.

Both Brazil and Portugal offer a wide array of music genres, such as samba (and its subgenre pagode), bossa nova, funk, alternative rock, danceable pop songs, fado, indie rock bands, and creative rap.

Both countries also show strong African cultural influences in their music, along with a rich history of protest songs.

I recommend the Fluent Forever Pronunciation Trainer Resources to hone your listening skills and improve your pronunciation.

It emphasizes phonetics, vowels, plenty of repetition, and spelling rules, which is very helpful for beginners.

Here is the Brazilian Portuguese version and the European Portuguese version!

Podcasts and radio

European Portuguese:

• RTP Play. RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal) is a public radio and TV station known for its news channels, documentaries, and cultural programs. You can also watch several soap opera episodes here, though these don't have subtitles and might be quite challenging.
• Conta-me Tudo. Conta-me Tudo interviews both everyday people and public figures about real-life stories. This podcast is particularly useful for learning common everyday expressions and amusing Portuguese phrases, and for practicing listening comprehension with a touch of humor.

Brazilian Portuguese:

• Jovem Pan Online. If you're interested in politics, current news, sports, and opinions, you'll find something here that captures your interest. With over 30 podcasts to pick from, topics range from technology and soccer to culture and cinema.
• Antena 1. Antena 1 is promoted as the most listened-to radio station in Brazil. It not only brings you the latest in international music but also lets you listen to the station live from their website with side-by-side English to Portuguese translations for each song!
• PortuguesePod101. With PortuguesePod101, you can filter podcast episodes by level and choose from more than 1,180 audio and video lessons. You'll also get access to spaced repetition flashcards to help you remember vocabulary, along with detailed PDF lesson notes.

Other native media

• TV shows and series. Watching Portuguese TV series is an excellent method to sharpen your listening skills and observe Portuguese being spoken in context by natives. Take a look at our blog post here for the top Portuguese TV series to watch.
• Portuguese movies. If you prefer stories that wrap up in a couple of hours rather than over several seasons, you can always watch Portuguese films. Check out this blog post for our top selection of Portuguese movies.
• YouTube videos. Finally, you can find an endless supply of videos on the Portuguese side of YouTube, covering everything from makeup tutorials to daily vlogs. Depending on your level, you can choose channels by native Portuguese speakers intended for a native audience, or you can find numerous Portuguese learning channels.

3. Learn the Phrases That Serve You Best

Once you've started to get comfortable with pronunciation, it's time to define your purpose for learning Portuguese before moving on to the next steps.

Maybe you're learning because you find Portuguese pleasant and you're simply having fun. In that case, it's fine to learn phrases and vocabulary progressively, level by level (like introductions, family, countries and nationalities, then moving on to jobs and careers, etc.).

For example, you can begin with “Qual é o seu nome?” (What’s your name?), “De onde você é?” (Where are you from?) and “O que você gosta de fazer no seu tempo livre?” (What do you like to do in your free time?)

However, if you have a specific goal—like getting a job in Brazil, visiting family in Portugal, or traveling to Cape Verde—you might want to narrow your phrase list and concentrate on topics that will be most useful to you.

Omniglot is a useful platform for anyone starting out in a new language.

It provides the most common phrases in both Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese, giving you a solid foundation to begin with.

You can also start with these common greetings (for both dialects) and basic Portuguese phrases to use in your initial conversations.

4. Start Talking and Writing as Early as Possible

I understand—speaking and writing in a new language can be a major source of anxiety, making you feel overwhelmed and awkward.

But by practicing these skills as soon as you can, you'll…

• Gain a much-needed confidence boost to energize your future learning
• Understand how different the language can sound when spoken by natives compared to grammar textbooks
• Quickly build trustworthy connections (like teachers and tutors) who can help you with questions about slang, word choice, and grammar

Writing will also play a significant role in your progress.

It's a different way of using the language, but it gives you more time to think and isn't as high-pressure as speaking.

This lets you practice new phrases, expressions, and vocabulary on paper to prepare for your speaking practice!

Here are some platforms where you can find professional teachers and tutors who can assist you, especially with speaking:

• italki. Italki allows you to take one-on-one video lessons with Portuguese tutors. You pay for lessons as you go (there's no fixed monthly fee), you can track your lessons, receive personalized feedback from your teacher, and browse teacher profiles until you find the right fit for you. Check out our full review here.
• Verbling. As soon as you visit the website, Verbling asks if you've studied the language before and what your motivation is for learning Portuguese (is it travel? work? family? a hobby?). Verbling also lets you try a free 30-minute lesson and search for teachers by specific skill (such as accent reduction, phonetics, or interview preparation).

5. Take Portuguese Lessons Online to Boost Your Grammar and Vocabulary

A structured set of lessons is an excellent way to begin learning Portuguese. Luckily, there are many online options for that too!

These resources can assist you with important grammar topics like Portuguese verbs and their conjugations, as well as nouns and their genders.

• Memrise (both European and Brazilian Portuguese). Memrise uses video, audio, and multiple-choice exercises to train your vocabulary skills. Its wide range of course options and SRS-based flashcard program make learning and remembering new vocabulary straightforward. Check out our full review here.
• Pimsleur (both European and Brazilian Portuguese). Besides its audio-based 30-minute lessons, Pimsleur also offers specialized reading lessons, role-play activities, skills badges, and what they call “lightbulb moments,” where you learn about history and culture for a more rounded experience. Check out our full review here.
• Babbel (Brazilian Portuguese only). One of the most popular language learning apps, Babbel is known for its clean design, clear grammar explanations, sample dialogues, and pronunciation practice exercises with an integrated speech recognition tool. Even after completing the set Beginner and Intermediate courses, Babbel still offers refresher courses, grammar-only courses, specialized courses on Brazilian traditions, and lessons on Portuguese idioms. Check out our full review here.
• Practice Portuguese (European Portuguese only). From podcasts with transcripts to entertaining videos, grammar modules, learning notes, and a comprehensive learning studio, this resource has it all!

6. Study with Flashcard Apps

Free flashcard apps have become a staple for nearly every language learner, especially with today's technology.

I recommend using Quizlet or Anki App to create your own flashcards.

It's important to start applying your newly learned Portuguese vocabulary to your personal context as much as possible.

So instead of grouping all the words you learn and creating hundreds of flashcards, I suggest selecting the ones that are most relevant to your personal situation!

Many flashcard apps also feature automatically scheduled review sessions or use Spaced Repetition Software (SRS), a technique that prompts you to review challenging words more often and easier words less frequently.

7. Explore Entertaining YouTube Channels

YouTube is another treasure trove for Portuguese learners who prefer a more visual learning style and want to enhance their listening skills.

• Bumba na Fofinha (European Portuguese). Mariana Cabral became well-known for her rants and humorous commentary on Portuguese society, beauty standards, trends (like running, yoga, or detox), and her own personal quirks.
• Wuant (European Portuguese). Wuant is one of Portugal's biggest YouTubers, famous for his viral “Top 10” content, funny memes, and reactions to scary or gross footage. Viewers appreciate his spontaneous, loud, casual, and relatable way of speaking, while also showing sensibility and care when needed.
• Gato Fedorento (European Portuguese). Mention Gato Fedorento (which means “smelly cat”) in Portugal, and everyone will be surprised. This comedy group is a household name, though their humor, which often plays on quirks of the Portuguese language, doesn't have as much traction outside the country.
• Felipe Neto (Brazilian Portuguese). Felipe Neto first gained popularity with his angry, humorous videos critiquing movies and celebrity opinions. Nowadays, his channel has expanded, and he creates videos on curiosities and “best of” lists.
• Whindersson Nunes (Brazilian Portuguese). Whindersson Nunes has taken YouTube by storm with his comedic videos about Brazilian society, class inequality, money issues, Brazilian soap operas, and even the Discovery Channel! You're sure to get a good laugh and quickly pick up on Brazilian slang and filler words.
• Porta dos Fundos (Brazilian Portuguese). Porta dos Fundos has become an iconic comedy group in Brazil and Portugal, and most comedy fans will know them! They produce absurd, hilarious sketches on current trends, miscommunication, career expectations, relationships, and social issues.

For a complete list of the 29 best Portuguese YouTube channels, see our post here. We also have our own channel where you'll find language learning tips, recommendations, and video lessons based on Portuguese-language media.

For example, here's a grammar lesson based on the Portuguese-dubbed version of “The Simpsons”:

8. Read Portuguese and Brazilian Books

Books are essential resources if you plan to advance your Portuguese.

They not only introduce you to common expressions used in real life but also expand your vocabulary on specific topics, challenge you to read what natives read, and provide excellent conversation topics for speaking practice.

Whether you're a fan of Portuguese audiobooks or looking for some easy reads, we've got you covered!

Elementary and intermediate books

Children's literature is a great choice for those just starting with the language. The topics are relatable to everyday life, the vocabulary is accessible, and the structure is usually easier to follow.

I recommend starting with the “Uma Aventura” (“An Adventure”) series if you're learning European Portuguese.

This series became hugely popular because each book follows the adventures of a group of friends in a different location across Portugal.

For Brazilian Portuguese, the “Vaga-Lume” and “Turma da Mônica” (“Monica's Class”) series are absolute classics and great conversation starters, as their characters have become iconic.

You'll especially love the last one if you enjoy comic books!

Translations of English books

Nearly all popular fantasy books have been translated into Portuguese, including big titles like “Harry Potter,” “Lord of the Rings” (“A Amizade em O Senhor dos Anéis”), “Twilight” (“Crepúsculo”) and “The Hunger Games” (“Jogos Vorazes”).

You can also opt for classics like “Pride and Prejudice” (“Orgulho e Preconceito”) or even non-fiction classics like “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” (“Os 7 Hábitos das Pessoas Altamente Eficazes”).

Simply search Amazon for your favorite books and include “in Portuguese” or “Portuguese edition” in your search.

Portuguese classics and poetry

Both Portugal and Brazil regularly host meetups, conferences, and festivals that celebrate all forms of literature in the Portuguese language.

In Portugal, you can't miss the legendary modernist poet Fernando Pessoa, Nobel Prize-winning novelist José Saramago, and contemporary icon Valter Hugo Mãe.

As for Brazilian literature, some must-read authors are the modernist poet Carlos Drummond de Andrade, novelist and journalist Paulo Coelho, and the renowned Jorge Amado.

These authors can be challenging and are better suited for advanced readers, but they're definitely worth keeping on your list!

You can also easily find various platforms that offer Portuguese books for both dialects, including free e-books you can download in seconds.

9. Have Language Exchanges with Native Portuguese Speakers

When you're ready to start having simple conversations, it's time to find a language exchange partner!

Language exchange partners are different from teachers—and they're free.

You connect with someone who is learning a language that you speak fluently. You help them learn your language, and in return, they help you learn and practice Portuguese.

It's a win-win situation for both people!

Two of the most well-known apps for finding language exchange partners are HelloTalk and Tandem.

More Portuguese Learning Resources

Lingflix

This language immersion program immerses you in the Brazilian Portuguese language through authentic videos made by and for native speakers. As you watch, you'll not only hear native pronunciation and slang but also learn about Brazilian culture through native media. Lingflix takes real-world videos—like music videos, movie trailers, news, and inspiring talks—and transforms them into personalized language lessons. You can try Lingflix for free for 2 weeks. Click here to check out the website or download the iOS app or Android app.

ielanguages.com

Looking for a good, basic introduction to both variations of Portuguese? Give this one a try.

This free website focuses on general rules and vocabulary that apply to both variations of the language. It also includes special notes where the two differ, making it useful regardless of which type of Portuguese you're studying.

Here you can learn all the basics, including the alphabet, pronunciation rules, and simple vocabulary and grammar.

Learn Portuguese Now

Learn Portuguese Now offers many free resources to help beginning students get a feel for Brazilian Portuguese.

One great feature is its list of common words. Each list comes with a variety of related activities, like matching games, flashcard sets, tests, and more. You'll also find example sentences to show the vocabulary in context. There's even audio to help you learn the correct pronunciation.

With other excellent features like free audiobooks, common phrases, beginner-level lessons, grammar lessons, idioms, cooking lessons, and more, you'll never run out of beginner-friendly learning materials!

“Practice Makes Perfect: Basic Portuguese”

There's something to be said for a good old-fashioned workbook. In a workbook, the material is neatly organized into manageable sections, so you never have to wonder what to study next.

For workbook enthusiasts, “Practice Makes Perfect: Basic Portuguese” is a great starting point for studying Portuguese. While the book primarily focuses on European Portuguese, it also notes many Brazilian variations.

The book is divided into bite-sized lessons that introduce basic grammar rules and vocabulary. There are plenty of examples to show the newly learned material in action. Each lesson concludes with several exercises to help you use what you've just learned.

The book provides a wealth of vocabulary and grammar that will take you to a much higher level of proficiency, but be aware that it only covers the present tense. You might want to pair it with another resource so your conjugation skills can keep up with the rest of your language abilities.

Is Portuguese Hard to Learn?

The difficulty of learning Portuguese varies from person to person. It depends on factors like how much time you can dedicate and what resources you have available to support your learning.

If you already know a Romance language, you have a head start—especially if you know Spanish, since the two languages are very similar!

Fortunately, there are thousands of online resources for learning Portuguese, and many of them are free. Premium resources often lead to faster progress, but it's definitely possible to learn Portuguese without spending any money.

Do you feel more prepared to learn Portuguese now?

I suggest you follow these steps one by one and create your own personalized Portuguese learning schedule that combines apps, speaking practice, and comprehension exercises in a balanced way.

This approach will help you get the most out of your Portuguese learning experience and enable you to start making connections sooner!